Within the Real Property group, ROW Engineering is part of the Design, Engineering, and Construction Management Division, which supports the delivery of voter-approved capital projects. The primary functions of this role involve identifying property rights necessary for new capital projects and capital improvements to existing transit systems, and supporting the acquisition of those rights. Ideal candidates will have knowledge and experience with some combination of ROW, land development, surveying, Civil Engineering principles, construction and real estate. 

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general direction of Principal ROW Manager and Project specific Corridor Design Managers, applies advanced level principles and practices related to Right-of-Way (ROW).  Provides direction and oversight to Senior ROW Technical Project Specialists staff and Consultants in identification and determination of property rights, delivery of Civil Certification and appraisal deliverables, and other associated deliverables to secure necessary rights for construction, operation and maintenance of Sound Transit facilities. Performs advanced ROW duties such as standards development and process administration. May support assignments to multiple projects or division tasks as directed by the ROW Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Serves as the agency lead in ensuring necessary and appropriate property rights are obtained to support design, construction, operation, and maintainability of ST facilities, modes and systems.

• Oversees ROW related scope-of-work task requirements for Consultants based on design phases and construction delivery methods.

• Provides oversight and guidance to Consultants who are responsible for identification and determination of property rights, delivery of internal Civil Certification and the associated deliverables for appraisal, as well as review and verification of project deliverables such as plans, specifications, general and special conditions, project requirements, scope of work, estimates, schedules, and other documentation in conformance with the agency ROW manual and best practices.  Provides technical ROW support and oversight of development of technical property acquisition documents needed for private property owners, third parties, including state and local agencies, and utilities for the delivery of assigned projects during the design phase and construction phase, and construction close-out phase.

• Establishes ROW standards development and process administration.

• Oversees other ST departments and staff in implementation of ROW practices and other Agency policies and processes.

• Ensures quality practices and ROW processes are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively.

• Ensures ROW rights are identified and addressed including street vacations, property transfers, and agency rights within State and City Right-of-Ways.

• Oversees and provides guidance on the Right-of-Entry (ROE) process, including identifying ROE types, modifying forms and approving ROE forms.

• Facilitates the development of WSDOT Temporary Construction Airspace Lease and Airspace Lease exhibits, and supporting documents necessary for construction and operation of Sound Transit facilities. Supports preparation of the Real Property Acquisition Plan (RAP) in relation to ST, WSDOT, and other 3rd Party Agency ROW and interests.

• Represents ROW in negotiations with property owners, in mediations, and in trials; works with Construction Management and Outreach during construction to interpret property rights, interface with the private property owners, investigate property owner claims, and administer temporary construction easements. After construction, works with Agency Operations and Facilities to interpret property rights acquired from private properties, to develop property maintenance plans, and to negotiate access agreements with property owners.

• Demonstrates Sound Transit’s Values in every interaction.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering, and construction management, or closely related field surveying, land & property development and five years of experience in civil/architectural engineering design, construction, and/or land development experience that includes significant experience with developing and understanding project design plans, specifications, and property related documents such as deeds, easements, agreements, covenants and restrictions, plats, parcel maps, and legal descriptions; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:  

•Valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:  

• Valid Professional Civil Engineer License or Land Surveyor License issued by the State of Washington.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to work independently and demonstrate effective time management skills

• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.

• Ability to collaborate with others and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Advanced skill in reviewing and interpreting complex engineering plans, drawings, specifications, contract documents, property agreements and easements and engineering reports for conformance to professional standards and approved budgets.

• Advanced ability to develop, interpret and administer ROW policies and procedures.

• Demonstrating a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external clients.

• Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively and accurately convey complex technical information them.

• Applying project management techniques and principles and defining a detailed project scope as a means of achieving overall project objectives.

• Presentation development and public speaking skills.

• Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.

• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of Real estate principles and practices, property rights, outside agency real estate practices, outside agency engineering practices and standards; property acquisition under condemnation, State Laws (RCWs) related to property rights.

• Operations, services, and activities of engineering and construction programs.

• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering.

• Advanced knowledge of engineering consulting services and methods including cost estimates, plans, and specifications.

• Advanced understanding of surveys, legal descriptions, parcel and assessors maps, title reports, and deeds.

• Performing negotiations and partnering with local jurisdictions and agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups.

• Risk assessment and strategic planning.

• Advanced understanding of Federal, State, and local codes and regulations.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a standard office environment, in outside meetings, jurisdiction offices, and at construction jobsites.

• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, and extreme noise when conducting site visits and when working in the field.

• Must be able to safely navigate a construction site where surfaces are uneven, conditions are not yet to code, and alertness is required due to heavy equipment use in the vicinity.

• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)