Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 – 12 months). Any person on promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.

The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting. Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer. Veteran’s Preference.

To apply for County examinations – All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County’s online application system. A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application. All permanent County recruitments will be posted at www.co.lake.ca.us with a link to the online application. The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting. When a limit is posted the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date. Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes. All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered. Relevant experience and /or education (unofficial transcripts must be included) may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.

Important Notice – The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Benefits may vary between bargaining units. Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice. All County of Lake applicants who are a conditional employment offer must comply with the County’s pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.

Licensing and Certifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver's license.

Certification as a Right of Way Agent by the California Department of Transportation must be obtained within 4 years of appointment to this classification. 

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in property appraisal and acquisition work, preferably including specific experience in public right-of-way and land acquisition.

Completion of at least twelve (12) units of college education in fields related to the sale and appraisal of real property.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

RIGHT-OF-WAY AGENT

DEFINITION

Under general direction, works with the public in determining ownership and the value of property, securing deeds, easements, and access for the county; performs a variety of difficult and complex technical and paraprofessional civil engineering work in the field and in the office; performs contract administration; prepares a variety of reports; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level class works closely with the Public Works Director and Assistant Public Works Director, has day-to-day responsibility for the right-of-way functions. In addition, the incumbent performs a variety of complex technical and paraprofessional field and office engineering and contract administration work. The Right-of-Way Agent requires possession of certification as a Right-of-Way Agent by the California Department of Transportation within 4 years of appointment to this classification. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate or general supervision from the assigned supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May provide technical and functional direction to assigned staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Searches legal and property records to determine ownership rights, dedication of real property, property value, property description, and parcel size. 
• Performs appraisals and/or secures outside appraisals detailing the value of land and improvements for possible county property acquisitions. 
• Handles negotiations with property owners for the acquisition of real property. 
• Confers with property owners regarding prospects and attempts to obtain easements and/or fee acquisitions of land for roadway widening, flood control districts, special sewer and water districts, and other public entities in the County of Lake. 
• Establishes standards and gathers data regarding property ownership, cost, site surveys, and related matters. 
• Recommends condemnation proceedings when appropriate, working with County Counsel to develop evidence for proceedings. 
• Serves appropriate notices on defendants in condemnation actions, as required. 
• Assists other county departments, utility companies, and the general public regarding right-of-way and associated land acquisition and/or ownership. 
• Performs a variety of project development and coordination assignments. 
• Uses a computer for right-of-way work. 
• Represents the Department of Public Works, as delegated.
• Performs related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• State, federal, and county policies, rules, and regulations related to the appraisal and acquisition of property for public purposes.
• Common methods of describing real property.
• State and federal relocation requirements.
• Factors involved in appraising property and determining its economic value.
• Research and statistical methods.
• Computerized methods and systems applicable to right-of-way work.
• Principles of project development and coordination.
• Principles of budget development and administration, including capital improvement planning.
• Principles of lead direction, work coordination, and training.

• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Applicable business equipment and software applications.

Ability to:

• Provide lead direction, work coordination, and training, as assigned.
• Serve as Right-Of-Way Agent in evaluating and acquiring property for public purposes.
• Develop and administer contracts and leases.
• Develop and coordinate assigned projects.
• Prepare comprehensive reports.
• Analyze and evaluate statistical data and information, developing sound recommendations.
• Develop accurate records, sketches, and notes.
• Perform construction and project administration, ensuring compliance with contracts, plans, and specifications.
• Operate a computer and use appropriate software in the performance of the right-of-way responsibilities.
• Effectively represent the Department of Public Works with the public, other county departments, and other government agencies.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting critical deadlines.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned.
• Constantly demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, customers, clients, and the public.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver's license.

Certification as a Right of Way Agent by the California Department of Transportation must be obtained within 4 years of appointment to this classification.

Education and Experience:

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in property appraisal and acquisition work, preferably including specific experience in public right-of-way and land acquisition.

Completion of at least twelve (12) units of college education in fields related to the sale and appraisal of real property.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field. As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions. 

Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.