Senior Real Property Agent

Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) Real Property Services team has an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent position as a Senior Real Property Agent to support project delivery, property analysis and property rights for SPU's utility infrastructure systems (water, drainage, wastewater, and solid waste), Corporate Services and other agencies and municipalities. This position conducts property research, negotiates and acquires real property and property rights, disposes of surplus property, and performs complex and financially significant real estate functions on behalf of SPU. This position reports to the Real Property Division Manager.

An incomplete Application Package will not be considered

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit: 

• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us? 

We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment

• Generous benefits package

• Free public transportation options

• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions

• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Manage property rights under Seattle Public Utilities' ownership and control; negotiate acquisitions, calculate permit rental rates and draft legal documents such as easements, leases, deeds, permits, consent agreements, Interlocal Agreements, and Memorandum of Agreements with other City departments and business units. Coordinate with the City Law Department.

• Perform comprehensive research of property transactions, including review and interpretation of title reports, deeds, easements, right-of-way restrictions, zoning and land use requirements, appraisals, valuation analysis, environmental impacts, and franchise rights, and interpret and prepare findings in written and presentation format.

• Conduct property research and negotiations for the acquisition, disposal, and lease of complex and financially significant parcels of land or property rights on behalf of Seattle Public Utilities. Read, interpret and create real property legal descriptions.

• Recommend initiation of condemnation when necessary to acquire real property. Coordinate with the City Law Department. May appear in court as an expert witness.

• Maintain real property files and records through property data management system, records management and records retention procedures.

• Prepare, order and interpret complex property appraisals and environmental site assessment reports. Prepare contracts, coordinate contractor/vendor real estate activities including survey, brokerage, title, escrow, appraisal, site assessment, valuation analysis, and relocation services.

• Prepare and present legislation for consideration by Department leadership, the general public and City Council.

• Facilitate meetings with Water Line of Business planners, SPU Engineers, Field Operations managers, Watershed managers, City agencies and external agencies.

• Prepare and document procedures and practices for use by SPU Real Property and other SPU employees. Assist in developing and recommending goals, objectives, or changes in internal processes, policies, and procedures.

• Provide leadership, guidance and training for other real property agents including scheduling subordinate's work and complying with SPU's business processes and procedures.

• Maintain a high level of intra-departmental teamwork, customer relations and communication, providing updates to Division and Department leadership.

• Represent the City or Department at interagency meetings, public hearings, City Council, community meetings and conferences involving real property matters.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Experience: Requires three years of experience as a Real Property Agent or equivalent.

Education: An Associate's degree in Real Estate or related field.

Experience and Education Equivalency: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: At the time of appointment must hold a valid Washington State Driver License.

You will be most successful in this role if you possess one or more of the following:

• Sr. Right of Way Certification from the International Right of Way Association.

• Experience with water, drainage, wastewater, or other utility purchase and sales agreements, leases, conveyance documents and Right-of-Way (ROW) property management.

• Strong teambuilding, relationship management, and customer service skills.

• Strong sense of self-direction balanced with highly effective collaboration, facilitation.

• communications, and well-developed interpersonal skills.

•  Strong negotiating, project management, analytical, and organizational skills.

• Experience working with elected officials, community outreach, and public processes.

• Proven ability to deliver tangible results, research, and outcomes.

How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should address your knowledge and experience related to the position.

Workplace Environment: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be required to come into the office twice a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $54.93 - $64.04 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.