RIGHT OF WAY TECHNICIAN bei City of Columbia, SC

About the Department

This position performs responsible clerical and technical work in the researching, writing, acquisition and recording of easements, deeds and other documents pertaining to City projects; and performs related work as required.   This position requires responsible and skilled work in performing research, preparation, acquisition and negotiation for easements, utility deeds, agreements and other documents pertaining to public and private properties associated with City utility projects, and to perform related as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered light in nature and involves walking or standing much of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs. 

Position Duties

• Prepares documents, including easements, agreements, utility deeds, encroachment permits, etc., associated with the appraisal, acquisition and/or disposal of public and private properties; negotiates for execution;
• Performs complex property / title research as required;
• Communicates with property owners and their representatives for the acquisition of easements and sites, execution of agreements, permits, rights-of-entry, permission to survey and other legal documents;
• Conducts field inspections of properties as necessary;
• Reviews engineering drawings and coordinates necessary changes with engineering and other staff;
• Reviews deeds and easements prepared by others for completeness and accuracy;
• Processes documents for recording, and records accordingly;
• Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Assists in coordinating assigned activities and functions with those of other City divisions and departments, County departments and outside agencies as appropriate;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance from customers and the general public regarding areas of responsibility;
• Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, attending meetings, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, greeting and assisting office visitors, etc.;
• Attends meetings, training, conferences, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• High school diploma or GED;
• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Knowledge of various Microsoft programs and the ability to create Excel formulas, spreadsheets and mail merge are required to efficiently perform special duties for budget preparation, mass mail outs and project management;
• Ability to read easement drawings, construction plans, record drawings, tax maps and surveys in the performance of the duties of this position;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform specialized technical or entry-level professional work requiring general understanding of operating policies and procedures and their application to problems not previously encountered; application of specialized technical or professional principles and practices or the use of a wide range of administrative methods in the solution of problems; requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results and occasional exposure to unusual pressure; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.