Highway Right-of-Way Negotiator

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$23.661

Job Posting:

JR2025-00018903 Highway Right-of-Way Negotiator (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

08-27-2025

Job Description:

Would you like to have a job that involves an interesting mix of real estate, marketing, public relations, engineering, public administration, and law?

As a Right of Way Negotiations Agent for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), you will learn about all of these fields. In a nutshell, we acquire the land needed to build and maintain the State's transportation infrastructure within an environment where you get to be out-and-about traveling our beautiful state part of the time, with the other part spent in the office surrounded by a supportive crew of teammates and team leaders. You get the best of both worlds and experience job autonomy.

As a comprehensive team member, you personally get to leave a big mark on the State of Nebraska! You will be part of projects that literally change the landscape of the state.

In addition to the excellent benefit package offered to state employees, NDOT provides 100% tuition reimbursement for applicable degrees and has a wide range of training and education opportunities that will help you excel at your job and learn about subjects you find of interest.

We reward our employees’ hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates
• Free parking

 

JOB DUTIES

• Review design plans, appraisals, and legal documents prior to making an offer to the owners to acquire property. 
• Contact property owners to explain project plans, appraisals, contracts, acquisition processes, and answer questions. Display a patient demeanor and the capability to explain the project. Educate the landowner regarding potential impacts to their property.  
• Extend purchase offers and counteroffers to property owners. Negotiate reasonable and justifiable counteroffers that address the owners' concerns; explain condemnation procedures if negotiations do not reach a settlement, and prepare documents required for the eminent domain procedures.  
• Prepare call reports documenting all contacts with owners or residents and settlement reports documenting the basis of settlements. 
• Prepare and review files and documents to submit to senior management of the Right-of-Way Division to ensure compliance of actions, decisions, or settlements with laws, rules, and policies; prepare documents used by the State Attorney General's office as the basis for determining appropriate parties in condemnation actions. 
• Perform other ROW negotiation duties as assigned.

 

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Education and/or experience in real estate appraisal or valuation, relocation assistance, property management, public relations, public policy, mediation, or public/business administration.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and/or Real Estate License, Appraisal License, or Abstractor's Certificate. Experience in:

• Current highway construction projects and NDOT Agency/ROW Division goals and policies.

• Appraisal, ROW acquisition, legal real estate instruments, negotiation techniques, and/or basic engineering practices.

• Interpersonal communication and exercise of tact and judgment when dealing with property owners, agency representatives, and the public.

Other: Valid driver's license, occasional to frequent overnight travel.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Ability to tra