Right of Way Administrator 2

Job Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The core mission of the Real Estate and Contract Management Department is to maximize Metra’s non-fare revenue and minimize its liability exposure through effective negotiation, pricing and contract administration of Metra property and real estate assets. The department’s activities support the agency’s core mission by participating in real estate/ property acquisition for station and parking areas, managing station and vendor facilities and ensuring that utility easements placed on Metra property are in compliance with Metra’s engineering standards for safe travel.

Reporting to the Manager Real Estate, the Right of Way Administrator 2 is responsible for all phases of the right of way process; will serve as the main point contact for internal and external stakeholders on project needs and specialized work in the access and control of right of way; and handle all land related contractual issues, construction concerns, zoning, public way permits, and document management.

The primary duties include: Negotiate right of way agreements and easements; and prepare reports on status of right of way agreements and for construction project status meetings. Review project proposals; use mapping software to understand affected property; identify any potential challenges to development; and assist in the resolution of property issues, easement validity, discrepancies, and disputes. Review and research legal descriptions from survey notes, ownership, and other existing property rights; interpret agreements, records, maps, and deeds; update maps and plats to reflect appropriate ownership; and advise on which property rights are in place. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders; acquire document signatures; ensure all right of way related agreements are complete; and prepare correspondence, Board packets, and CEO signature memos. Prepare, file, acquire, and record land use documents, permits, agreements, and aerial prints for right of entry access; submit to appropriate agencies and for legal review; and ensure applicable information is entered into the document management system. Coordinate team’s day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor

performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four (4) years in real estate or land management.
• In addition to #1, must have four (4) years of experience working in real estate or land management.
• Knowledge of real estate concepts and contract language, land rights, and permits.
• Knowledge of practices related to lease and property management, land acquisition processes, lease and contract preparation, property ownership validation, and regulatory affairs.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations impacting real estate and construction activities to ensure project compliance.
• Knowledge and understanding of basic construction and land survey principles and practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); familiar with various mapping and data management software to help map out dig locations and record acquisitions and draft agreements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively establish productive working relationships with all employee levels, contractors, and industry stakeholders.
• Strong organization and planning skills with the ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects at all stages and manage numerous documents and processes.
• Detail oriented with strong math and analytical skills.
• Ability to identify problems, obstacles and conflicts and recommend solutions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, cartography, survey notes, contracts, aerial prints, property tax maps, utility and engineering plans; and write legal property descriptions.
• Ability to research and analyze information related to who owns particular portions of land and where certain jurisdictions begin or end.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-country region.

Preferred:

• Experience in land law, surveying, topography, and preparing legal descriptions.
• Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) designation from the International Right of Way Association.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. For general assistance, please contact talentacquisition@metrarr.com. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Reasonable Accommodations Committee at RAC@metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.