Right-of-Way Acquisition Agent or Senior - R20369

Overview

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Sarasota County is hiring a Right-of-Way Acquisition Agent or Senior Right-of-Way Acquisition Agent to support impactful infrastructure projects that shape our community. In this role, you’ll manage real property acquisition and disposition for a wide range of County projects (including roads, utilities, drainage, conservation, and recreation), working through the full project lifecycle. You’ll collaborate with internal teams, property owners, and external partners while handling negotiations, research, documentation, and project coordination.

We’re looking for a proactive, detail-oriented professional with a strong understanding of real estate principles, land acquisition processes, and property rights, along with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. This position offers a mix of office and field work, competitive placement based on experience, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a premier community. Apply today and help keep Sarasota County a place where people choose to live, work, and play.

Right-of-Way Acquisition Agent:

• Investigate, negotiate, and secure property rights for County projects through purchase, donation, or other approved methods, working in compliance with County policies and applicable laws.
• Prepare, review, and process real estate and right-of-way documents, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper recording in public records.
• Draft clear, professional correspondence and legal documents related to property acquisition and disposition, including agreements, deeds, easements, and notices.
• Conduct thorough due diligence by reviewing plans, surveys, appraisals, title reports, and public records to confirm ownership, boundaries, and potential restrictions.
• Identify issues or conflicts affecting property rights and bring forward recommendations to support timely and effective resolutions.
• Maintain organized project files, track data and activities, and prepare accurate reports while documenting all communications with property owners and representatives.
• Serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for property owners, internal teams, and external stakeholders, clearly explaining project plans, requirements, and timelines.
• Support County property inventory efforts while demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, flexibility, and strong problem-solving skills.

Senior Right-of-Way Acquisition Agent:

• Lead and supervise lower-level staff while managing complex, high-cost, and sensitive real property acquisitions with minimal supervision.
• Oversee and coordinate advanced legal strategies with the County Attorney’s Office, including eminent domain/condemnation actions, settlements, and closings.
• Draft and review highly complex real estate and development-related documents, including developer agreements and advanced acquisition and disposition instruments.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on complex ownership, title, boundary, and land-use issues, providing guidance on risk, conflicts, and remediation strategies.
• Act as a senior liaison and trusted advisor to County leadership, project managers, and external stakeholders on challenging acquisitions and negotiations.
• Research, analyze, and present recommendations on County-owned and prospective properties, including acquisitions, leases, and dispositions.
• Develop, plan, and implement policies and procedures related to the acquisition, management, and disposition of County-owned real estate.
• Prepare and present reports and recommendations to executive leadership, the Board of County Commissioners, and the public.

Please note that this job posting provides a general overview of the role and may be adjusted to reflect specific organizational needs or project requirements.

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
• Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.
  
  - 5:00 p.m.
• Work schedules may vary due to split shifts, rotations, on-call, emergencies, etc.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work…