CHIEF REAL PROPERTY AGENT

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general direction, to administer the countywide program for Real Property acquisition, management, relocation and disposition; to act as advisor and consultant to County department heads and officials in matters related to real property; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for administering the County's Real Property acquisition and management program. The incumbent performs the more complex appraisals, lease negotiation, property management, and purchases. This class is a working supervisor responsible for directing the work of the Real Property Agents.

TYPICAL TASKS

Prepares and monitors Real Property Division Budget; assumes responsibility for all aspects of the Real Property Division workload; plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in all phases of the workload performed by the division; administers the workload performed by the division; interviews and hires division personnel; authorizes amounts for negotiated settlements; directs, reviews, and performs appraisals, negotiations, and property and/or property rights of way by purchase, donation, condemnation or exchange; recommends condemnation proceedings and assists County Counsel by developing facts required for law suits, hearings, and trials; supervises and manages County-owned real property leases and reviews negotiated leases of property for County use; keeps current with Federal and State laws and regulations; assures County policies and practices meet Federal and State law and guidelines; prepares relocation plans and reports; assists in relocation of persons displaced by County projects; oversees the repair and maintenance of county-owned buildings and property rented or leased to tenants, and perform inspections of property rented or leased to tenants; supervises, evaluates and trains subordinate staff; responds to Board of Supervisor requests and questions; appears in court as an expert witness; prepares reports, and correspondence; maintains records; inputs, analyzes, and stores data using a computer terminal; maintains professional contacts, interviews hires and reviews independent fee appraiser's reports and Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment Reports.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

  Thorough knowledge of:

• The principles and techniques of real property appraisals;
• The laws and procedures governing acquisition or condemnation of property and rights of way for public use;
• Property values.

  Working knowledge of:

• The laws and procedures pertaining to the lease and sale of public land;
• The principles and techniques of property management;
• The principles, practices and procedures of public administration, management and supervision;
• The laws and procedures pertaining to relocation.

Ability to:

• Plan, schedule and direct a program of property and right of way acquisition, appraisal and property management;
• Interpret, explain, apply and enforce applicable laws, rules and regulations;
• Conduct complex and high value negotiations;
• Read highway construction maps, plans, legal description, and legal documents;
• Maintain a sound property control and management program;
• Prepare and present effective oral and written presentations;
• Maintain cooperative public relations;
• Perform complex appraisals;
• Speak effectively to large groups;
• Supervise subordinate staff;
• Learn to input, access, and analyze data using a computer;
• Coordinate the work of consultants.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a degree in business administration, real estate, or a closely related field and six years of progressively responsible experience appraising and negotiating for the acquisition of real property and rights of way for public use.

OR

Three years performing the duties comparable to a Real Property Agent with Santa Cruz County.

Special Requirements:

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License.