Chief, Property Acquisition Section (Manager III, Grade M3)

WHO WE ARE
Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) mission is to move people and connect places with seamless, equitable transportation options that are safe, environmentally responsible, and support economic growth and vibrancy in Montgomery County. MCDOT supports its residents, commuters, and visitors with transit options and infrastructure that provide seamless transportation services to the public.

This is first-level management work, managing the day-to-day operation of the Property Acquisition Section in the Division of Transportation Engineering. The Property Acquisition Section consists of five or more employees whose responsibility is to acquire real estate interests necessary for the County’s construction of various transportation projects, and any other project requiring either a legal interest in or ownership of real estate for which there is a public purpose. Employee plans, implements, evaluates, and exercises public policy influence within assigned area of responsibility. Employee must be able to communicate well both verbally and in writing and be able to speak in public forums, whether informally to groups of citizens or in formal settings testifying to the County Council, state legislatures, or the Courts. The position also requires supervision of the processing of petitions to the County for the Abandonment or Closure of public rights-of-way, which have previously been dedicated to the County by way of plat or deed. This includes holding public hearings, writing and developing position papers, decision memoranda and making recommendations to the County Executive and County Council. As a manager/supervisor of unionized employees, this position has a responsibility for fostering a positive labor relations environment based on mutual trust, respect,
and cooperation.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
• You are detail-oriented, organized, timely, and reliable
• You are self-sufficient and a problem-solver
• You convey information professionally and work well with people at all job levels, from field personnel to management
• You communicate technical and non-technical information effectively, both orally and in writing
• You can deal tactfully, effectively, and equitably with consultants, contractors and other interested parties.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
MCDOT seeks to fill a MIII (Download PDF reader), Chief of Property Acquisition Section position in the Division of Transportation Engineering.

The Property Acquisition Section Chief manages the day-to-day operations of the Property Acquisition Section. He/ She right-of-way acquisition knowledge, skills, and experience to oversee a staff of 5-8 real estate specialists to ensure that work is being completed to acquire various real estate interests for MCDOT CIP projects. The manager meets with staff, discusses issues involved in any acquisitions, ensures proper coordination among other division sections, i.e. design section, survey unit, and construction section, and reports on the progress of various projects to the Division Chief. The manager reviews documents prepared by staff and works with staff to develop and/or enhance section policies and procedures. The manager is not typically directly involved in staff negotiations with property owners but is available to provide advice and help to resolve disputes. Occasionally, the manager is required to intervene in negotiations. The manager reports on acquisition matters to the Division Chief
as well as MCDOT Leadership, and may be called upon to address acquisition matters with the County Council.

The employee should have knowledge of and the ability to negotiate on behalf of the County in land acquisitions and have a strong understanding of the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act). Senior staff will rely on this work product in order to facilitate their own work. Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Supervising staff within the Property Acquisition Section
• Managing day-to-day operation of the Property Acquisition Section
• Monitor project schedules and budgets.
• Able to communicate well both verbally and in writing, and be able to present information both formally and informally in a public
setting to groups of citizens, to personnel of other County departments, or state agencies.

Minimum Qualifications

**PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTION, YOU MUST POSSESS, AND DOCUMENT ON YOUR RESUME,

5+ YEARS OF RIGHT-OF-WAY EXPERIENCE**

• Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in right-of-way acquisitions
• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
• Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence.

Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences
Interview preference will be extended to candidates who demonstrate:

• Experience in developing processes to successfully manage and monitor project schedules and budgets.
• Knowledge of the Right-of-way industry, including laws and regulations concerning the acquisition of property for public use.
• Experience as a right-of-way agent or other position involved in the acquisition of real property interests for public right-of-way.
• Experience in providing leadership and supervision of a professional staff of five or more employees.
• Experience responding, both orally and in writing, to Executive, Legislative, business, community, and individual customer
issues related to public transportation policies and operational/enforcement concerns.

Montgomery County Government offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. To view the complete job announcement and to apply, click here or visit our website at www.work4mcg.com, click on “Search Jobs and Apply”. Search: Chief, Property Acquisition Section. Interested candidates must create an online account in order to apply.

This recruitment will close on May 2, 2025

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Resume Preparation Tips listed under the “Career Resources” tab on the Office of Human Resources’ MCG Careers webpage.

EOE. M/F/H.