Right of Way Agent II

Full-time, regular position with a work schedule of Monday – Friday, 8 am–5 pm. An alternate schedule may be available. Hybrid work location: in-person at 1120 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204. Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington.

Represented by Professional Technical Employees (PROTEC17). View current labor agreements.

About the Role

The City of Portland is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Right of Way Agent II to join the Right of Way Acquisition Section within PBOT’s Real Property Services Division. This position supports PBOT’s real estate and property management functions by conducting right of way negotiations, performing property and title research, preparing documentation, and coordinating with community members, internal partners, and external agencies.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical abilities, clear communication skills, and experience working with real property transactions or right of way processes. In this role, you will join a team of right-of-way professionals supporting capital project delivery across transportation and environmental services. Your work will focus on right-of-way acquisition activities that advance complex public infrastructure projects, including:

• Acquiring temporary and permanent property rights through eminent domain
• Securing rights of entry
• Conducting non-complex property valuations to determine fair market value
• Analyzing title reports
• Maintaining real estate records
• Completing other real-estate transactions essential to project success

You will collaborate with a wide range of internal and external partners—including project managers, planners, designers, engineers, landowners, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Support capital project delivery teams for transportation and environmental services projects
• Utilize knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to Eminent Domain and the public acquisition of property rights
• Assemble and maintain right-of-way project files, prepare offer benefit packets, and ensure timely cleaning and closing of project files
• Work directly with property owners and the public to acquire private property rights associated with the City’s local and federally funded infrastructure projects
• Perform non-complex property valuations to determine the fair market value of needed property rights
• Review and analyze title reports, maintain real estate records, and perform other real-estate transactions
• Perform property research by accessing land records using GIS systems, conducting title searches, and reviewing government databases

Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications are required:

• Experience utilizing strong customer service skills and the ability to implement effective conflict resolution techniques
• Experience and ability to handle several projects at once while meeting assigned deadlines
• Knowledge of public records researching tools to locate deeds, easements, maps, plats, and GIS systems
• Experience reading and interpreting maps, engineering drawings, title reports, appraisals, surveys, legal descriptions, and reports relating to real property
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to basic principles of right of way acquisition, real property law, contract law, real property appraisal, and negotiations
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• An Oregon Notary Public Commission at the time of hire (more information)
• Must place any active real estate appraisers or brokers licenses on inactive status before the first day to avoid conflict of interest

Although not required, the following may strengthen your application:

• Strong negotiating skills
• Direct experience or transferable experience in the acquisition or disposition of property rights

Skills

• Balanced: Skilled at managing multiple tasks and navigating various situations in a fast-paced environment
• Communicator: Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to convey complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Detailed: Strong organizer and planner who thrives on accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail
• Empathetic Negotiator: Skilled in negotiation with the ability to empathize with impacted communities and de-escalate difficult situations
• Problem Solver: Able to develop creative solutions to support program and policy objectives
• Relationship Builder: Values partnerships and forms strong working relationships to achieve results
• Reliable: Capable of meeting strict deadlines and managing a dynamic workload
• Team Oriented: Enjoys contributing to team success through collaboration

About the Bureau

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is a community partner in shaping a livable city. PBOT plans, builds, manages, and maintains an effective and safe transportation system that provides people and businesses with access and mobility. Learn more about PBOT.

Benefits

Please check the benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

Pay

The City of Portland is covered by the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid, regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer reflects all relevant experience.