Rights-of-Way Specialist, Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 (PAS4)

Rights-of-Way Specialist, Property and Acquisition Specialist 4 (PAS4)
Recruitment #2025-4-6830
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $5,241.00 - $7,043.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/9/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Looking for a job that rewards problem-solving and solving puzzles? A job where you may need to negotiate complex negotiations, or to resolve land issues, modern and historic?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Rights of Way Program is actively seeking a Rights of Way Specialist to join our team. This position works out of the Natural Resources Building in Olympia, Washington, as a part of the Engineering Division. The Rights of Way Program provides support and coordination across all regions of the state and across Divisions within the agency to acquire access for state land management activities, grant rights to use state lands, and find solutions to complex land management problems. The Rights of Way Program intersects many parts of the agency and provides a unique ability to learn about DNR and the wide range of activities that happen on state lands.

What will we trust you with?
Personal Accountability
Take risks; Own your thoughts, feelings, and actions; Accept and incorporate feedback; Ask for help when you need it; Act with honesty and integrity; Do what you say you are going to do; Demonstrate ethical behavior; Be self-aware and manage your reactivity; Accept and facilitate change

Value Others
Put people first; Practice compassion and assume best intentions; Support safety and well-being; Make the time to connect; Treat others with respect; Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion; Build and maintain relationships; Be approachable; Be willing to collaborate and consider all ideas and perspectives; Be an ally

Compassionate Communication
Practice active listening through reflection, validation, and empathy; Build trust through transparency, consistency, and communicating the why in a timely manner; respectfully share your thoughts and ideas; Take the time to ensure understanding.

Inspire Others
Recognize, discover, and foster individual growth and potential; Encourage diversity of thought and perspective; Use your sphere of influence for positive progress; Coach, mentor, and encourage initiative; Give feedback and recognition.

Commitment to Excellence
Be creative in problem-solving; Embrace your role as a public servant; Model agency core values; Exhibit innovation and dedication; Be intentional and deliberate in your actions; Be open to being coached and mentored; Grow from your failures; Do your best work. Responsibilities:
The position may act as a project manager on complex and statewide projects, providing advice and marshaling subject matter experts to support projects in the regions or other programs. Position may require reviewing contracts, negotiations, developing training, conducting research, and solving problems. Responsibilities include ensuring that projects on state lands meet obligations to the trusts, are consistent with applicable laws and policy, and bring sensible and sustainable solutions to complex problems. This requires the ability to work closely with both internal and external stakeholders across several disciplines, including real estate, contract law, forestry, engineering, agriculture, utilities, natural resources sciences, environmental law, and more. This position is an excellent opportunity to expand your abilities in these areas while also developing your knowledge of history in relation to state trust lands.

This position independently supports region and agency efforts to acquire easements, grant easements, and resolve trespasses. This position serves as an agency expert on rights-of-way granting and acquisitions. This position will also support the granting of utility easements on state lands. Responsibilities include identifying and prioritizing region easement needs and external easement requests, and then defining specific projects by identifying the issues, developing a plan for resolving the issues, and pursuing resolution. This requires working closely with region and division staff, Forest Service personnel, utility companies, and attorneys.

This position will also be responsible for managing DNRs agreements with the U.S. Forest Service Cost Share Program.

Position will review legal documents for past land purchases and understand encumbrances on State and private parcels. Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in natural resources, engineering, real property, or other related field, AND two years professional experience in rights of way, land transactions, forestry, real property, contracts, contract negotiation, government administration, engineering, or surveying;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Ability to work independently, applying sound analysis to make decisions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and projects and be able to meet deadlines.
• Ability to negotiate.
• Effective communication skills.
• Self-motivated.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and public records retention and requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Office work on 3rd or 4th floor of the NRB in open cubicle space up to 90% of the time, and field conditions involve traversing uneven ground, slopes, brush, and logs in all types of weather conditions up to 10% of the time as needed.
• 10-20% of the time, per year, travel to regions and some field visits in the regions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in natural resources, engineering, law, title and escrow, real estate, contract law, or related field.
• Experience in complex negotiations.
• An interest in puzzles and creative problem solving.
• Experience in Government Administration (e.g., county or state government administration, government contracts).

Dont let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at ... . A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Dont hesitate to apply! Application Requirements:

• Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position andthe position required, desired, and special requirements.
• Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
• References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, to include your 2 most recent supervisors. You may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at ... with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions? Please contact Kimberley Bauman at ... or e-mail us at ...

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call ... or email ... . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the by dialing 7-1-1 or ....

(DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washingtons lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision Our actions ensure a future where Washingtons lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washingtons lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving We solve our states most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Womens Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups,
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit Additional Information:
  This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
  
  DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov .
  
  Veterans wishing to claim Veterans preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
  
  Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
  
  Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call ... or ... or email ... .
  
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