Right of Way Agent

Negotiates agreements to acquire property rights; performs business and residential relocation per the Uniform Act, as well as support for condemnation hearings, title research and consultants.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides right of way support by establishing accuracy of present title status of subject properties; acquires right-of-way needs (fee title, permanent easements, and temporary easements) for city projects
• Investigates and researches title data via county courthouse records, city documents, field interviews with abstractors, attorneys, and property managers
• Estimates the market value of properties
• Serves as a liaison between property owners and institutions, housing, and welfare agencies, interpreting and explaining acquisition, relocation, negotiations, closing and property management
• Facilitates all the phases of right of way acquisition projects including defining, measuring, analyzing, improving and controlling (DMAIC) information to completion
• Determines eligibility, moving cost options, and amount of payments in conformance with state and federal laws
• Prepares, revises, and modifies contracts for purchase of real estate, personal property and/or property rights in per project plans
• Documents all phases of right of way acquisitions
• Prepares and negotiates agreements to secure property rights and interests, along with documents for City approval (City Council resolutions, background information, public hearing notices and presentations, etc)
• Monitors progress of relocation/adjustment projects to ensure compliance with the negotiated agreements in a timely manner
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with city policies, procedures and safety practices
• Performs related work as required

Required Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree Business, Planning, or related field and 3 to 5 years of full-time experience in real estate appraisals, property law, acquisitions/negotiations, or management and/or relocation assistance;

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience (i.e., one year of relevant experience may substitute one year of education)
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population

• Valid. U.S. Driver’s License
• Iowa Notary Public or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire
• International Right of Way Association (RWA Certification) or equivalent

• International Right of Way Association (RWA Professional) or Senior Right of Way designation
• Completion of International Right of Way Association course or web-based training FHWA-NHI-141045 Real Estate Acquisition under the Uniform Act or equivalent course related to Right of Way and Eminent Domain

Position Schedule
Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities
We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

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• Expansive Wellness Program and low cost onsite exercise facilities
• Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa
• 100% city paid basic life insurance
• Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• IPERS Retirement - Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee/ 9.44% City (IPERS)
• Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs
• Generous paid time off AND 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off
• Annual salary increases, AND an annual across-the-board increase (determined by available budget)
• Longevity Pay for years of service
• Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year
• A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer.