Right-of-Way Agent

Incumbent works under the direction of the County Engineer or designee, overseeing the Engineer's right-of-way acquisition phases, title research, appraisals, negotiations and purchase for the protection of the interests of Douglas County.

• Audit the Engineer’s 1 to 5 year plan to forecast and schedule the acquisition of property and easements.
• Conduct independent appraisal of identified land and easements to be acquired.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service Rules, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• Conduct complete search of legal and property records determining proper ownership.
• Assist and coordinate activities with the County Attorney's Office on condemnations and other adjudications.
• Negotiate with landowners for the purchase of property and easements.
• Prepare deeds, easements, right-of-way contracts and other documents necessary for  property acquisition.
• Provide recommendations to Engineer for contracting with external agents (e.g. abstracting, appraisal services, review of contracted work, maintaining standards).
• Confer with property owners and attempt to obtain dedications of land, complete legal documents for property transfer.
• Complete reports, studies and analysis.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable state statutes, trade practices, zoning changes, etc..
• Utilize County services(e.g. Assessor/Register of Deeds, Clerk, Treasurer).
• Answer questions regarding County acquisition plans and information on easements, special improvements, etc.
• Maintain job knowledge and skills (e.g. research, meetings, webinars, seminars, conference, continuing education).
• Report to work with regular, consistent attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned and directed.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.*
• Three (3) years of real estate experience required.
• One (1) year of road/highway construction and maintenance experience required.
• Valid driver's license upon hire and maintained throughout employment required.
• Notary Public or eligible to become a Notary Public in the State of Nebraska within six (6) months of hire required.
• Real Estate Broker license by State of Nebraska in good standing preferred.
• Real Estate Appraiser license by State of Nebraska in good standing preferred.
• Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check and conditional offer drug screen required.
• *Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is generally performed in an office setting. Noise level is usually moderate. Work hours are typically standard day-shift hours; however, schedule may vary (e.g. days, shifts, overtime/extra hours). Work may be stressful when dealing with time constraints, multiple/changing priorities, limited resources and uncooperative/irate individuals.  
• Work requires some physical activity, including extended periods of sitting, standing, frequent walking, and occasional balancing, kneeling, bending, and reaching. Work also requires the ability to frequently lift/carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing and touch. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close, distance and color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges. Incumbent must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers and other equipment.

Douglas County is an EOE - Disability/Veterans