Senior Real Property Agent

Senior Real Property Agent

Under general direction performs progressively complex and varied work in the practice of Real Estate as it relates to the appraisal, acquisition, management, leasing, relocation assistance and disposal of real property for public use. Identifies utilities in conflict with proposed public projects and coordinates their timely relocation, including determination of prior rights and preparation of relocation agreements. Depending upon assignment, may administer the County service area and franchise administration functions. May serve as a lead to lower-level Real Property Agents. Senior Real Property Agent is the advanced journey/lead classification in the Real Property Agent series.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Negotiates terms of property acquisitions and lease agreements for public use.
• Prepares permits, licenses, deeds, agreements, leases, contracts, conveyances and other legal documents.
• Coordinates proposals and other legal aspects of transactions with County Counsel's Office.
• Conducts the more sensitive, complex and difficult negotiations with officials and representatives of other governmental agencies.
• Prepares and/or reviews narrative appraisals for purposes of acquisitions.
• Checks title to real property.
• Relates project proposals and goals to property owners or their representatives.
• Prepares Board letters and reports on current acquisitions and condemnations. May be required to present information before the Board of Supervisors.
• Maintains records on project assignments.
• Appraises property and property improvements in order to prepare cost estimates and for acquisitions.
• Provides escrow functions for completing the recording of deeds, clearing title and disbursing funds.
• Serves as a lead to lower-level Real Property Agents.
• Conducts investigations to determine the location of utility lines which may conflict with proposed construction.
• Coordinates with utility companies in relocating utility facilities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Senior Real Property Agent is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list. EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE Extensive experience in appraisal, acquisition, management, leasing, relocation assistance service and disposal of real property for a public entity. The required knowledge, skills and abilities can also be obtained by:

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, economics, public administration or a related field; AND
• One (1) year of experience performing duties equivalent to the classification of Real Property Agent II at the County of Ventura; AND
• Successful completion and passage of four (4) discipline exams in areas such as Appraisal, Asset Management, Negotiation/Acquisition, Relocation Assistance, Environmental, Law, Engineering, Uniform Act offered by the International Right of Way Association OR successful completion of the Capstone Comprehensive Exam.

Substitution: The Bachelor's degree may be substituted with year-for-year related work experience in appraisal, acquisition, property management, property leasing and relocation assistance service with a public agency, consulting firm or private company.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license;
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

DESIRED

• Member of the Appraisal Institute or possession of any designation recognized by the Appraisal Institute; and
• Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) designation issued by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES Thorough knowledge of: the principles and practices of real estate acquisitions, appraisal and property management for public entities; the laws, legal codes, governmental regulations applicable to real estate and eminent domain. Some knowledge of: the basic principles of civil engineering as they relate to the acquisition of right-of-way for public projects. Skill in: time management; complex problem solving; active listening; judgment and decision making; negotiating/reconciling differences; and effective written and verbal communication. Ability to: read and interpret plans, specifications and construction drawings as they relate to the acquisition of right-of-way for public projects or utility relocation; develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others; resolve conflicts; interact effectively with the public; and make decisions and solve problems.