The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting for a Right of Way Agent in Great Falls. This position is responsible for assisting other agents with property appraisals and negotiations to arrive at fair compensation for Department property acquisitions. This includes researching property information, conducting site inspections, conducting simple waiver valuations, and related duties. The position is expected to perform these support functions while gaining a progressively responsible knowledge of appraisal and negotiation processes, standards, and requirements. The position reports to the District Right of Way Manager and does not directly supervise others. This position is being posted external; however, MDT MFPE bargaining unit members will have preference.

Work is performed in an office environment and in the field involving traversing rough terrain, working around heavy machinery and equipment, and contentious situations with landowners. The incumbent is expected to travel extensively throughout the District (e.g., up to 1,000 miles per month) to perform site visits, evaluate appraisals, and negotiate acquisitions. Property inspections may require walking moderate distances, climbing over fences, ascending stairs, and working in inclement weather conditions. Contentious negotiations with landowners, legal representatives, and others; and heavy workloads may create stressful day-to-day working conditions.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities. Education and experience will determine salary.

For a full job description, please contact Cheryl Winship at cwinship@mt.gov.

Benefits of working for the Montana Department of Transportation and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available (if applicable)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Benefits apply on first day of employment
  • Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

Great Falls straddles the Missouri River and is known as the "Electric City" because of its numerous dams and power plants. The city of Great Falls was founded in 1883. The community has grown and prospered since its founding. Great Falls is a community with grand traditions, rich history and superb recreational and cultural amenities for the entire family. When you are here, take a moment and remember to reflect on the fact that you're walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, the Blackfeet Indians, the buffalo, and the grizzly bear. https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Minimum Qualifications:
Required for this position is a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. One (1) year of work experience in Right of Way or an area of employment requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making.

Alternative qualifications include any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Your online application and all required additional materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Other Information:
Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

This position is being posted external; however, MDT MFPE bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

This position belongs to the MFPE bargaining unit. The successful candidate will receive more information about the union and the option to join the union during the onboarding process.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.