Senior Right of Way Agent (Specialist)

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Manager, Acquisition and Appraisal Section, the incumbent serves as a Sr. Right of Way Agent (Specialist) and performs highly specialized, complex and sensitive negotiation work for the acquisition, disposal, and exchange of all types of real property interests and rights of way statewide. The position provides support to all Department of Water Resources (DWR) Divisions, in support of State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) infrastructure projects including coordinating utility relocations, providing relocation assistance (RAP), and acquiring mitigation properties. This position will also support other (non-SWP and CVFPB) DWR projects including multi-benefit and habitat restoration projects. The incumbent will also perform real property transactions to clear title encumbrances and record conservation easements on fee owned property and work closely with the Office of the General Counsel, Geomatics Branch, Program Managers, and the Property Management and Encroachment Permit Section as necessary. The incumbent will prepare and process Right of Way documents including contracts, agreements, permits, leases, licenses, deed clauses, etc in coordination with the Office of the General Counsel and Program staff. This position provides contract manager support services for active service contracts that are used to assist in managing the Real Estate Branch workload. Contract manager support services include developing task orders, reviewing and approving invoices, tracking work progress and payments, and developing/renewing new contracts as needed.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Varying working conditions include out of town assignments, overnight travel, and working flexible hours as necessary. Must possess a valid California driver's license when conducting State business that requires driving a vehicle. This position is listed in the Department's Conflict of Interest Code and requires financial disclosure.

The Department of Water Resources is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular, consistent, and predictable attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Our ideal candidate will have excellent verbal communication and writing skills; excellent interpersonal skills and experience communicating at all levels within an organization; a demonstrated sense of initiative; expert-level knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite; right of way industry specific training and/or certifications, leadership training and experience, knowledge of preliminary reports and methods of clearing title encumbrances, conservation easements, mineral rights, water rights, negotiating and coordinating complex, experience in politically sensitive high profile real estate transactions under the threat of condemnation; Experience preparing and processing Right of Way documents including contracts, agreements, permits, and leases; Experience in participating in the development of or influencing the creation of policies and procedures; experience using Administrative Settlements. Experience in utility relocation, working on multi-benefit and habitat restoration projects ,and experience with conservation easements. Lastly, experience with large scale projects involving the acquisition of rights of way for governmental or public utility use.

Benefits

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees. We’re also located right next to Light Rail for an easy commute – we’ll even reimburse you for a portion of your monthly public transit pass!

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit

Special Instructions

Interested applicants must submit a State Employment Application (STD 678) along with a one-page cover letter, resume, and a Statement of Qualifications. A Statement of Qualifications is a separate one-page typed document that addresses the candidates experience and education as it relates to the duties listed in the job advertisement. Please reference SAP Position number 50095032 and Job Control JC-519529 on your application.

The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, SROA/Surplus, and training and development assignment.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Cover Letter
• Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.