Right-of-Way Representative

About the role

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Job Description Summary

Step into a key role within the Department of Transportation and Public Works-where your work directly supports the successful delivery of vital public construction projects across St. Louis County. As a Right of Way Representative, you will confidently navigate property research, negotiations, and acquisition processes that enable roadway, stormwater, culvert, and sidewalk improvements. This position offers a dynamic mix of field engagement, property expertise, and community interaction, allowing you to make a tangible impact on public infrastructure development.

About the role

This role reinforces St. Louis County's mission of providing equitable, accessible, and accountable public services. By helping secure essential property rights, you advance infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, mobility, and quality of life for residents throughout the County.

A standout candidate brings strong foundational experience in real estate, property appraisal, or land acquisition, paired with confident communication and negotiation skills. You demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy in documentation, and the ability to work collaboratively with property owners, contractors, and internal staff. Your professionalism, initiative, and commitment to delivering well-coordinated acquisition work set you apart.

Starting Salary

$25.45-$30.54 hourly depending on experience and budget considerations.

Meaningful Work

You'll support the delivery of public infrastructure projects that strengthen transportation systems and improve daily life for residents.

Professional Growth

Develop skills in property negotiations, legal description review, appraisal coordination, and public engagement-essential competencies for advancing within right of way and public works fields.

Dependable Career Path

Enjoy a stable position with opportunities to expand your technical understanding and negotiation expertise.

Comprehensive Benefits

St. Louis County offers a robust benefits package including affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous Paid Time Off beginning in the first year; 11 paid holidays; and a deferred benefit retirement plan. Employees may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Collaborative Environment

Work closely with appraisers, engineers, attorneys, and other professionals who approach right of way acquisition with confidence, accuracy, and a shared dedication to public service.

Key Responsibilities

• Research right-of-way projects by reviewing legal property descriptions, plats, surveys, deeds, maps, and other records to determine ownership.
• Conduct meetings with property owners; prepare documentation for acquiring right-of-ways; present compensation offers; schedule follow-ups until agreements are reached; and resolve disputes.
• Prepare and evaluate bids for appraisers; award contracts; and review appraisers' reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with disposal of excess acquisition properties; review leases; and coordinate property management.
• Testify at condemnation proceedings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience in property appraisal or acquisition with a public or private agency, plus coursework in property appraisal.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Licensed Notary Public.
• Licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of Missouri.
• Approval for Appraisal Review from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Pre-Employment Process Requirements

• Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant education, experience, responses to supplemental questions, and other work-related information provided on the application. Resumes are supplementary and do not replace the required application.
• All candidates will receive notifications regarding application status once determined. Status updates are provided via email and can be found within each candidate's Workday profile.

• R esponses that qualified candidates provide to the application questions will count as 100% of their final evaluation score.
• A candidate must earn a qualifying grade of 70 or more on the interview to be eligible for appointment.
• The five highest-ranking candidates will be referred to the Department Director/Appointing Authority for final selection.

Pre-Employment Screening

Candidates extended a conditional offer must successfully complete all required pre - employment screenings. These screenings include a drug test administered at no cost to the applicant by a certified laboratory and a background check evaluating the recency and relevance of the candidate's history to the position. Candidates must complete the drug test within 48 hours of receiving a conditional offer; failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the offer.

At St. Louis County, we're not just about jobs, we're about opportunity.