TRANSPORTATION RIGHT OF WAY AGENT SPECIALIST 54072

07/01/92 B

This is the second class in the Transportation Right of Way Agent series for positions responsible for appraising property, negotiating its acquisition, relocating displacees, and engaging in property management activities to include assessment of hazardous materials for the purpose of highway construction and maintenance. Positions in this class perform specialized duties in one or more of the major Right of Way program areas such as appraisal, negotiation, relocation, and/or property management. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Right of Way Agent class by the latter's responsibility to rotate through all Right of Way specialty areas, performing assignments which are designed to familiarize employees with program terminology, documents, practices and principles. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Right of Way Agent class its responsibility for performing specialized duties in one of the major Right of Way program areas. This class is distinguished from the Transportation Right of Way Agent Specialist Senior by the latter's primary responsibility to lead, guide, review, and approve the work of lower-level agents and/or consultants on an ongoing basis.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty involving specialization in one or more right of way program areas and are expected to independently perform duties in the areas of specialization. Typical areas of assignment include:

Appraisal: Prepares formal appraisals on all types of real property to include income-producing properties; uses the market, cost and income methods for estimating value to include preparing right of way cost estimates; estimates damages which may occur to property; serves as an expert witness in condemnation proceedings, and testifies in court as to value and other related matters.

Negotiation: Contacts property owners for purposes of acquiring right of way for proposed highway construction/maintenance projects; negotiates with property owners to include residential, agricultural and commercial properties; explains highway construction plans, their impact on the property, how the value was determined and the eminent domain procedures; makes field inspections; makes initial site assessment for the identification of hazardous material problems; recommends plan revisions; searches court records to ascertain correct legal description of property and ownership; interviews court officials and others familiar with property to verify ownership; and serves as an expert witness in condemnation proceedings to explain highway plans concerning right of way acquisition.

Relocation: Independently resolves problems involving all assigned relocations; determines relocation needs of persons, families, businesses, farms and non-profit organizations being displaced using information obtained in personal contacts and interviews, inspections and investigations; computes and finalizes moving costs and replacement housing payments; prepares last resort housing plans; prepares relocation studies/estimates to include Stage I Relocation reports which reveal data on those occupants affected by the project and availability of comparable replacement housing; establishes retention values for buildings and performance bonds; conducts sale of buildings and other improvements; and prepares lease agreements and sales contracts to include the preparation of deeds of conveyance.

Title Examination: Researches property records by completing full 60 year title examinations on property being acquired for right of way; ensures all interest in the property with the correct legal description, was conveyed each time the property was bought and sold; examines all applicable real estate tax records, judgment records and financing statements to ensure that property is free from encumbrances or liens; and prepares a report based on title examination findings which is used by the Assistant Attorney General to render a legal opinion as to the feasibility of acquiring specific property. Coordinates deed closings with property owners, attorneys, financial institutions and other involved parties; explains deed of conveyance to property owners; obtains releases on deeds of trust and other necessary documents. Represents the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Assistant Attorney General at closings; witnesses the necessary signatures; and disburses monies. May also review construction plans to assure that plans correspond with property lines and locations as indicated in property titles.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor. Positions may provide technical guidance to lower level agents.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from a Transportation Right of Way Agent Specialist Senior or other administrative manager.

Scope: Positions in this class are responsible for completing assigned cases to specific phases or portions of right of way projects within a given district. The work facilitates the accuracy and reliability of other processes and services.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance results in timely completion of phases or portions or right of way projects, cost containment and facilitates the safety and well-being of clients and the public. Errors could result in costly project development delays and in the improper acquisition or disposal of real property.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with all levels of individuals are made to obtain technical information, to provide information on projects and to testify as an expert witness.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of real estate methods and procedures such as appraisal techniques, negotiation methods, conflict resolution, and relocation methods; federal, state and agency laws, rules and regulations concerning real property transfers including the release and transfer of leases, mortgages and other encumbrances; real estate law to include sales, title examination procedures and relocation procedures.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; research, collect and document data in report form; analyze data and arrive at legally supportable conclusions; analyze statistical information and make accurate mathematical computations; retrieve, store, and manipulate information stored in automated systems; read and interpret cartographic maps and survey information; interpret federal, state and agency laws, rules and regulations; prepare complex appraisals by independently determining the best appraisal method; and independently work through difficult situations with property owners and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in real estate, real estate law, business or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Progressively responsible experience in one of the major right of way program areas such as real estate appraisal, negotiation, relocation or property management.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class, formerly titled Transportation Land Acquisition Specialist, was revised as a result of a Virginia Department of Transportation study, effective July 1992.