What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Acquisition Agent position at City of Suffolk?
Under limited supervision, acquires through purchase, condemnation or dedication, land and easements for public improvements; and conduct related negotiations and research as required. Prepares agreements of sale, deeds, and other legal documents and correspondence necessary in the acquisition of real estate. Reports to the Real Estate Manager for Acquisitions.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
Requires certification through the International Right of Way Association as a Right of Way Agent, or must obtain within 18 months of employment
Requires Notary Public certification or must obtain within six (6) months of employment.
Requires a valid driver's license.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
- Negotiates with property owners for the acquisition of right of way and easements for public improvement projects (i.e., streets, sewer, water, parks, schools, etc.); secures agreements of sale, deeds, and easements from property owners.
- Prepares agreements of sale, deeds, and other legal documents and correspondence necessary in the acquisition of real estate.
- Provides detailed research on City related real estate transactions; analyze and summarize indices in the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court to determine ownership of property as well as to respond to inquiries and/or requests for acquisition.
- Works in a very fluid environment with guidelines but significant variation. Exercises a great degree of discretion in the performance of duties due to the highly confidential and sensitive nature of work.
- Accesses and reviews available sources such as property/construction plans, plats, databases, appraisals, and court records to collect and review data, and prepares the appropriate reports and legal documents.
- Reviews subdivision plats, plans, and private development deeds and other legal agreements for accuracy and compliance with City standards.
- Coordinates and interacts with staff, attorneys, other agencies, landowners, and/or the general public to communicate findings; negotiates real estate transactions, coordinates activities, and makes recommendations.
- Orders and reviews title searches, appraisals, and plats necessary for the acquisition of real estate.
- Prepares cost estimates and budgets related to the acquisition of right of way and easements.
- Estimates property values and/or related costs by reviewing data or inspecting property.
- Investigates and responds to discrepancies and inquiries or concerns.
- Reviews consultant work.
- Performs work of highly confidential and sensitive nature and exercises a great degree of discretion in the performance of duties.
- Performs related tasks as necessary such as maintaining files, reports, and attending meetings.
- Performs other related work as required.
Requires certification through the International Right of Way Association as a Right of Way Agent, or must obtain within 18 months of employment
Requires Notary Public certification or must obtain within six (6) months of employment.
Requires a valid driver's license.
- Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of real estate sales, appraisal and abstraction of titles.
- Knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances, state and federal laws and procedures involved in acquiring land by eminent domain.
- Knowledge of requirements relating to form, content and documentation necessary to render basic deeds, agreements of sale, and easement agreements, for valid real estate transactions.
- Knowledge of the basic techniques and methods used to appraise real property which include cost approach, income approach or market data approach to value and value finding, and modified or full narrative types of appraisals.
- Knowledge of the methods utilized in researching real estate records in various municipal offices, state and federal agencies and utility companies.
- Skill in preparing standard legal documents, deeds, agreements of sale, easement agreements, for real estate acquisition.
- Skill in interpreting complex engineering plans and plats.
- Skill in communication and negotiation with private citizens fully explaining the guidelines and procedures utilized in the acquisition process.
- Skill in coordinating and reviewing appraisal reports; includes negotiating appraisal contracts and reviewing reports for accuracy.
- Skill in developing the appropriate contacts in other agencies which are helpful in researching real estate related issues.
- Ability to read and understand real estate acquisition plats and road construction drawings, and be able to communicate this understanding to others.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with private citizens, individuals from various city departments and agencies, real estate attorneys and salespeople, consulting engineers and real estate appraisers.
- Ability to perform property research utilizing information available in the Clerk of Circuit Court's Office, Mapping and Surveys, and Planning Department, in order to determine ownership; existing easement; right-of-way widths; zoning; valuation and assessment of real property.
- Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
- Ability to speak/signal people to convey or exchange information.Includes receiving instructions, oral and written assignments and/or directions from superiors
- Ability to read work orders and requisition forms.Requires the ability to prepare work orders and time cards, using prescribed format.
- Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
- Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.Must be able to use and interpret auto mechanic terminology and language.
- Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide.
- Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
- Ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
- Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under deadlines and moderate levels of stress.
Salary : $61,292 - $78,393
