County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to be in charge of all phases of the day-to-day operations of the Real Estate Division of the Public Works Agency; to supervise and personally perform difficult appraisal negotiations, relocations and related studies; and semi-legal work in connection with the acquisition of rights of way and the management of surplus Agency properties, including the sale of excess property; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The incumbent of this one-position class has full program responsibility for the acquisition of property for the Real Estate Division of the Public Works Agency. The Assistant Chief Right-of-Way Agent bears complete responsibility for the appraisal and negotiation of right-of-way relocations and carries out continuing supervision of a subordinate professional staff. This position differs from the Chief Right-of-Way Agent, in that the Chief is more engaged in administrative-type duties and performs very little on-line supervision of subordinate personnel.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Plans, supervises, and personally performs appraisal and cost estimate studies of land and improvements by determining fair market value and severance damages. Prepares relocation impact studies and relocation evaluation reports.

2. Plans, supervises, and personally performs negotiations for the purchase of property relocations, easements, rights of entry, detours, and rights of necessary for County capital construction projects and maintenance work.

3. Supervises the preparation of right-of-way maps, property descriptions, exhibits, and photographs used in the acquisition and condemnation of property; supervises and trains subordinate personnel and participates in their selection.

4. Supervises and personally performs the semi-legal work related to the acquisition of rights of way; works with the County Counsel's Office, title companies, and other agencies in resolving legal problems of acquisitions; appear in court as expert witness; recommends on the use of private appraisers.

5. Manages real property obtained by the department for future projects; rents, leases, sells or otherwise provides for the appropriate use of such property.

6. Assists engineering personnel in determining the locations of future rights of way and on the improvement of existing facilities by providing information on property costs and other matters relating to the feasibility of acquisition.

7. Maintains contact with the public, explains and interprets policy and procedures relating to condemnations, contract complaints, valuations, legal documents and similar matters.

8. Acts for the Chief Right-of-Way Agent in his absence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of eighteen months of full-time experience as an Associate Right-of-Way Agent in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university,

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of four years of increasingly responsible full-time experience in the appraisal and acquisition of real property, of which at least one year shall have been in a supervisory capacity. (Possession of a certificate of registration as a Senior Member of the American Right-of-Way Association or equivalent may be substituted for required supervisory experience).

License:

Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Possession of a certificate of registration as a Senior Member of the American Right-of-Way Association or equivalent is desirable.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and practices used in the appraisal of all types of real property.
• Relocation assistance programs.
• Economic and environmental factors influencing real property values.
• Costs of and problems involved in relocating real property improvements.
• Laws and practices governing right-of-way acquisition.
• Principles and methods of personnel supervision and employee training.

Ability to:

• Supervise and conduct difficult negotiations by use of tactful persuasion.
• Plan, direct, organize, coordinate and supervise all phases of a real property appraisal acquisition and management program.
• Supervise the work and training of subordinate right-of-way personnel.
• Interpret maps, legal documents and engineering plans.
• Analyze complex data and draw logical conclusions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with persons contacted in work.
• Prepare complex correspondence and write technical reports. Speak before public and technical groups.
• Prepare project schedules.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: 0274H
BL:rr
5/78
DF:sw
Revised 10/25/93
New document: Jobspecs/2518
ys/1/01

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.