Right-of-Way Negotiations & Relocations Chief

About the role

The work we do matters!

• Hiring Agency: Transportation - Agency 27
• Location: Lincoln, NE
• Hiring Rate: $30.503

Job Posting: JR2026-00030491 Right-of-Way Negotiations & Relocations Chief (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

11-28-2026

About the role

Are you a strong leader who enjoys developing people, solving complex problems, and helping deliver critical transportation projects? Join the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT)'s Right-of-Way Division as the Negotiations & Relocations Chief, where you will lead a team responsible for property acquisition negotiations and relocation assistance.

In this role, you'll shape program policies and practices, build staff expertise, ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, and collaborate across the Department to keep projects moving forward. Your leadership will help protect the rights of property owners while supporting the delivery of Nebraska's transportation program.

We reward our employees' hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates
• Free parking

Pay range is $30.503 - $45.755 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

Job Duties

• Direct and supervise the Negotiation and Relocation Assistance Section, ensuring effective administration of right-of-way acquisition negotiations and relocation assistance activities in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and Department policies.
• Train, develop, and motivate staff and Right-of-Way Agents assigned to negotiation and relocation assistance functions to build technical expertise, promote professional development, and maintain consistent application of program requirements.
• Develop, revise, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and guidelines to promote consistent, efficient, and compliant program administration.
• Evaluate employees and section performance against established standards, production goals, and program objectives; identify opportunities for improvement and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Establish and monitor quality-control practices to ensure negotiation and relocation activities meet applicable requirements, follow established procedures, and maintain consistent standards of quality and compliance.
• Develop, negotiate, and administer consultant agreements, contracts, and specifications related to negotiation and relocation assistance services.
• Monitor and evaluate consultant performance and work products for quality, accuracy, and compliance with contractual requirements; approve invoices for payment.
• Plan, organize, assign, and coordinate section activities; establish priorities, manage workloads, and ensure established goals, performance expectations, and deadlines are met.
• Coordinate with other Right-of-Way functions, Department divisions, consultants, and project teams to resolve acquisition and relocation issues, manage competing priorities, and support project delivery schedules.
• Oversee the right-of-way activities of the local public agencies, including coordination between cities, counties, the Federal Highway Administration, divisions of NDOT, and appraisers/negotiators.
• Represent the Department in legal proceedings, as necessary, including providing expert testimony related to negotiation and relocation assistance matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of experience in real estate, property management, real estate appraisal, or condemnation activities, and four years of experience in performing or directing Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act activities.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Real Estate, Property Acquisition or Management, Real Estate Appraisal, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related degree and four years of experience in real estate, property management, real estate appraisal, condemnation, or Uniform Act. Strong supervisory experience desired.

Other

• Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent, authorized transportation.
• Some overnight travel may be required.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge of: Federal and State laws, regulations, and standards associated with highway right-of-way determination, property acquisitions, and related functions; the goals, principles, methods, and documents of right-of-way projects such as title/real estate determinations, legal requirements, instruments, and records for transferring property; pertinent property evaluations and real estate transactions; current highway construction renovation projects and plans; NDOT and divisional goals, structure, functions, and policies; practices of staff supervision and development.

Skills in: communicating effectively through written and verbal means; producing meaningful and useful written records; negotiating with landowners and tenants for the most complex acquisitions and relocations; determining the most effective approach to the management of activities and functions to support the project delivery process; designating the appropriate time frames and work sequences of assigned projects and staff activities for projects and activities assigned.

Ability to: exercise tact and judgment when dealing with property owners; present technical information and advocate decisions and judgments made to NDOT managers, landowners and their representatives, and others; determine time frames and work sequences of assigned projects to maintain schedules.

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Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
• Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status.