RIGHT-OF-WAY AGENT I

4184A5

Pay Grade: 23

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is specialized work in the acquisition and control of property for right-of-way purposes.

Work involves acquisition of real estate or the control of advertising and salvage storage on or adjacent to highway right-of-way. Conducts physical review of the property, examining it in comparison to documents which describe the property. Talks to owners to explain the process, answer questions, and present written offer for the property. After sale, assists with relocation process and with the maintenance and removal of structures on property. Complete records are maintained for every project.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision..." Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average... Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Right-of-Way Agent II class in which incumbents conduct large or complex land purchases such as multiple owners, historic significance, or business property.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Explains to property owners or advertisers the entire procedure of acquisition, salvage yard or sign removal; the planned use of land; the applicable rules and regulations, property owners' rights; and the services that will be provided.

Reviews the plans and other documents related to the property; studies the appraisal data; tours the project to learn the physical layout; if there are problems or errors, brings these to the attention of supervisor prior to meeting with the owner.

Presents written offer to property owner; secures all documents and signatures needed for the transaction.

Assists property owners through the relocation assistance program, apprising them of what assistance is available. This includes advertising control and salvage yard businesses as well as homeowners and property owners.

Maintains detailed records of all meetings with the public and of research conducted, sources cited, and any significant transactions.

In condemnation cases, attends condemnation hearings.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

Knowledge of land economic principles and basic practices used in real and personal property transactions.

*Knowledge of legal instruments used for executing the transfer, sale, and lease of property.

Knowledge of property acquisition and control laws, regulations, and procedures related to highway construction or highway sign and salvage storage.

Abilities

Ability to make final claim settlements for property damage, title transfer, or loss of right to maintain property.

*Ability to read and interpret maps and property descriptions.

*Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, property owners, and the public.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Two years of experience in any of the following: researching real property title, real estate sales or auctioneering, real estate acquisition, real estate property management, real estate appraisal or valuation, real estate finance and/or transaction closing, compliance monitoring, inspection and/or investigation.  Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

NC:   06/94
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05