JOB DESCRIPTION

Office Location: Bismarck, ND
Apex Engineering Group has an opening for a Right of Way Specialist with 5 or more years of right of way and easement negotiation and acquisition experience. This position is located in Bismarck, North Dakota. Primary responsibilities would include assisting Apex’s core Civil Engineering services groups in providing right of way negotiations and acquisition services of real property on projects for current and future clients. This person must have the ability and desire to communicate effectively and directly with property owners and Apex clients. Local knowledge of ND and MN laws, regulations, policies and procedures for presenting project information and documents to prospective property owners where public agencies are willing to negotiate land and easement purchases or relocations for agency projects is necessary. The ideal candidate can also perform similar services and generate business with other entities such as private and public utility companies. This position will report to a supervisor/project manager or key transportation leader within the firm. This position is considered a strategic hire with the opportunity to manage a Right of Way team by expanding services to public and private clients.

Typical Tasks and Duties:

• Act as Right of Way agent, acquiring the necessary property interest on behalf of a public agency or private enterprise.
• Gathers information from the project team and property owners for projects which additional ROW is required.
• Review and understand property appraisal reports and consistencies related to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 and subsequent amendments.
• Conduct ownership and chain of title research for real property at county courthouses.
• Understands and follows the NDDOT and MnDOT Right of Way Manuals on relevant projects.
• Provided input and help develop scope of work and budgets for right of way tasks on specific projects.
• Manage time and budgets assigned to right of way services for specific projects.
• Attend preliminary planning and design meetings to provide acquisition feedback.
• Prepare and maintain project progress and property acquisition status reports.
• Study, evaluate and explain project plan and profile drawings and property plats or exhibits.
• Communicate frequently and effectively with clients, Apex senior management and project team members on a consistent basis by providing updates and progress during all phases of projects.
• Report to and work directly with Apex’s project managers and possibly senior management and principals.
• Attend company meetings, project meetings and client meetings on a regular basis.
• This position will require a limited role in preparing proposals and possibly participating in interviews for securing work for the firm.
• This position may lead to a more prominent role as a Client Manager which will include setting project budgets and contributing to company financial performance.
• Effective communication skills with the public will be required in settings such as public involvement meetings, informational meetings, agency management meetings, etc.
• This position will require the initiative to think independently and make rational judgment calls.
• Effectively deal with potentially difficult or confrontational situations with property owners.

• Understand and follow company employee handbook and mandated safety policies.

• Perform responsibilities of this job in a conscientious, legal and ethical manner with a strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Participate in professional organizations and community leadership programs.
• Travel and out of town stays will be required to perform the tasks and duties described for this position.
• Number of hours worked may exceed 40 hours per work week.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Qualification Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited U.S. college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
• Professional or technical experience in property acquisition negotiations or appraisals may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the bachelor’s degree.
• Ability to obtain Real Estate license in North Dakota and Minnesota within 3 months or less of starting the position.
• 5 years or more of land acquisition and negotiation experience preferred. Familiarity with NDDOT Right of Way and Easement Acquisition is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must be detail orientated, self-motivated with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficient using Microsoft Windows/Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• A valid driver’s license is required or the ability to obtain one.
  Physical Requirements:
  
• Ability to sit and operate a computer under normal ergonomic office conditions.
• Ability to communicate verbally with clarity.
• Required to occasionally work in an outdoors environment.
• Required to lift objects or containers weighing a minimum of 50-lbs.
• Must work scheduled hours in the office or onsite for projects.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements described here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EOE/AA