Senior Right-of-Way Agent

JOB CODE: 1310

PAY GRADE: 2220

SALARY RANGE: $43,169 - $73,452

LOCATION OF WORK
Department of Transportation & Drainage

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible supervisory work overseeing the Right-of-Way Office. Work involves planning, directing, and organizing the personnel and administrative functions regarding property negotiation and acquisition, assuring proper and legal acquisition of rights-of-way, easements and other interests of real property for City-Parish improvements. Work is performed both in an office setting and in the field, inspecting project sites and meeting with property owners, attorneys and appraisers. Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisor who reviews work for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to policies and procedures. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Plans, directs, and organizes the work of professional and clerical subordinates engaged in preparing rights-of-way deeds, right-of-way descriptions and reports. Oversees and assists in negotiations and acquisitions of real estate for highways, roads, bridges, sewer lines and other public works projects. Serves as an expert witness; confers with City-Parish attorneys during proceedings. Estimates rights-of-way costs; makes recommendations regarding purchase price and acquisition procedures. Drafts legal property descriptions, deeds, leases, mortgage releases and other agreements dealing with the conveyance or transfer of property from one party to another. Serves as liaison between the City-Parish and property owners, engineers and attorneys; notifies property owners of proposed projects. Reads publications and keeps abreast of current changes in state and local right-of-way regulations and real property law.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices in real property transactions, including knowledge of the legal instruments required to effect the transfer, sale and lease of real property. Knowledge of the laws, regulations, methods and practices pertaining to real estate acquisition and appraisal for public works purposes. Knowledge of the terminology, methods, practices and techniques of engineering drafting. Knowledge of planning and zoning laws. Knowledge of real property ownership and transfers. Knowledge of the basic principles of real estate. Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct a staff of professional and clerical employees engaged in property negotiation and acquisition. Ability to give testimony at hearings and trials. Ability to calculate complex cost estimates. Ability to research and examine titles to property. Ability to read and interpret engineering maps, records, condemnation plans and property descriptions. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, utilizing basic interpersonal and public relations skills in order to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees, property owners and the public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS