This role involves ensuring that property rights for highway construction projects comply with federal regulations, state laws, and agency policies. The Title Examiner & Reviewer will act as the region's subject matter expert in title examination and file review. This position supports transportation projects by reviewing and preparing complex real estate documents, drafting legal descriptions, and conducting detailed property research.
Responsibilities
Complete comprehensive title review and preparation of documents for property acquisitions and property donation files
Perform detailed review of title reports and underlying documents, decipher complex legal descriptions and historical documents, and plot easement legal descriptions to identify impacts
Review, close and transmit acquisition files
Provide technical expertise and guidance to NWR RES staff and project partners on clearing encumbrances and preparing real estate documents
Review and finalize notice of Final Action to property owner and newspaper publication notices prepared by acquisition agent and schedule final action and arrange for publication of notices
Support engineering staff in development of Right-of-Way (ROW) Plans and Exhibit Maps
Requirements
Advanced ability to analyze complex title reports, historical property records, ownership interests, liens, encumbrances, and other real estate documentation to develop legally sufficient recommendations and supporting documentation for right-of-way acquisitions, donations, and condemnation actions in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency standards
Skill in preparing, reviewing, plotting, validating, and interpreting legal descriptions and real estate documents, including deeds, easements, agreements, and exhibits, ensuring accuracy, consistency with survey data and right-of-way plans, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
Ability to review and manage complex real estate transaction files for compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and agency policies and procedures; identify deficiencies or risks; implement corrective actions; and ensure files are complete, accurate, and audit-ready in support of project delivery schedules
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate risk, interpret complex, incomplete, or conflicting information, exercise sound judgment, seek guidance when appropriate, and develop practical and compliant solutions to support transportation project delivery
Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams, build collaborative working relationships, and provide technical guidance, training, and recommendations related to title examination, right-of-way acquisition processes, and real estate procedures to staff and stakeholders
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey complex technical and legal information to diverse audiences, facilitate coordination among stakeholders, share information effectively, seek and incorporate feedback, and contribute to informed decision-making and problem-solving efforts
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Ability to effectively plan, prioritize, organize, and complete work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, including conducting quality assurance reviews, maintaining accurate records, managing competing priorities and deadlines, and delivering responsive customer service to internal and external stakeholders
Proficiency in using computers and business software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, SharePoint, MS Teams, web-based applications, and other technology tools to support research, documentation, communication, file management, and project coordination activities
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth
Takes action to meet the needs of others
Nice to have:
Knowledge of and experience working within a state, local, or other government agency environment, including navigating public-sector processes, regulations, policies, and stakeholder coordination requirements
Experience working in the right-of-way field, including supporting or managing real property acquisition activities, title review, condemnation processes, easement acquisition, and related transportation or public works projects
Knowledge of and experience applying the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), title examination guidelines and procedures, and the WSDOT Right of Way Manual in support of compliant acquisition and condemnation activities
Experience using WSDOT applications and technology systems, including IRIS, ECM, and other agency or local government websites and databases, to support document management, research, tracking, communication, and project coordination activities
Experience using Bluebeam and related software applications to review, edit, mark up, and manage technical documents, plans, exhibits, and project files with accuracy and efficiency
Ability to interpret right-of-way plans, survey information, engineering drawings, and related technical documents to support property acquisition, title review, legal descriptions, and project coordination activities
Ability to provide training, guidance, direction, and technical support to acquisition staff, engineers, and other stakeholders regarding right-of-way processes, title examination practices, regulatory requirements, and agency procedures
Benefits
Flexible work schedules
12 paid holidays
Up to 25 paid vacation days per year
Tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness
Comprehensive benefits package with healthcare options
Choice of state retirement programs
Important Details
Work format: 100% remotely
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs
The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs
Application Process
Attach a resume outlining experience in reverse chronological order
Attach a cover letter explaining qualifications and indicating why you are a viable candidate for this role
Provide contact details for a minimum of three individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies in the “References” section of the online application
About the Company
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency that plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system. It maintains over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation.
