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Acquisition Unit Supervisor (PAS5)
Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is seeking an Acquisition Unit Supervisor to lead the Eastern Region (ER) Acquisition Program by providing strategic leadership, technical expertise, and oversight of right-of-way acquisition activities that support the planning, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of Washington's state transportation system. This position supervises acquisition staff and consultant resources, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies governing property acquisition and eminent domain, and oversees acquisition certification requirements that support successful project delivery, mitigate risk, and protect eligibility for federal funding. Our top candidate will possess expertise in right-of-way acquisition and real estate practices, leadership and staff development skills, knowledge of federal and state compliance requirements, and the ability to build collaborative partnerships while effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Acquisition Unit Supervisor will:
- Provide direct supervision and leadership for the ER Acquisition Program.
- Develop and implement workforce plans, resource strategies, budgets, and funding requests to ensure acquisition services are available to support project delivery schedules and organizational priorities.
- Oversee consultant acquisition contracts, monitor contractor performance, and ensure contracted services meet project requirements, regulatory standards, and agency expectations.
- Work collaboratively with Real Estate Services management, Project Development, Engineering, Environmental, Local Programs, and Headquarters staff to establish acquisition schedules, identify resource needs, and resolve issues.
- Serve as the ERs subject matter expert for acquisition, eminent domain, and federal compliance requirements.
- Provide technical oversight and guidance to staff, consultants, project teams, and executive leadership regarding acquisition procedures, regulations, policies, and best practices.
- Review acquisition files, settlement packages, certification documents, and support records to ensure compliance.
- Ensure acquisition activities are properly documented and completed in accordance with federal funding requirements to protect project eligibility and reduce agency risk.
- Analyze complex acquisition issues and develop recommendations to resolve legal, procedural, and operational challenges.
- Identify compliance deficiencies, process gaps, and program risks and implement corrective actions to maintain regulatory compliance and support project delivery objectives.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
Acquisition and Right-of-Way Expertise
- Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing right-of-way acquisition, eminent domain, relocation assistance, and real estate transactions.
- Skills to analyze complex property acquisition issues and develop legally defensible and practical solutions and review and approve acquisition activities for compliance with applicable regulations and agency requirements.
Leadership and Supervision
- Ability to lead, mentor, develop, and evaluate employees in a professional work environment.
- Skills to assign, prioritize, and monitor work to meet organizational goals, deadlines, and project delivery commitments and foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Program and Project Management
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
- Skills and ability to monitor schedules, workloads, budgets, and performance measures to ensure successful program delivery.
- Ability to identify risks and implement corrective actions to support project success.
Communication and Relationship Management
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, property owners, consultants, attorneys, public agencies, and project stakeholders.
- Skills to communicate complex technical information effectively both verbally and in writing and facilitate discussions and negotiations involving sensitive or contentious issues.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions within delegated authority.
- Analyze information from multiple sources and recommend appropriate courses of action.
- Resolve complex issues while balancing regulatory requirements, project needs, and stakeholder interests.
Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented
- Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required:
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Notary Public commission within six (6) months of hire.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:
- Supervision of Professional Staff: Experience supervising professional staff in right-of-way, real estate, property acquisition, transportation, or public-sector acquisition programs, including assigning work, providing direction, and supporting performance and team effectiveness.
- Federally Funded Acquisition Program Administration: Experience administering or overseeing federally funded acquisition programs, including ensuring compliance with funding requirements, coordination with oversight entities, and maintaining program eligibility.
- Policy Compliance: Experience applying the Uniform Act in acquisition and relocation activities, including ensuring compliance with federal requirements for property acquisition, compensation, and relocation assistance.
- Acquisition Expertise: Experience negotiating and executing complex real estate transactions, settlements, or eminent domain acquisitions involving multiple stakeholders, legal considerations, and financial impacts.
- Consultant Contract and Acquisition Services Management: Experience managing or overseeing consultant contracts and consultant-delivered acquisition services, including scope development, performance monitoring, and deliverable acceptance.
- Title and Conveyance Document Review: Experience reviewing and interpreting title reports, legal descriptions, deeds, easements, and other real estate conveyance documents to support acquisition and property rights decisions.
- Right-of-Way and Project Delivery Systems: Experience using right-of-way management systems, project tracking tools, or transportation project delivery systems to document, track, and manage acquisition activities and project workflows.
- WSDOT Right of Way Manual Application: Knowledge of WSDOT Right of Way Manual Chapters 6, 9, and 12 and experience applying related guidance in acquisition, relocation, and property management activities.
- Eminent Domain and Public Agency Acquisition Law: Knowledge of Title 47 RCW, eminent domain law, and public agency property acquisition requirements and experience applying legal principles in acquisition or project delivery contexts.
- Collaboration and Accountability: Demonstrated ability to apply strategic thinking, maintain accountability for outcomes, foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders, resolve conflicts effectively, and influence and negotiate successful resolutions in complex organizational environments.
Important Notes
- The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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. NOTE: This information may 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.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-60935 in the subject line.
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