SummaryThe Open Space Acquisitions Unit is part of the Rural and Regional Services Section, in the Water and Land Resource Division. This unit works to conserve land in King County to advance the County’s Land Conservation Initiative by (1) awarding approximately $100 million annually for conservation acquisitions through the Conservation Futures Tax grant program; (2) acquiring land on behalf of King County partners within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks and some external clients to permanently protect parks, open space, trail corridors, habitat/ecological areas, floodplains, forestland and farmland; and (3) operating the transfer of development rights program, compensatory mitigation programs, and supporting a Forest Carbon program - all of which are market-based conservation programs. Staff in the unit regularly work with external clients and partners to advance the department’s mission.
In addition to advancing the Land Conservation Initiative, the unit’s work also advances the Strategic Climate Action Plan, The Clean Water Healthy Habitat Initiative, the 30-year Forest Plan, the Local Food Initiative, the King County Flood Plan, and the King County Comprehensive Plan.
What will your work look like?This role will supervise members of the real estate services team within the OSA unit, including other real property agents, and provide support to other OSA team members and internal and external clients on a wide range of real estate matters. Duties include supervising, hiring and evaluating staff, and monitoring and directing real property activities including acquisition, right-of-way, permitting, leasing, and developing and implementing multiple real property policies and procedures for the section, division or department. The position will also support budget, finance, asset valuation, and may receive and respond to inquiries from partner organizations, landowners, and other residents of King County. The work in this position will involve management of complex real estate and technical information and the interpretation and application of established policies, procedures, systems, and laws. Work is performed primarily on an independent basis with limited direct supervision.
Why is this a great opportunity?The Water and land Resource Division protects, restores and manages land and water resources in King County to create and maintain a healthy environment and provides services that promote public health and safety. The Rural and Regional Services Section works with individuals, communities, non-profits, tribal entities and other governments to promote and facilitate sustainable watershed protection and restoration. The Open Space Acquisitions unit plays a central role in implementing the King County Land Conservation Initiative, a generational conservation effort that benefits residents of the region today and will leave a legacy of conservation benefitting generations to come. This is a great opportunity to join our fast-paced and dynamic team to support their work related to recovering salmon, protecting ground water, acquiring open space for future generations, implementing capital restoration projects, and providing basin stewardship support throughout King County.
Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Real Property Agent Supervisor, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.Job DutiesWhat you will be doing?- Supervise other Real Property Agents in the OSA unit, including evaluation of performance, assignment of projects, and managing workload and work programs of other real property agents.
- Recommend, develop and implement policies, procedures and strategies relating to real property acquisitions.
- Conduct complex real property acquisitions; informing management on policy matters during the negotiation or overseeing the negotiation of agreements, leases, permits, franchises, acquisitions and contracts that are financially significant or politically or environmentally sensitive.
- Advise unit, section, division and department leadership on matters related to acquisition process, policy and strategy.
- Review and approve legal forms, contracts and property instruments in consultation with legal staff; consult with attorneys, engineers and other experts regarding the impact of legal and technical problems involved in acquisitions.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsQualifications You Bring: - At least 3 years of experience conducting real estate transactions with experience navigating matters related to negotiating, leasing, title and escrow, appraisal techniques, procedures and legislation, and conducting multiple types of acquisitions including but not limited to, fee title, conservation easements, and temporary construction easements.
- At least one year of experience leading a team.
- Demonstrated familiarity with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing real estate transactions conducted by government entities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and organization skills.
- Experience conveying complex real estate information and rationale to a variety of audiences, including, landowners, agency staff, management and legal staff.
- Experience with drafting and/or interpreting legal forms, contracts and property instruments in consultation with legal staff;
Necessary Special Requirements:- Notary
- Valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work if selected for this position.
Competencies You Bring:- Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
- Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
- Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
It Would Be Nice If You Also Bring:- Five years or more experience conducting complex government real estate transactions
- Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks
- Three years or more experience in navigating different types of real property services and property management, including acquisition, right-of-way matters that are financially significant, politically or environmentally sensitive
Supplemental InformationWorking Conditions:Remote and Onsite Work Details: Employees in this role work remotely from a home location, with onsite reporting requirements typically 1-2 times per quarter. The frequency of onsite work is determined by business needs and may be adjusted accordingly. Onsite reporting locations may be at various King County worksites including the collaboration space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104).
Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
Union Representation: This position is not represented.
Application and Selection Process:We welcome applications from
current King County employees only. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply .
Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.
- King County application
- Complete Application (The responses on your job application should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
- Resume (Your resume should be thorough and complete and will be used in the screening process)
- Cover Letter (Your cover letter should detail your background and what you can bring to this position and will be used in the screening process)
Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Calvin Rivers at 206-263-1986 or crivers@kingcounty.gov
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Keeping King County Green News . Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
Closing Date/Time: 5/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific