Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Property and Acquisition Specialist 3 to join the Northwest Region Real Estate Services team. In this vital role, you will help secure the property rights needed to deliver transportation improvement projects that enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Washington’s highway system. Your work ensures property acquisitions are completed in compliance with federal and state requirements while supporting the timely delivery of critical infrastructure projects. This position plays an essential role in advancing WSDOT’s mission to provide a safe, reliable transportation system for the traveling public.
What to Expect
- Coordinate and provide title services to support real estate acquisition activities by collaborating with acquisition, appraisal, property management, relocation, engineering, survey, title companies, and other internal and external stakeholders to advance parcel files and meet project schedules.
- Maintain records of title services provided and review, approve, and process invoices for payment.
- Perform complex title analysis by reviewing title reports, historical records, legal descriptions, and ownership documents; prepare encumbrance reports and recommend title clearing actions to support property acquisitions.
- Draft, review, revise, and finalize deeds, easements, agreements, permits, legal descriptions, exhibits, and other real estate conveyance documents in compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and WSDOT policies and procedures.
- Conduct research using public records, government databases, title resources, assessor records, and agency records to resolve ownership, title, access, right-of-way, and encumbrance issues.
- Provide technical expertise, consultation, and recommendations on title matters, legal descriptions, conveyance documents, right-of-way procedures, and property acquisition requirements to WSDOT staff, project teams, and external partners.
- Support engineering staff by researching property ownership, reviewing right-of-way plans and exhibit maps, identifying potential issues, and collaborating to develop temporary easements and other property rights needed for transportation projects.
- Review and approve technical work products for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with agency standards; apply critical thinking and risk analysis to resolve complex title issues and facilitate successful real estate transactions.
- Maintain title service records, process invoices, respond to customer inquiries, and deliver high-quality customer service while balancing competing priorities and supporting timely project delivery.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
Title Analysis: Ability to analyze complex title reports, historical records, and encumbrances and develop recommendations to support right-of-way acquisitions, donations, and condemnation actions.
Legal Document Preparation: Ability to prepare, review, plot, and validate legal descriptions and finalize deeds, easements, agreements, exhibits, and other conveyance documents with accuracy and consistency.
Property Research: Ability to conduct detailed property research and compile accurate ownership and right-of-way information using assessor databases, mapping tools, and agency systems.
Communication: Ability to clearly communicate technical and legal information verbally and in writing and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Collaboration: Ability to build productive working relationships and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex issues.
Organization & Quality: Ability to prioritize work, maintain accurate records, perform quality assurance reviews, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and provide responsive customer service.
Technology Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, web-based applications, and other computer software.
Remote Work: Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fully remote (100% telework) environment.
Growth Mindset: Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and professional growth.
Service Orientation: Takes initiative to meet the needs of internal and external customers through responsive, professional service.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Government Experience: Experience working with a state or government agency.
Right-of-Way Experience: Experience working in the right-of-way field.
Regulatory Knowledge: Experience applying federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and industry standards related to real property acquisition, condemnation, title examination, and right-of-way activities.
WSDOT Systems: Experience using WSDOT applications (e.g., IRIS, ECM), WSDOT and local agency websites.
Bluebeam: Experience using Bluebeam.
Right-of-Way Plans: Ability to interpret right-of-way plans.
- To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes
- The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application.
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-13351 in the subject line.