Sr Right-of-Way Agent

Career Opportunity:

The city of Las Vegas invites applicants for Sr. Right-of-Way Agent.  This position performs complex professional technical activities associated with the acquisition of rights-of-way and easements for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), development related projects and other major city projects. Performs all aspects of right-of-way acquisition projects including managing acquisition and appraisal consultants, as well as reviewing the work of junior right-of-way staff. Manages escrow for the purchase of property and prepares agreements and legal documentation necessary to process real property acquisitions.

The purpose of this recruitment is to establish an eligible list for current and/ or future openings which may include part-time or full-time positions.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the advanced journey level class in the Right-of-Way professional series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Right-of-Way Agent by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned and the level of independence expected. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including acquisition, negotiations and coordinating the work of lower level staff. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Supervision Received or Exercised

Acts as a lead worker, exercising functional or technical supervision, providing guidance, ensuring work is completed according to proper procedure, monitoring work progress, and reviewing results.  Lead agent for large projects overseeing work of the right-of-way consultants and junior right-of-way staff.


Essential Functions:

1. Oversees, directs and reviews the work of junior right-of-way staff; verifies the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods and techniques.
2. Leads, plans, trains and reviews the work of junior right-of-way staff and consultants to ensure compliance with applicable laws, statutes, codes and federal regulations.
3. Oversees and participates in the review and approval of a variety of contracts, agreements, memorandums of understanding, and related documents and contracts to ensure compliance with applicable city, county, and state laws, statutes, codes, and federal regulations.
4. Coordinates projects with other city departments and outside agencies; acts as the point of contact to ensure efficient negotiations and approval of documentation.
5. Analyzes, communicates and negotiates with utility companies with regard to prior rights for public projects.
6. Plans, organizes and coordinates completion of right-of-way acquisitions on Capital Improvement Projects to meet stringent construction bid dates. Attends various meetings throughout the duration of a project.
7. Negotiates and interacts with property owners, attorneys, consultants, public agencies, utility companies, and engineers involving the acquisition and dedication of rights-of-way and easements; responds to inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
8. Reviews agenda items and resolutions of real property prepared by junior right-of-way staff for acceptance by City Council.
9. Obtains and processes escrows, easements and related documents. Records grant deeds, easements and other legal documents with the County Recorder.
10. Reviews and approves preliminary title reports and title insurance policies for real property being purchased.
11. Reviews appraisals for acquisitions of real property.
12. Researches assessor's and district maps, land titles, government patent reservations and other records to provide right-of-way, city limits and other relevant information.
13. Coordinates with city engineers to resolve issues related to right-of-way.
14. Prepares legal documentation forms necessary to process right-of-way acquisitions.
15. Recommends initiation of condemnation when necessary to acquire real property; assists and provides information to city attorney's office in condemnation proceedings.
16. Prepares a variety of written reports and correspondence; participates in meetings with engineers, consultants, other agencies, and property owners related to right-of-way projects and issues.
17. Oversees and manages the work of Right-of-Way Consultants hired by the city on acquisitions and relocations for Capital Improvement Projects.
18. Monitors the work of support staff involved on a contract basis.
19. Maintains a variety of automated and manual logs, records and files; performs a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work.

Marginal Functions:

1. Performs relocation assistance functions as outlined in the "Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Policies Act of 1970", as amended.
2. Prepares value determinations for acquisitions in conformance with federal standards.
3. Operates and secures assigned vehicle and other assigned equipment; determines whether vehicle is in good working order; maintains vehicle in clean and fueled condition.
4. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience:
 
Four years of increasingly responsible right-of-way or real estate sales or appraisal experience.
 
Training:
 
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major in business, public administration or a field related to the essential functions.

May substitute combination of equivalent education and related experience. The city assesses 1.5 years of fulltime experience as equivalent to one year of education.

License or Certificate
 
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license on the date of application, and maintenance thereafter. 
 
Senior Right of Way Agent Designation certification desired.Knowledge of:
 
Principles of right-of-way acquisition.
Principles of property law, land use, and the law of contracts.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Policies Act of 1970", as amended.
Legal conveyance documentation.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Principles and practices of engineering for design and construction of right-of-way and street improvements.
Principles and practices of real estate law, real estate tax law, real property appraisal techniques and real property transactions.
Principles and techniques of title search, real estate appraisal and claims settlement.
Principles and techniques of lead supervision and training.

Skills in:
 
Reading, interpreting and understanding technical engineering drawings, maps, legal descriptions and other documents of public record.
Searching property records and property liens.
Understanding real estate appraisal reports.
Understanding title reports.
Gathering, organizing and analyzing property data. 
Communicating tactfully with the public.
Understanding and following oral and written instructions.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Meeting critical deadlines.
Provide recommendations to higher-level supervisory staff and management.

Competencies:
 
Core Workforce Competencies
 
Professionalism – Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.
 
Effective Communication – Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.
 
Customer Focus – Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.
 
Adaptability – Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.
 
Problem Solving – Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.
 
Productive Partnerships – Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.
 
Technical and Safety Expertise – Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.

Salary : $38