Right of Way Agent

About the role

This position is responsible for assisting other agents with property appraisals and negotiation for highway project property valuations and acquisitions. This includes researching property information, conducting site inspections, conducting simple waiver valuations, and related duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist with property appraisals and negotiation for highway project property valuations and acquisitions.
• Research property information.
• Conduct site inspections.
• Conduct simple waiver valuations.

Requirements

• Right of Way Agent I ($25.32)
• Right of Way Agent II ($29.73)
• Right of Way Agent III ($33.89)
• Right of Way Agent IV ($38.84)

Qualifications

• Highschool Diploma equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making.
• One (1) year equivalent work requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making.
• Six (6) months of ROW Agent Level I (one) experience.
• One (1) year six (6) months of Right of Way Agent Level II (two) experience or equivalent with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.
• Two (2) years of Right of Way Agent Level III (three) experience with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.

Skills

• Knowledge of real estate appraisal processes; principles of negotiation and conflict management; and laws and rules pertaining to acquisition of land for public purposes.
• Knowledge of mapping/platting methods and procedures.
• Skills in reading and interpreting technical maps, plans, and legal documents.
• Skills in explaining and negotiating technical and sometimes contentious issues with the public.
• Ability to develop effective techniques and procedures to achieve goals and objectives.
• To provide technical assistance to team members to ensure effective operations and project activities.
• To identify root causes of problems and develop alternative solutions.
• To confidently challenge the status quo by experimenting with new ideas.
• To communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• To work effectively in a high stress and multi-task environment.

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families.
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation).
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer.

Pay

The salary range for this position is from $25.32 to $38.84 per hour, including the $1.00 increase passed by the 2025 MT State Legislature regarding the state pay plan effective July 1, 2026.

Schedule

Full-time position.