Real Estate Attorney Jobs in Washington

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 experienced and strategic Real Estate Services Manager to lead the Olympic Region Real Estate Services (RES) Office in Lacey, WA. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee a multidisciplinary team of professionals and consultants responsible for delivering all right of way functions that support the successful development of transportation projects throughout the region. By guiding complex real estate, acquisition, relocation, property management, and project delivery activities, you will play a pivotal role in advancing projects from planning to construction while supporting WSDOT's mission to provide safe and reliable transportation for Washington's communities.

As the leader of the Olympic Region RES program, you will manage real estate assets within the agency's portfolio, including properties held for future transportation needs and those designated for disposal. Your expertise will help ensure timely right of way certification, allowing projects to move forward to construction, while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations that preserve the agency's eligibility for critical federal funding. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a high-impact program, influence regional transportation investments, and help shape the future of Washington's transportation system.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Real Estate Services Manager will:

• Provide leadership, management, and oversight to the Olympic Region Real Estate Services Office.
• Work directly with Project Development, Program Management, Maintenance and other agency organizations.
• Responsible for addressing personnel issues relating to proper staffing levels, leave and travel approval, and actions pertaining to corrective action.
• Recommend employee hiring selections and formal personnel actions to the appointing authority.
• Provide training opportunities and coach and mentor staff to ensure success.
• Direct supervisors in scheduling the operations of employees.
• Implement strategies to increase employee engagement through appreciation, recognition, and inclusion.
• Evaluate, monitor, set goals, and provide guidance and procedures for staff; provide clear and concise expectations.
• Travel to field sites, private properties and other state facilities.
• Ensures proper application of all Collective Bargaining Agreements, and all federal and state labor laws.
• Ensure compliance with training and license requirements for employees. Implement performance management best practices.

Qualifications

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

• Strategic Planning and Organizational Alignment: Demonstrated ability to support or lead strategic planning efforts, including setting priorities, establishing performance expectations, and aligning resources to organizational and program goals.
• Real Estate and Right-of-Way Program Management and Support: Demonstrated experience supporting or managing real estate, right-of-way, property acquisition, appraisal, relocation or property management programs, preferably within a public-sector or transportation environment.
• Real Estate Program Leadership in Capital and Transportation Projects: Experience leading or supporting real estate functions for capital environment, transportation, or infrastructure programs involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory requirements.
• Advanced Knowledge of Federal and State Real Estate Requirements: Advanced working knowledge of federal and state real estate requirements, including the Uniform Act, CFR, RCW, WAC, and FHWA real estate program standards, and demonstrated ability to apply these requirements in complex or non-routine situations.
• Regulatory Interpretation and Compliance in Real Estate Programs: Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state real estate laws, regulations, and policies including: Uniform Relocation Assistance, and Real Property Acquisition Polices Act(Uniform Act). Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Washington Administrative Code (WAC) FHWA real estate program standards. WSDOT right-of-way acquisition and property management policies.
• Right-of-Way and Property Acquisition Expertise: Advanced understanding of the agency's authority under eminent domain to obtain to complete property acquisitions to include right-of-way certification, appraisal review, acquisition processes, relocation requirements, property valuation, title research, and property management.
• Complex Program and Budget Management: Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex programs and budgets, including prioritizing work, allocating resources, and ensuring cost-effective and compliant delivery of program outcomes.
• Leadership, Coaching, and Workforce Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop a diverse workforce, foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and support employee performance and accountability. Can build trust across functional groups to achieve results.
• Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Problem-Solving: Demonstrated skill in negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, including working with property owners, legal counsel, and regulatory partners.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: 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.
• The ability to obtain and hold a notary in six (6) months from hire date.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Industry Experience: Demonstrated experience in real property appraising, property negotiations, public property management, or selling, leasing or buying real estate often obtained through professional experience or education.
• Consultant Contract Oversight and Quality Assurance: Experience overseeing consultant contracts, including scoping work, monitoring performance, ensuring quality assurance/quality control, and verifying regulatory compliance.
• Risk-Based Decision-Making and Judgment: Ability to make timely, defensible decisions involving significant financial, legal, and programmatic risk, balancing cost, schedule, compliance, and stakeholder considerations.
• Complex Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with staff, executive leadership, attorneys, elected officials, external agencies, consultants, and the public on complex and sensitive real estate matters. Ability to build trust through open communication, approachability, and integrative listening.
• Political Acumen and Professional Judgment: Experience navigating high-profile, politically sensitive, or complex stakeholder environments with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Policy and Program Development: Experience contributing to the development, implementation, or refinement of policies, procedures, or best practices to improve program effectiveness, compliance, and customer service.
• Adaptability and Strategic Issue Management: Ability to anticipate emerging issues, adapt to changing priorities, and implement practical solutions within regulatory and policy constraints. An understanding of highway design requirements and construction practices as impacted by right of way issues. An understanding of the principles of project and program management.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position is not eligible for remote work.
In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 3% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
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.
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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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 a 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. 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.

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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference Real Estate Services Managers #3W006 in the subject line.