Real Property Administrator (Parks & Recreation)

Salary : $92,430.12 – $112,292.40 Annually

Location : Snohomish, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2023-CNR7106R-JUL

Department: Dept of Conservation & Nat Resources

Division: Parks & Recreation

Opening Date: 07/19/2023

Closing Date: 8/2/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a Real Property Administrator responsible for park property management and acquisition in Snohomish County. This position plays a vital role in acquiring properties for future parks and managing existing park properties, rentals, and leases within the Parks & Recreation Division. The successful candidate will contribute to the overall acquisition and administration of Snohomish County Park’s custodial property.

Park Property Management:

As the Real Property Administrator, you will be responsible for maintaining the property inventory for park custodial property, which spans approximately 12,000 acres. Your duties will include establishing market value for 17 residential rental homes managed by the Park Division, managing tenants, utilities, and repairs, and ensuring compliance with acquisition grant source requirements. Additionally, you will make policy recommendations and changes to adapt to evolving rules and program needs related to Park Division real property assets.

In terms of administration, you will oversee and maintain land use contracts for third-party activities on park custodial property, such as Facility License Agreements, Special Use Permits, and Temporary Use Permits. You will also draft easements and leases following SCC guidelines when appropriate. Your role will involve consulting, guiding, directing, and facilitating processes and procedures related to contracts for both government and private entities using County property. Developing templates for the use of park property and amending existing Commercial Land Use Permits/Licenses to reflect current market rates will be part of your responsibilities. Furthermore, you will maintain files for all active third-party Land Use records, including approximately 90 miles of trail corridor.

Acquisition:

As the Real Property Administrator, you will oversee the acquisition of all park properties obtained through grant and mitigation funding, donations, or to fulfill grant conversion requirements. Ensuring compliance with County, state, and federal grant funding requirements, including adherence to the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA), will be crucial. You will conduct detailed analyses of title encumbrances before and during property acquisition, including the interpretation and mapping of legal descriptions. Guiding, directing, consulting, and executing contracts for government and private entities for property acquisition and surplus will be part of your responsibilities. You will also file Waivers of Retroactivity for future grant application matches and prepare survey, appraisal, environmental audit, and acquisition contracts for all park acquisitions, such as real property donations, partial takes, fee titles, easements, and reserved life estate acquisitions. Additionally, you will prepare Motions for final County approval and ensure the maintenance of all permanent and transitory records in compliance with the Local Government Records Retention schedule.

Your role will also involve drafting grant proposal applications for Conservation Futures Board presentations. You will collaborate with Conservation Futures grant applicants, providing market value cost estimates, acquisition procedures, title review, and match recommendations to meet RCW and SCC requirements. Moreover, you will prepare ILA Agreements and Conservation Easements required by the Conservation Futures Fund program, while maintaining an accurate database of all past and present Conservation Futures projects and documents. Proper records retention, as outlined above, will be essential.

Litigation Assist:

The Real Property Administrator will provide support for ongoing litigation associated with railroad corridor acquisition, aiming to railbank the corridor for future public use. This will involve contract and outside legal counsel support, document review and retrieval, negotiation strategy, and management recommendations. The litigation process may involve both federal and state court proceedings, often characterized by tight timelines requiring prompt document preparation.

Core Values and Mission:

The successful candidate will align with the core values of the Parks Division, which include providing high-quality service, demonstrating leadership and stewardship, embracing accountability, fostering respect, and upholding integrity. These qualities are essential to advancing the department’s mission: to conserve natural and recreational resources for current and future generations, contribute to regional economic sustainability, and enhance the well-being of all Snohomish County residents and visitors through accessible and inclusive parks, facilities, and educational programs.

To conclude, the Real Property Administrator position entails managing park properties, acquiring new properties, drafting contracts, and providing litigation support. Snohomish County Parks & Recreation is committed to preserving natural resources, enhancing economic sustainability, and delivering excellent service. The department offers a competitive benefits package and fosters a supportive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.

About the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management, the Division of Parks and Recreation, the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture and aims to achieve high-priority environmental sustainability goals. Some of the greatest assets we have in Snohomish County are our unparalleled beauty and abundant natural resources. From the Puget Sound and five watersheds, to forestland, lakes, farms, ranches and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources. Visit the web page to learn more.

About Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation manages almost 12,000 acres of parks and open space; over 110 park properties; 100s of miles of trails and access to fresh and saltwater shorelines. Major regional park assets such as the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Kayak Point Park, Lord Hill Park and the Centennial and Interurban Trail systems host local, regional and national events that draw over 4 million visitors each year to Snohomish County.

Parks play a critical role in building livable and sustainable communities. They contribute to the health and wellness of individual citizens and communities by providing safe places to walk, swim, ride, run, recreate and play. County parks, events, trails and open space are on the front line of regional economic development efforts. Each year the region receives more than 50 million dollars in positive economic impact through camping and overnight lodging, special events and tournaments, environmental education and tourism that take place in Snohomish County Park and Recreation facilities.

Some of the greatest assets we have in Snohomish County are our unparalleled beauty and abundant natural resources. From the Puget Sound and five watersheds, to forestland, lakes, farms, ranches and parks, our quality of life, economic prosperity and future sustainability are dependent on protecting and improving our environmental resources. Visit the web page to learn more.

About Snohomish County
Snohomish County, , is located in northwest Washington between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The county has rich scenery, numerous activities and a thriving economy. is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. When joining the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will work in an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are highly encouraged and supported. We are proud to offer an outstanding package to employees and their dependents. We are invested in your success and growth and offer competitive wages, job flexibility and stability, employer paid ORCA cards, and a friendly, diverse team atmosphere where employees are appreciated and make a real difference providing services for our citizens. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a lifelong career.

Snohomish County – The Future We Choose

Benefits
Snohomish County will be invested in your success and growth. We demonstrate this by offering a generous compensation package to our employees. Your salary is only part of your Total Compensation Package. Our benefits include prorated:

• : County employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• benefits: The County offers a choice of three comprehensive medical insurance plan with low deductibles. The county’s contribution to this benefit is significant.
• Sick leave: You will accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• Vacation Leave: You will start out accruing 8 hours of vacation leave per month totaling 2.4 weeks of vacation in your first year. Your leave accruals increase based on your years of employment with the County.
• Holiday Pay: The County observes eleven (11) paid legal holidays per year and provides employees with two floating holidays annually.
• Other benefits include , , , , , , and more.
• : If you choose to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), the County will match your contributions up to 1 percent of your base monthly salary.
• Pay Increases: Each year you will be eligible for a step increase until you reach the top step.
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): County employees typically receive yearly cost of living adjustments.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Career development training.

Teleworking Options
The work associated with this position can be performed with a hybrid of remote work and in-office work as needed and assigned. For employees who prefer to work in the office full time, that option is also available.

Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Snohomish County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. A Snohomish County Telework agreement is required for employees assigned to telework.

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their Snohomish County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

For information about this job opportunity and posting, please email:

Job Duties

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Plans and directs all office and field activities involved in the acquisition, title examination, appraisal, relocation assistance, and management of real property for parks and other county projects.
2. Prepares, schedules and monitors progress for programmed real property acquisition.
3. Oversees the selection, coordination, and monitoring of consultants providing title review, real property acquisition, appraisal, relocation assistance and other services.
4. Coordinates operations with other county departments and programs, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and outside agencies, citizen groups and the general public as necessary; provides technical assistance to other public works sections as required.
5. Develops and implements policies, procedures and budgets related to specific division functions and ensures that area of operations complies with applicable federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines, and with county ordinances, policies and procedures.
6. Participates in the conduct and review of studies, needs assessments and other activities used to plan or evaluate services provided in the area of assignment.
7. Prepares reports and recommendations to the County Council, various community groups and outside agencies as necessary; may conduct or participate in public hearings to explain program plans and solicit public input.
8. Responds to inquires from the public regarding specific problems or issues in area of assignment.
9. Recommends modifications to county codes and associated regulations, procedures and standards.
10. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in real estate or other field directly related to property management; AND, six (6) years experience in acquisitions, sales, leasing and management of real property, experience as a right of way agent helpful, including one (1) year of supervisory experience; OR, any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work. Must pass job related tests.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Appraisal License, Certified General Real Estate Appraiser

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the ability to obtain certification as senior member (SR/WA) of the International Right of Way Association within one (1) year of employment.

A valid Washington State Driver’s License is required for employment.

