Qualifications

About the Role

Actively participate as a multi‑faceted team member to accomplish project objectives (milestones), achieve project quality, assure cost effectiveness and meet advertisement schedules. Complete routine and complex assignments in the legal section of Right of Way.

How You Will Contribute

• Conduct Appraisal Reviews: recommend revisions or corrections and approve appraisals prepared by staff, fee or consultant appraisers for all types of real property to determine just compensation.
• Prepare appraisal reports on selected parcels and inspect affected property, evaluating supporting appraisal documentation.
• Perform Technical Reviews of certificates, plans, property descriptions (including centerline, metes and bounds, plats), utility clauses and condemnation authorizations, and appoint fee counsel to represent VDOT in litigation matters.
• Conduct reviews of negotiation reports to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Communicate orally and in writing to regional staff to make necessary corrections, additions, or deletions so that documents can be further processed.
• Provide technical assistance to the program manager in acquisition, legal, relocation, special negotiations, policy and audit; review legal documents, plans and descriptions with the assistant program manager; provide training and guidance to regional personnel and central office staff as needed.
• Provide technical support: guidance and advice to maximize production, accuracy and timeliness while ensuring all legal considerations are taken into account; support management; provide training, project orientation, and updates.
• Collaborate with engineering sections, minimizing negative impacts on private property and taking sensitive issues into consideration.

Success Factors

• Ability to analyze information and reach independent conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to coordinate preliminary engineering activities and develop estimates.
• Ability to negotiate and mediate to resolve conflicts.
• Ability to provide direction and technical assistance.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to conduct legal research.
• Ability to make independent decisions based on analysis of available information.
• Ability to provide direction and technical assistance to diverse customers.
• Ability to read plat sheets.
• Ability to work independently and complete routine work assignments with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of project management techniques and tools.
• Skill in interpersonal communication with competencies in persuasion and conflict management.
• Skill in the use of computers and web‑based applications.

Additional Considerations

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Land Acquisition, Real Estate, or a related field is desired.
• Experience in environments where attention to detail and analysis are highly valued.
• Experience where legal documents are routinely generated and reviewed.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws related to land acquisition.
• Knowledge of project development related to highway construction and improvements.
• Knowledge of real estate practices.

Compensation

VDOT utilizes a market‑based pay program approved by DHRM; advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.

Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOT’s Code of Ethics and the Commonwealth’s Standards of Conduct.