Property Acquisition Specialist

The City of Cedar Falls is accepting application materials and will complete Civil Service testing for a full-time Property Acquisition Specialist to independently perform a variety of complex, highly responsible, professional duties involving the acquisition of property for the City. The expected annual salary will be $59,452, depending on qualifications, and the position is eligible for annual performance merit increases and full-time benefits. Main duties will include but not be limited to collaborating with City staff to determine the scope of acquisition needs, methods, and procedures; prepare communications and negotiate contracts to acquire property with property owners and other parties in right-of-way, public improvement, flood property relocation and acquisition, condemnation, industrial park development, and/or redevelopment situations; conduct site inspections and research ownership, liens, and titles; review property appraisals; administer environmental surveys, asbestos removal, and property demolition contracts; prepare documents for and provide technical and condemnation proceeding assistance to the City Attorney; review and administer right-of-way contracts with utility companies; administer land leases and contracts; order and review abstracts of title, survey plats, and related documents; prepare closing statements, direct final abstract updates and title opinions, and address liens and encumbrances; complete title research, property description information, seller demands, terms, conditions, and contact information. The selected individual will interact with landowners, lenders, community members, transportation representatives, and other officials regularly and build and maintain open, friendly, and strong relationships and trust within the community. This individual will also work with senior management to maintain accurate, timely schedules of major projects for City Council and public consumption and receive direction from the City Attorney, City Engineer or, upper-level engineering, economic development, or planning management staff. These duties may be constantly evolving and changing and may include handling special projects as assigned. This position will have no direct supervisory responsibilities. An associate degree in business administration, real estate, finance, or a related field and at least two years of experience in real estate or property acquisition are required. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license and good driving record and the ability to obtain and maintain Notary Public designation within a timeframe determined by the City are also required. Real estate or property acquisition certifications are preferred. Civil Service testing, including a position related interview will be involved for candidates meeting the above minimum qualifications, and individuals passing the Civil Service test will be identified as eligible for hire. Post-offer, pre-employment background, physical, and drug screen will be required for the selected candidate. For consideration, apply online at www.cedarfalls.com/jobs (preferred) or print an application from this link (or obtain from Cedar Falls City Hall) and complete and forward to Jobs@cedarfalls.com or mail or deliver to City of Cedar Falls, Finance & Business Operations Dept., Attn: Property Acquisition Specialist, 220 Clay Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Proof of education or transcript copy, and relevant certifications or licensures are strongly encouraged at the time of application to determine if minimum qualifications are met and will be required before Civil Service testing is completed. Submission of a resume is also encouraged. The deadline for materials is January 24, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Equal Opportunity Employer