Salary: $86,562.00 - $116,499.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-12895
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Property & Acquisition Specialist 6 for our Northwest Region! The primary purpose of this position is to assist the NWR Real Estate Services (RES) Managers in delivering the six-year project program in accord with Federal, State and WSDOT regulatory and policy requirements.

This position will supervise the acquisition and relocation staff and consultants acquiring the real property and/or property rights required for WSDOT's projects under the Uniform Relocation Act. This position is expected to operate with little to no supervision to coordinate acquisitions and relocations activities to meet a predefined schedule. The position will work with multiple project engineers and members of their design teams to assist in identifying the property needs for WSDOT projects. This position requires a strong understanding of the functions performed by the Title, Appraisal, Acquisition, Relocation and Property Management disciplines in the Real Estate Services office. This position requires excellent project management, communication, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills. This position serves as a project manager for complex real estate acquisition and relocation components, coordinating multidisciplinary teams to develop, schedule, deliver, and track real property elements of transportation projects. The position identifies risks, develops mitigation strategies, ensures compliance with federal and state requirements, and provides technical and policy recommendations to management throughout the life cycle of each project.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Property & Acquisition Specialist 6 will:

• Provide one-on-one direction and career development for staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Monitor employee leave balances. Review employee leave requests and approve or deny requests in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and operational requirements.
• Assign work and oversee workloads of internal staff to meet a predefined schedule.
• Monitor work product to ensure compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act, 49 CFR Part 24 and initiate corrective action when error or inconsistencies are found.
• Assist staff with the development of property acquisition and relocation estimates.
• Assist staff with resolving problems impeding conclusion of the acquisition/relocation.
• Appraisal work is performed outdoors, in inclement weather, in daytime or nighttime; work requires ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Assist, recommend and/or approve administrative settlements. Respond to inquiries from the general public, consultant firms and internal WSDOT departments and advise a course of action concerning property acquisitions.
• Ensure real estate activities are integrated into broader project schedules and aligned with budgetary and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor variances, coordinate corrective actions, and communicate status, risks, and recommended approaches to WMS managers and project teams.
• Oversee ROW acquisition tracking spreadsheets and databases.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Project Management: Demonstrated project management skills, including scheduling, risk assessment, stakeholder coordination, and delivery of complex real estate components of large-scale transportation projects.
• Workload & Resource Management: Ability to accomplish multiple, concurrent real estate project workstreams and apply sound judgment to resolve scheduling, resource, and policy conflicts.
• Real Estate & Right of Way Expertise: Experience in real property appraising, property negotiations, public property management, or selling, leasing, or buying real estate.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and develop professional staff in a complex real estate, right-of-way, acquisition, or relocation program environment.
• Acquisition & Relocation Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge and application of acquisition and relocation principles, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing public infrastructure projects.
• Strategic Planning & Program Delivery: Demonstrated ability to support strategic planning and delivery of complex projects, programs, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, schedules, and competing priorities.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Demonstrated ability to analyze, maintain, and communicate complex project, schedule, budget, or operational data.
• Contract & Consultant Organization: Demonstrated ability to oversee consultant performance and ensure contractual compliance.
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Demonstrated ability to negotiate and resolve complex issues involving property rights, project delivery, and stakeholder interests.
• Communication & Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information and build productive working relationships with diverse audiences.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in interpreting policy, evaluating alternatives, and making recommendations affecting program outcomes.
• Computer & Technical Proficiency: Proficient with computers and computer software (including, but not limited to, Primavera P6, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, FileMaker Pro, Adobe, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and web-based applications).
• Licensure & Certification: Able to hold a current Washington State Notary Public commission or obtain one within six (6) months of hire.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Real Estate & Right of Way Experience: Experience in real property appraising, property negotiations, public property management, or selling, leasing, or buying real estate for a public entity.
• Right of Way Policy Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of WSDOT's Right of Way (ROW) Manual.
• Relocation Regulations & Compliance: Experience applying the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (Uniform Relocation Act) and 49 CFR Part 24.
• Supervision & Team Leadership: Experience supervising acquisition and relocation professionals.
• Consultant & Contract Management: Experience managing consultant contracts and task orders.
• Project Management Systems: Experience using systems such as IRIS, TRAINS, Primavera P6, ECM, PRI, or comparable project management and database platforms.
• Real Estate Transaction Review: Experience reviewing and approving complex real estate transactions.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Some travel is required, and is typically local, regional, or statewide. This would be for off-site meetings, meetings with property owners, property inspections or to attend or provide training.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-12895 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to suppo