Right of Way Agent

Performs complex work in acquiring property rights, easements, and land acquisitions necessary for Town projects. Work includes all phases of acquisition including property ownership research, information and negotiation process, agreement development and execution, and related post-acquisition activities. Requires familiarity with real estate, local, state and federal regulations. Work is performed under the under general supervision of the Director of Engineering.

First review of applications will be on February 28, 2025.    The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

• Reviews plats, legal descriptions, deeds, construction plans, and exhibits for Town project engineers, attorneys, and engineering firms; ensures compliance with mapping standards required by N.C. General Statues for recorded maps.
• Researches property to be acquired, performs title searches, checks property ownership.
• Conducts research and inspections, and reviews plans in preparation for the acquisitions of easements for projects.
• Reviews appraisals for property and easement acquisitions and prepares estimates for compensation.
• Handles complex negotiations with property owners to acquire easements and fee simple property interests in right-of way for roadway projects, utility easements for roadway or utility projects, temporary construction easements, greenway easements, and stream restoration/stormwater easements.  

• Determines eligibility, moving cost options, and amount of payments in conformance with state and federal laws. 

• Create and review right-of-way claim reports.
• Prepares and records agreements to be recorded at the courthouse.
• Prepares data for condemnation proceedings and coordinates with Town Attorney.
• Coordinates with departments to ensure acquisitions and agreements comply with federal, state, and local regulations. This can include environmental regulations, zoning laws, and land use policies.
• Prepares schedules for property acquisitions.
• Assists in the development of total costs for future capital projects acquisitions and provides on-going analysis of projects costs versus actual costs for property.
• Gives support and guidance to others engaged in right-of-way acquisition or other real estate functions.
• Explains acquisition, relocation, and negotiation process to property owners and citizens, and responds to related complaints.
• Educates project engineers and staff about the procedures and requirements of the Uniform Act.

• Monitors progress of relocation/adjustment projects to ensure compliance with the negotiated agreements in a timely manner.   
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and understanding of property ownership, easements, title searches, zoning regulations, and relevant legal statutes related to land acquisition; knowledge of mapping software to analyze project areas, identify potential conflicts and visualize right-of-way needs; knowledge of appraisal methodologies to evaluate property values and support negotiations strategies; skilled in negotiating fair market value of property acquisition with landowners, addressing concerns, and reaching mutually agreeable terms; ability to interpret land records, property deeds, plats, and surveys to accurately determine property boundaries and ownership; ability to conduct on-site inspections to assess property conditions and potential impacts of project development; ability to maintain detailed records of property negotiations, legal documents, property descriptions, and project updates; ability to manage multiple right-of-way acquisition projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and coordinating with various stakeholders; ability to communicate technical ideas effectively, both orally and in wright; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials, other public officials and representatives, associates, consultants, and the general public; ability to prepare and present technical reports.

Associate’s degree in business planning, or related field and at least three years of experience in real estate appraisals, property law, acquisition/negotiations, or management and/or relocation assistance. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.
Active North Carolina Real Estate License.  
Certified North Carolina Notary Public or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
Prefer certification with International Right of Way Association (RWA) or equivalent.This position’s physical requirements involve sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: fingering, hearing, mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, visual acuity, and/or walking.

The work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather) and exposure to extreme heat (non-weather); work is generally in a very quiet location.

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff. 

Salary : $61,331 - $91,997