Become a Senior Right of Way Agent

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

This series describes work concerned with transportation related property acquisition and clearance programs. The work requires coordination with all levels of government and a thorough knowledge of real estate and land title law, appraisal methods and theories, condemnation and landlord-tenant law and the social, environmental and economic impact of transportation facilities on communities. Agents at all levels must have an understanding of engineering concepts and their effect on transportation planning; they must have the ability to successfully communicate with both property owners for acquisition of rights of way and purchasers of State-owned real and personal property.

The scope of activities involved in the Right of Way Program includes: planning and management, training, budgeting, certification and monitoring activities; development and preparation of route estimates; market value appraisal activities; real estate acquisition, including negotiation, condemnation, utility and railroad relocation, coordination with public and private utility owners, transactions with other governmental agencies; relocation assistance to displaced families and businesses; rental and maintenance of acquired properties prior to clearance for construction of the transportation facility; disposal of excess lands through negotiated and public sales; identification and promotion for development of air space and nonoperating right of way; arrangements for the construction of replacement housing when suitable housing is unavailable; review of independent appraisal reports; and serving as an expert witness in condemnation proceedings.

When assigned the responsibility of administering the District's Utility Section, plans and initiates utility facility relocation with public and private utility owners to accommodate proposed highway construction; coordinates development of utility relocation plans between the Design Department and the utility companies. (Does not approve or disapprove railroad or utility companies' engineering plans and specifications for safety and physical adequacy and their impact on proposed or existing transportation facilities; this is done by engineers in Design and/or other district programs.) Secures approval of the Federal Highway Administration, issues official notices for removal and/or relocation of utility facilities; researches public records and prepares Reports of Investigation supporting recommendation of cost liability for utility relocation; prepares and negotiates agreements for reimbursement of utility company costs for State-obligated relocations; prepares Joint and Common Use Agreements to provide for mutual occupancy of highway right of way; makes utility relocation cost estimates for project report, Planning Program and Right of Way budgeting purposes; acts as principal contact for the State with respect to project detail matters; and acquires fee and easement parcels owned by utility companies when required for highway right of way. Decisions made establish the amount of payment to be made for property or property rights.

Senior Right of Way Agent

This is the first supervisory level in the Right of Way Agent series. In a district under general direction, directs and is responsible for the successful completion of a major phase or phases of Right of Way program activities. As principal assistant to the supervising level, assigns, supervises, reviews and approves the work of subordinates; consults with and advises district management and may act as their direct representative in major program areas at either private or public meetings. In the smallest districts, may act as Deputy District Director, Right of Way. Responsibility includes programs and budgets, staff development and training, and Right of Way EDP systems development.

In the Division of Right of Way, administers statewide standards of a major phase of Right of Way activities. Some of the Senior Right of Way positions in the Division of Right of Way supervise lower-level Right of Way Agents. Responsibility may include programs and budgets, professional practices, staff development and training and Right of Way EDP systems development. These positions may also advise and consult with district Right of Way Program staff, including review and approval of work from assigned districts. A number of Senior Right of Way Agent positions act as primary staff specialists in the development and implementation of statewide policy, standards, procedures, training programs, legislation and intergovernmental agency liaison in assigned program areas.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$8,425 - $10,469 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Either I
Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Associate Right of Way Agent.

Or II

Experience:
Four years of experience in the acquisition of rights of way for governmental or public utility use where consideration must be given to socioeconomic and environmental factors, coordinated planning for the relocation of utilities, displaced persons and businesses and the development of replacement housing units and including two years of experience in the independent appraisal and negotiation for acquisition of major and complex real properties involving large sums, condemnation, damages, restriction of access, and similar complicating factors. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least two years performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility not less than Associate Right of Way Agent.) (and)

Education:
Equivalent to graduation from college. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge: 
Analytical methods and information sources which will be used to perform tasks such as appraisal report formulation and preparation; basic arithmetic; basic algebra; and basic geometry. The development of replacement housing; organization and procedures of the Department of Transportation and transportation facilities construction and maintenance as related to rights of way; land development and investment practices; Federal Highway Administration policies and procedures relative to right of way activities; laws, policies and procedures involving the concepts of transportation facilities and their impact on the community and the environment. Property values and the effect of economic trends upon value and price and on the cost of construction of the improvements with particular reference to metropolitan areas; principles of public administration, including personnel management, budgeting, and supervision; goals, objectives, policies, organization and procedures of the Department of Transportation as related to right of way in transportation facility construction and maintenance; the social and economic impact of public improvements; the Department's safety, health, affirmative action and labor relations program objectives; a supervisor's role in safety, health, affirmative action and labor relations and the processes available to meet these program objectives.

Ability to: 
Speak and write English clearly and effectively; read and understand English including engineering terminology and the quasi-legal terminology found, for example, in statutes relating to the California Department of Transportation and in the laws, policies, rules and regulations relating to the appraisal and acquisition of property for public purposes; common methods of describing real property; State and Federal relocation assistance requirements; assemble and analyze data and be able to understand, for example, the factors involved in appraising property and the principles underlying the appraisal process; the effect on property values of deed and tract restrictions, zoning ordinances, setbacks, tax and improvement assessments, easements, and encroachments; make accurate mathematical computations and calculations; reason quickly, logically, and creatively in unique and stressful situations; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with individuals contacted in the course of their work, an example of which is the ability to conduct successful right of way negotiations with the public and with representatives of other governmental organizations; follow directions; and organize workload. Lead and direct the work of others; make accurate real property appraisals, including the appraisal of complex parcels involving severance damages and benefits; manage, operate, maintain and coordinate clearance of rental properties acquired by the State; effectively coordinate and apply community and environmental concepts and guidelines to the Right of Way Program; conduct private and public sales, conduct complex negotiations, confer with attorneys; develop and prepare capital and support budgets; monitor project scheduling; coordinate right of way certification; prepare route estimates; develop and implement EDP systems; coordinate staff training and development activities; analyze complex situations accurately and adopt or recommend an effective course of action. Plan, organize, direct and make decisions involving the work of a right of way staff; effectively contribute to the Department's safety, health, affirmative action and labor relations program objectives.

Special Personal Characteristics
Require an interest in and aptitude for real property negotiations and appraisal work, sales ability and the ability to make effective oral presentations before the public, willingness to work at odd hours, and to travel throughout the State.
 
Status Exam # Cutoff Date
Open 3460 Until filled View Exam Posting

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