Right-of-Way Agent

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate acquisition of right-of-way from property owners for use in County construction projects.The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
 
Provides direction, training, guidance, and assistance to County consultants; coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work, inspects completed work, and troubleshoots problem situations.
 
Identifies right-of-way property and easements requiring County acquisition to conduct road construction projects, water & sewer infrastructure projects and other projects requiring land rights; researches property deeds, plat records, and other legal records to determine ownership, property rights, and correct right-of-way; makes copies of tax maps, retrieves deeds and plats for road, and prepares list of property owners.
 
Visits road sites of potential projects; determines whether road can be improved to meet County standards; verifies compliance with fifteen houses per mile rule.
 
Communicates and negotiates with property owners to secure County acquisition of right-of-way property for road improvement, easements, and water & sewer infrastructure projects; prepares and mails necessary letters, forms, and deeds for property owners to dedicate right-of-way or easements; makes copies of current tax maps and identifies property owners not responding to right-of-way and easement requests; initiates follow-up communications with property owners not responding to initial communications; mails letters of notification to property owners prior to commencement of road improvement  and water & sewer infrastructure projects.
 
Coordinates with Procurement to obtain quotes for surveying, title searches, and appraisals required for right-of-way acquisitions; submits quotes to Right of Way Manager for approval; prepares notices to proceed and other documentation required for completion of work.
 
Prepares closing documents and right-of-way deeds for acquisitions; requests authorization from County Commissioners to mail deeds to acquire right-of-way on requested roads; assists legal counsel in preparing documents required for condemnation.
 
Researches roads listed in County Road inventory with zero right-of-way; determines existence of any right-of-way; notifies road inventory manager of any changes needed to update inventory.
 
Provides information and assistance related to department projects, activities, procedures, documentation, or other issues; educates property owners regarding right-of-way issues; assists the public in locating easements, determining existing right-of-way, and identifying end of County-maintained roads; informs property owners of impact of road improvement, easements or water & sewer infrastructure projects on their property, and proper procedures to request maintenance or paving of gravel roads or abandoned roads; responds to routine questions/complaints, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution.
 
Prepares website information pertaining to right-of-way issues; responds to emails received through website.
Maintains master status sheet on all projects involving acquisition of right-of-way projects.
 
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, lists, status reports, tax statements, deeds, easements, or other documents.
 
Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, property plats, deeds, easements, tax maps, road inventory records, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
 
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.
 
Creates and maintains files/records of right-of-way acquisitions; updates records of research previously conducted for right-of-way acquisitions.
 
Retrieves deeds and plats from courthouse as needed.
 
Serves as liaison between all parties involved in acquisition projects; coordinates legal aspects of acquisitions with County legal counsel. Serves as a representative of the County to the public. 
 
Assists water department, utility companies, and surveyors in determining existing right-of-way on County-maintained roads.
 
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, County officials, attorneys, appraisers, property owners, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
 
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines.

Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.
 
This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.
 
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, sending/receiving faxes, making copies, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
 
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
 
Performs other related duties as required.High school diploma or GED; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes right-of-way administration, property acquisition negotiations, map/plat interpretation, research of legal records, office administration, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.