Right-of-Way Agent/Surveyor
Date Adopted by City Manager
05/31/07
Comp. Code
8810
Management
Exempt
Job Title
Right-of-Way Agent/Surveyor
Definition
Under general supervision, to perform responsible and complex work in the performance of surveying and right-of-way and related tasks; manages and supervises staff and activities; to perform related work as required.
Typical Duties
Supervise, coordinate and assign the tasks of a survey group; manage surveying contracts, review record maps and assist other City Departments with complex surveying information and questions; analyze project information and make recommendations as to acquisition or disposition of property or subsidiary rights; determine type of property interests needed and compensation proposed; prepare consultant contracts and other related documents, recommend condemnation proceedings; prepare escrow instructions and other necessary documents for completion of property-related projects; prepares special studies and reports as required; confers with other City Departments and agencies to resolve questions of legality, procedures and values related to property interests; prepares and reviews Right-of-Way acquisition schedules and contracts; review real property appraisals; assists property owners and tenants in relocation; represents the City in the community and City Council meetings as required; provides information to the general public and other City Departments; review plans for capital project improvements; respond to and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints; manage and direct surveying contracts; monitors Department budget expenditures; supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff; perform related assignments as necessary.
Tools and Equipment Used
Personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, and data base; motor vehicle; phone; radio; fax and copy machines.
Physical Demands
Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, or public works facilities. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk on uneven land; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear; and smell.
The employee must occasionally lift up and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate in the field.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Principles and practices of surveying, civil engineering, mapping and right-of-way; including the techniques, terminology and practices related to the acquisition, negotiation, and appraisal of real property for public use; applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations and policies governing the acquisition of real estate for public use by agreement or eminent domain; laws pertaining to relocation; principles and practices of real property appraisal, title, escrow, negotiation, acquisition, relocation, deed and track restrictions, zoning ordinances, setbacks, tax and improvement assessments, easements and encroachments; statistical analysis; supervise preparation of plans, project specifications, legal descriptions, surveys, and other engineering work performed by staff members; prepare comprehensive technical reports; principles of organization, administration, budget, and personnel management.
Ability to
Organize, direct and coordinate the activities of a survey or right-of-way work group; prepare and interpret legal descriptions of property and make appropriate decision in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; gather analyze and report on a variety of data; appraise or cost estimate property acquisitions, including application of severance damages; plan and direct relocations in compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act; prepare right-of-way certificates in accordance with State of California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) requirements; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
Experience
Four years of professional surveying and administrative experience in public use acquisitions, involving appraisals and negotiations for the purchase of land, improvements and property rights; including at least two years experience in a responsible supervisory management position.
Education
Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public Administration, Engineering, Planning or a related field.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver License is required. Possession of a California Professional Land Surveyor License, a Caltrans Right-of-Way Agent Certificate, General Real Estate Appraisal License, Real Estate Broker’s License or membership in the International Right of Way Association is desirable.