Branch Chief (Project Coordinator)

Join the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) Land Acquisition Division as a Project Coordinator/Branch Chief!

Do you want to make a difference? Fairfax County cannot move forward with projects benefiting its residents, businesses and visitors without first having land rights necessary to build and maintain the project. Are you the one who can help guide the process and acquisition? DPWES needs a highly skilled and experienced Project Coordinator to lead a branch of senior right-of-way agents, right-of-way agent/property analysts and engineering technicians in the acquisition of land and land rights for County capital projects. Projects are often interesting and complex and include stream restoration projects, transportation projects and public building projects. Top candidates should have proven ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment and have experience in personnel management and supervision of land acquisition teams, as well as experience in land acquisition processes, including appraisals, eminent domain, and legal coordination.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Supervision: Oversee a team of senior right-of-way agents and their direct reports, ensuring effective land acquisition for County projects. The Land Acquisition Division is involved at the beginning of projects, and we get to see a project from design to completion.
• Expert Consultation: Provide professional land acquisition consultation to support the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' capital improvement objectives.
• Complex Project Guidance: Lead complex projects involving public-private partnerships and large parcel acquisitions, offering expert guidance on appraisals and land valuation.
• Vendor Coordination: help manage the work of multiple consultants and vendors to ensure timely, cost-effective integration of services for multi-million-dollar projects.
• Contract Administration: Serve as contract administrator for private right-of-way acquisition contracts, providing senior-level guidance on high-profile projects.
• Negotiation & Collaboration: Engage in negotiations with property owners and collaborate with various County departments to secure land rights for critical projects.
• Legal & Documentation: Coordinate legal matters with the Office of the County Attorney, prepare Board matters, and present expert testimony in condemnation actions.
• Provide supervision, guidance, and training to LAD staff, including engineering technicians and right-of-way agents.
• Assist with workload analysis, budget and cost estimate preparation, project assignments, and key metrics for successful workload management.
• May serve as Acting Director of LAD in the absence of the LAD Director.

• Benefits
• Retirement

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Attends public hearings;
• Assists in the preparation of the agency budget;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of real property acquisition;
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing land acquisition, construction, condemnation proceedings, and contracts;
• Ability to negotiate with property owners or agents and to direct subordinates in exercising proper judgment in property negotiation;
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, assign and evaluate the work of professional and support staff in a complex, highly interactive work environment;
• Ability to direct programs requiring coordination with other governmental agencies, private developers, lending institutions and citizen organizations;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to structure, prepare and deliver concise, understandable presentations on complex issues;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials and representatives of public, private sector and community organizations;
• Ability to review and analyze construction plans and specifications;
• Ability to enforce contractual specifications;
• Ability to train and supervise subordinates.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, or a related field, and six years of progressively responsible experience in or affiliated with land planning and/or redevelopment, engineering or architecture, or management of large and complex construction or maintenance projects.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
A valid driver's license.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, credit check, and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the acquisition of land rights (preferably in local, state, or federal government), with demonstrated experience in whole parcel acquisitions and sensitive or controversial projects.
• Experience negotiating complex land rights agreements.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising diverse groups of employees related to land acquisition activities.
• Two (2) years of experience of basic computer programs and software used in planning, scheduling, and monitoring the progress of land acquisition and project management activities.
• Two (2) years for experience in public administration and strategic planning with a strong commitment to customer service.
• Possession of a Virginia Real Estate Brokers License, Virginia Real Estate Agent License, Law Degree or Virginia Appraisal License.
• Possession of an International Right-of-Way Association (IRWA) Right-of-Way Agent or higher designation and active membership in the IRWA.
• Knowledge and experience of modern construction practices and methods.