Right of Way Specialist​/Highway Dept

Job Overview

The purpose of this position is to perform negotiations for the acquisition of right‑of‑way and easements on St. Charles County Highway projects. The role requires making decisions in the absence of clear policies, handling confidential information, and developing reasonable solutions for complex problems. All work is performed under the direct supervision of the County Engineer.

• Negotiate right‑of‑way, permanent easements and construction access on county projects.
• Review and prepare blanket appraisals and establish land values for negotiations with property owners.
• Respond to routine and non‑routine customer concerns and complaints regarding county highway projects and their impact on property value.
• Maintain files for individual parcels on county highway projects.
• Prepare legal documents for the acquisition of property and easements, including legal descriptions, deeds, and escrow agreements for property owner signatures; work with design engineers for changes to exhibits and legal descriptions.
• Research right‑of‑way projects by obtaining and reviewing legal property descriptions, plats, survey information, deeds, maps, and other records to determine property ownership.
• Meet with property owners, present offers of compensation, and schedule follow‑up meetings until compensation is accepted.
• Perform calculations and complete Pro‑Rata Tax Claim forms as required.
• Prepare negotiators’ logs for each parcel acquired and compile project status reports.
• Assist the County Counselors' office with vacation of road right‑of‑way.
• Maintain records on and research county right‑of‑way and easements from existing county records.
• Coordinate with other municipalities for deed research, land ownership records, etc.
• Assist with issuing special use permits and collecting fees for construction permits within county right‑of‑way.
• Act as a public liaison for the department.