Right-Of-Way Specialist

General Description:

The purpose of this class within the organization is to assist with the City of Rock Hill’s Right-of-Way functions. This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires an Associate’s Degree or specialized courses/training equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years of college in engineering, surveying or related field. Requires one year of utility right-of-way or surveying experience or closely related experience. The equivalent combination of education and related work experience may be considered.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Valid Driver’s License

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Knowledge of all aspects of right-of-way, including acquisition, title, permitting, due diligence, public relations, recording of deeds, community outreach and solid understanding of general regulatory and legal issues. 
• Knowledge of contracts, legal agreements and valuation methods related to right of way.
• Knowledge of public works, land development and utility construction.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of engineering and environmental practices as they pertain to utility, roadway and stormwater maintenance.
• Knowledge of utility design methods and construction practices and the ability to communicate that information correctly to the general public.
• Knowledge of laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to land development, utilities and public works.
• Knowledge of the eminent domain process.
• Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and CMS editor software. 
• Strong interpersonal skills including communication, negotiation, presentation, conducting effective meetings, team facilitation or management with demonstrated diplomacy/tact.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to include public speaking skills, ability to develop effective proposals and prepare/maintain accurate records and reports in an organized manner.
• Ability to acquire right-of-way and easements on capital projects.
• Ability to effectively work under pressure, use independent judgment and produce a quality product within tight time constraints.
• Ability to work occasional nights and/or weekends.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules, operations and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines.
• Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers.  Personally demonstrates appropriate customer service skills.
• Work is performed onsite.  The incumbent must be present at work to perform the essential functions of this job.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Assists in implementation of all Right of Way and easement processes for City utility and capital improvement projects.
2. Meets with property owners for survey permission, right of way acquisition and settling damages.
3. Identifies land ownership from both client and public records.
4. Researches, reviews, and analyzes land titles; identifies defects and outlines curative measures.
5. Reviews engineering drawings and coordinates proposed right of way routes and effectively communicates alternate routes with minimal impact to cost.
6. Negotiates the acquisition of right-of-way and other property interests, as necessary to accommodate the construction, operation, and maintenance of City facilities.
7. Negotiates damage settlements for loss of crops and or use of property, resulting from right of way acquisition, construction, or operations and maintenance of City facilities per a surveyor’s cost estimate.
8. Assists in preparation of right of way related cost estimates associated with land/easement acquisitions and additional contract labor if required.
9. Reviews, prepares, analyzes, and interprets right of way related agreements, deeds, easements, exhibits, leases, permits, title reports and licenses. Ensures quality control and verifies for accuracy. 
10. Ensures acquisitions and disposals are shared with department/divisions for asset management purposes. 
11. Reviews and approves terms for easements, licenses, leases, permits, fee purchases, and approvals to provide for the location and installation of City utilities and roadway improvements. Ensures quality control and verifies for accuracy.
12. Inputs data for tracking purposes into asset management system. Keeps the system up to date in a timely manner and ensures quality control and verifies for accuracy.
13. Responds to internal and external customer requests relating to specific right-of-way or easement agreements.
14. Performs all other duties as may be assigned to meet organizational needs.

This Notice is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required to do the job. This is intended only to describe the general nature of the job. A more comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and essential job functions is available on the job description. The City of Rock Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, political affiliation, disability, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), or age.