Additional Information

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• methods and techniques utilized in the appraisal of real property
• methods and techniques used in negotiating
• state and federal laws concerning the acquisition of land for park purposes
• legal instruments utilized in real estate transactions
• location and use of recorded information relating to real property ownership, encumbrances and zoning
• management of real property
• principles and practices of planning, organization and supervision
• principles, practices and procedures associated with budget preparation and administration.

Ability to:

• plan, coordinate and supervise all park department acquisitions
• supervise and evaluate the work of consultants
• develop work plans, schedules and budgets
• allocate and make effective use of available resources
• prepare accurate detailed appraisal reports
• read and interpret property descriptions, survey maps and engineering plans and profiles
• negotiate the purchase, use and sale of rights to real property
• draft contracts, bills of sale, easements and other real property instruments
• assess the relative advantages and disadvantages of alternative courses of action
• gather, analyze, synthesize and evaluate a variety of data including statistical data
• read, interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing area of assignment
• analyze and evaluate operations and take effective action to correct deficiencies and resolve problems
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, associates, subordinates, representatives of other agencies and with the general public
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

SUPERVISION

Employee reports to and receives direction from the Director of Parks and Recreation. The employee supervises consultants. The work requires considerable independent judgment in planning and supervising projects and programs and in resolving administrative and technical problems within the framework of established policies, budgetary limitations, and sound engineering, right of way and supervisory practices. Performance is evaluated through conferences and the review of work accomplishments to determine program effectiveness and adherence to established policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work is performed in an office environment with frequent field trips to locations throughout the county to make site visits, attend meetings, or coordinate work activities. Physical hazard from traffic and driving in varying weather conditions may be present. Meetings or project requirements may involve working evenings or weekends.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees that receive a regular appointment who work at least 20 hours a week.
Visit to learn more about the following benefits.

County Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/ Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Commuting Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program
• Leave & Holidays

Voluntary Benefits

• Deferred Compensation 457(b)
• Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
• Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Supplemental Individual Insurance Policies

Healthcare Premiums

• Regular full-time employees: If you work 35 or more hours per week, you will pay these for medical insurance. The County pays the for vision, dental, and basic life insurance.
• Regular part-time employees: If you work between 20 and 34 hours per week, you will pay for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. The County’s contribution toward the premium for an employee in a regular part-time appointment will be pro-rated in an amount equal to the F.T.E. percentage the employee is assigned.

Note: Temporary employees, seasonal employees and paid interns may be eligible for medical insurance benefits. Review the County’s to learn more.

01

Following is a series of supplemental questions designed to assess your job related experience and qualifications. Please note that as part of the screening process your responses will be reviewed in conjunction with your general online application. The employment history and education detailed in your general application must validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process.
A resume will not substitute for the general online application or supplemental questions; responses such as “see resume” or “see application” will not be considered.

Do you agree to answer each question truthfully and that your responses can be supported by your general application/work history and by your references?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid Washington State Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment?

• Yes, I have a valid Washington State Driver’s License
• No, but I have the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment
• No, I do not have the ability to obtain one

03

What is your highest level of education in real estate or other field directly related to property management?

• No degree
• Associate’s degree
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree or higher

04

How many years of experience do you have in acquisitions, sales, leasing and management of real property; OR, any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skill and ability to perform the work?

• No experience to less than four (4) years experience
• Four (4) years to less than six (6) years experience
• Six (6) years to less than eight (8) years experience
• Eight (8) years to less than ten (10) years experience
• Ten (10) or more years experience

05

Do you have a certification as senior member (SR/WA) of the International Right-of-Way Association (IRWA)?

• Yes
• No, but I have the ability to obtain one within one (1) year of employment
• No

06

The following essay question will be scored to determine whether or not you advance to the interview stage. You must score at least 70% to qualify for an interview. Candidates with passing scores will be ranked by supplemental score. You will be awarded points for grammar, spelling, and writing ability. The top scoring candidates will be invited to an interview.
Do you understand that the scores on this portion of the supplemental will determine your eligibility and ranking for an interview, and all experience MUST be documented in your employment history?

• Yes
• No

07

Essay Question Drawing from your extensive background and experience in real estate acquisitions, sales, leasing, and management, along with your proficiency in negotiating property acquisitions, how do you believe your unique skill set positions you as a compelling candidate for this position? Please provide a detailed account of the length of your experience, where it was obtained, your specific roles, and key responsibilities involved in each area.

Required Question