Property and Acquisition Specialist

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world s longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

WSDOT is currently seeking a skilled Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 to support the Southwest Region by acquiring property and providing relocation assistance necessary for the successful delivery of highway construction and fish passage barrier removal projects. In this role, you will secure property rights through negotiation and eminent domain in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, ensuring federal requirements are met and funding eligibility is preserved.

The selected candidate will also perform highly technical relocation assistance activities to keep projects on schedule and certified for advertisement. This position plays a vital role in advancing WSDOT’s mission and contributes to agency goals in workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and long-term resilience.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 will:

• Conduct property acquisitions through negotiation and eminent domain in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Meet with property owners to present offers, negotiate terms, and secure required agreements, including occasional travel outside normal business hours.
• Plan and prioritize acquisition activities to secure property rights needed for highway construction and fish barrier removal projects.
• Prepare legal descriptions, clear encumbrances, and produce required acquisition documentation such as deeds, vouchers, and closing instructions.
• Maintain accurate project and acquisition records by entering data into the approved real estate services system.
• Perform relocation assistance functions by interviewing displace es, analyzing eligibility, completing studies, and preparing relocation payment packages.
• Support legal processes by assisting the Attorney General’s Office with documentation, mediations, appeals, and expert testimony related to relocation.
• Provide relocation advisory services and technical guidance to the public, consultant firms, and internal WSDOT departments.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Real Estate and Legal Acumen:
  Demonstrated knowledge of property acquisition methods, including negotiation under eminent domain, and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations (e.g., Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act).
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain legal and regulatory frameworks governing real estate transactions and relocation assistance.
• Skill in preparing and reviewing legal documents related to property acquisition (e.g., deeds, easements, legal descriptions, title and escrow documents).
• Understanding of title encumbrances, boundary issues, and property rights to resolve complex acquisition cases.

• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution:
  Proven ability to lead negotiations with a wide range of stakeholders, including individual property owners, legal representatives, corporations, and public agencies.
• Ability to communicate and present acquisition offers effectively and professionally in sensitive or adversarial settings.
• Experience resolving conflicts and disputes, including participating in mediations and preparing documentation for litigation or hearings.
• Ability to advocate for agency positions while maintaining professional, ethical, and respectful relationships with displaced individuals or impacted property owners.

• Planning, Analysis, and Decision-Making:
  Strong analytical skills to conduct feasibility…