Rights Of Way Land Disposition Project Leader

Since its inception in 1915, the Arizona State Land Department has been entrusted with managing approximately 9.2 million acres of State Trust lands scattered throughout Arizona. The Common Schools (K-12) are the largest beneficiary entitled to approximately 87% of the land and receiving close to 90% of State Trust Land revenues. Through the application of sound stewardship, and effective business management principles, the Land Department can succeed in its mission of responsibly managing the assets of a multi-generational perpetual Trust in alignment with the interests of the beneficiaries and Arizona’s future. Are you ready to join us in our mission?
Please apply today!
For general information, visit our website: www.azland.gov
1110 West Washington, Suite 510 Phoenix, AZ 85007

RIGHTS OF WAY LAND DISPOSITION PROJECT LEADER

Address:  1110 West Washington Street, Suite 510
Phoenix, AZ, 85007

Salary: $63,000 - $70,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open Until Business Needs Are Met

The Arizona State Land Department manages over 10,000 leases, permits, rights of ways, sales and other contracts relating to the management use and disposition of 9.2 million acres of State Trust lands. State Trust lands are lands granted to the State of Arizona pursuant to the federal Enabling Act. The Trust lands are held in Trust for the common public schools and 13 other public institutions. Any use or disposition of Trust lands must benefit the Trust's beneficiaries.

Under the guidance of the Rights-of-Way Section Manager, the ROW Land Disposition Project Leader II manages rights of way projects as related to land development real estate projects of the most complex and diverse nature; assisting in the preparation, research, analysis and maintenance of the ROW section's dispositions. ROW projects have an extremely high priority and visibility and directly impact revenue potential for the Land trust.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

• Manages a portfolio of low to high-level complex projects and negotiates right of way planning related efforts for right of way dispositions; completing right of way analyses and resolving sensitive components of land management infrastructure such as environmental issues related to protected species or groundwater contamination and/or long-term impact on state Trust Land and adjacent areas

• Applies the principles, theories, and concepts of the Arizona Management System; actively participating in daily group huddles and huddle board updates; continually identifying areas for process and quality improvement; adhering to established standard work and procedures

• Serves as team member and project manager (team leader) on multi-disciplinary teams consisting of staff professionals, including planners, engineers, archaeologists, agriculture specialists, land surveyors, attorneys, title examiners, natural resource managers and appraisers

• Assesses ROW applications, determining the appropriate level of involvement of internal and external disciplines (state and federal); creating project schedules and deadlines as appropriate

• Engages with the agency's Commercial Real Estate section to ensure alignment with land development infrastructure (access, wet and dry utilities, etc.)

• Prepares and assists in the development of ROW section standard work, desk procedures and process instructions

• Assists in the evaluation, drafting, and implementation of new rules, procedures, policies, reports and documents

• Negotiates right of way contract terms and establishes right of way values; completes financial/statistical reports

• Provides technical and administrative guidance to agency staff regarding ROW project administration

• Conducts formal & informal and internal and external meetings

Knowledge of:

• Methods and documents required for the acquisition of property including a thorough knowledge of negotiation proceedings

• Principles and practices of land use planning and management, and the associated laws, rules and regulations

• How to interpret planning, engineering and/or delineation drawings, legal descriptions and map exhibits

• Review and finalization procedures to complete the ROW process prior to final acquisition

• Principles of Arizona Management System (AMS), project management and coordination

• Rights of way easements, evaluation and execution of rights of way easements

• Principles and practices of rights of way analysis and disposition

• Practices and procedures used in land use management

• Financial analysis and basic accounting reconciliation

• Knowledge of land use and valuation principles

• General knowledge of real estate transactions

Skills in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with various levels of local and federal government and business officials as well as the public

• Identifying and selecting the most appropriate guidelines for numerous and variable circumstances

• Negotiating to obtain support, cooperation, and timely action or change from involved parties

• Organizational skills in coordinating activities and efforts of land disposition agents

• Establishing and assessing program objectives and performance goals

• Professional oral and written communication skills

Ability to:

• Exercise appropriate personal judgment within the guidelines of recognized laws, rules, procedures, and policies affecting the overall management of State Trust lands

• Physical ability to perform moderate work tasks such as walking in natural land areas and posting / removing signs

• Safely drive standard and 4-wheel drive vehicles to travel throughout the state, often on roads in poor condition

• Establish program objectives and performance goals and assess progress toward their achievement

• Determine the effects of multi-disciplined uses and damage to State Trust land real property values

• Read and interpret legal descriptions and map orientation both in the field and on documents

• Write reports, maintain records, and manage multiple tasks at one time

• Organize and coordinate the activities and efforts of a project team

• A Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, business administration, public administration, or management

• A designation in the International ROW Association, or related field and experience in basic rights-of-way transactions, land sales, or real estate management

• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience with lease contracts, agency rules and regulations, legal descriptions, and natural resources

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job, then the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11). Driver’s License Requirements.

• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• By providing the option of a hybrid remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans

• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years

• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans

• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly

• Deferred compensation plan

• 10 paid holidays per year

• Wellness plans

• Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute

• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• The current contribution rate is 12.27%

If you have trouble applying for this position, please email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov for assistance.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting ASLD Human Resources at 602-542-2629. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.