About MassDOT

An agency on the move, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) takes great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. Powered by a growing data-analytics discipline – and working in conjunction with municipalities, public agencies and the private sector – we’re finding new ways to improve the Bay State’s transportation infrastructure.

MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth.

MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Aeronautics, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Rail & Transit, and Planning & Enterprise Services. There are approximately 3,600 employees across the organization.

Position Summary

The Right of Way Agent – In this role the Agent will work closely with assigned municipalities to ensure that their projects meet state and federal right of way acquisition requirements, and that the municipality’s property acquisition process will align with the assigned project's advertising schedule. They will review appraisals; provide technical assistance to municipalities on such matters as land takings, relocation of businesses and homeowners, etc.; make on-site visits of properties and structures; respond to inquiries from municipal officials, their consultants, and others; and perform related work as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing and overseeing assigned projects on Local Public Agency (LPA) Right of Way activities.
• Oversee and coordinate assigned unit activities to ensure effective operations and compliance with established standards and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Provide direct guidance to the municipality and their agents regarding the Federal LPA Right of Way acquisition process on fee acquisitions, easements, and relocations through the use of eminent domain, deed grants, negotiations, donations, permits, leases and licenses.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of MassDOT standards as described in the Standard Specification for Highways and Bridges, and the Project Development Design Guidebook.
• Review and understand new additions of Engineering Directive to determine how it applies to LPA projects.
• Review reports for accuracy, completeness, and content
• Provide effective liaison and follow-up during various stages of project review submittals involving all Project Management Sections, municipalities, and design consultants to advance LPA Right of Way activities to meet the project’s advertising schedule.
• Perform reviews of Right of Way plans for consistency to Highway, bridge, layout, and easement plans.
• Perform detailed peer reviews for other Compliance Officer Right of Way reviews.
• Conduct field visits, attend scoping visits to discuss project needs and compare existing field conditions to the Right of Way plans.
• Set up, maintain, and organize Right of Way information in SharePoint and Project Info for assigned projects. Keep up to date.
• Represent MassDOT for the purpose of explaining the ROW process and property owner’s rights during the Design Public Hearings.
• Attending meetings with local public agencies, their agents and advocacy groups to ensure the right of way regulations are being followed.
• Review Orders of Takings, Deed Grants, Taking Plans and Instruments, appraisals/appraisal reviews and all other supporting Right of Way documentation to ensure LPA compliance with the provisions of the “Uniform Act”.
• Provide project updates, briefings, and opinions on the status of the LPA Right of Way process on assigned projects.
• Report findings of non-compliance, misconduct, or violation to the Compliance Administrator. Ensure any violation of state, federal or MassDOT regulations are remedied prior to the recommendation of the issuance of a Right of Way Certificate.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the field of municipal law, zoning, planning, conservation, or community/economic development; civil engineering or related engineering field; real estate, the major duties of which included appraisals or right of way work, of which (B) at least one year was in an administrative or supervisory capacity, or (C)any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. an Associate's or higher degree with a major in real estate, urban planning, civil engineering, or related engineering degree, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience*

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License is required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email Heather Sweeney at heather.sweeney@dot.state.ma.us.
• For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857-368-4722.
• For a disability-related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call ADA Coordinator, Heather Ulesoo, at 857-851-9447.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.