Land Acquisition Administrator

Under the direction of the Senior Assistant General Counsel, administers the day-to-day activities related to the acquisition, management and disposal of land and any interest, right or easement in land. Administers all aspects of land acquisition and disposal in accordance with all applicable MSD policies and procedures. Administers the procurement of contractual services necessary to the acquisition and/or disposal of land. Supervises land acquisition support staff.

Works closely and collaboratively with Engineering, Legal and other staff in determining, evaluating, and prioritizing the acquisition of fee simple and/or lesser interests in land including easements, right-of-ways, and licenses for MSD capital projects, grants, and other corporate purposes. Negotiates with property owners, utilities and governmental entities and/or their representatives. Conducts courthouse research to determine land ownership, easements, liens, encumbrances and/or interests. Prepares correspondence, status reports, and other documents necessary to the commencement of proceedings for condemnation. Coordinates the disposal of surplus land including the development of disposition plans, and negotiations with potential purchasers or other parties. Assists Legal Counsel in the preparation, analysis and/or review of various legal documents including, but not limited to, letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements, option agreements, listing contracts, easements, leases and deeds. Researches public land records. Procures and provides oversight and management of contract appraisers, land and archaeological field surveyors, real estate brokers/agents, and environmental professionals, including the coordination of all necessary communications between contractors and Engineering staff. Assists in the review and analysis of preliminary and final reports, plats, options, etc.  Prepares and provides status reports, summaries, graphics and presentations on land and easement acquisition and disposition activities. Administers and maintains MSD's real property database. Provides training on land acquisition/disposal policies and procedures as needed. Administers on-going maintenance of land prior to use for capital construction. Supervises land acquisition support staff. Attends and represents MSD in public meetings, conferences and court proceedings.  Performs other duties as assigned.  Reports to the Senior Assistant General Counsel.
 

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing land and easement acquisition including laws related to ownership and conveyance of land, contracts, agency, relocation assistance, and fair housing; knowledge of land valuation methods and eminent domain/condemnation proceedings;  skill in searching records in Jefferson County Clerk's Deed Room, PVA office and LOJIC database; skill in contract negotiation; skill in oral and written communication; skill in exercising tact and diplomacy; ability to interpret and explain contracts; ability to research and analyze complex information; ability to operate a PC and associated Windows environment software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite, etc.); ability to exercise judgment and discretion; ability to work under heavy surges in workload and deadline pressure; ability to maintain confidentiality.
 

Bachelor Degree in Real Estate, Engineering, or a related field; five or more years of full-time real estate experience including experience in land and easement acquisition, and reviewing and analyzing contracts, easements, deeds, plats, surveys, appraisals, and environmental reports; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. Must possess an active Kentucky Brokers License. Must have three (3) or more consecutive years of full-time management experience. Juris Doctor Degree preferred (Kentucky Brokers License not required with Juris Doctor Degree). Must maintain continuing education requirements. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must have safe work and driving habits.