Paralegal/Real Property Agent

OVERVIEW:

This is a senior level professional position. An RPA III is responsible for: the acquisition of real property; the acquisition of interests in real property; assisting with the management of real property and real property interests owned by the County; assisting with the leasing of County owned property; handling the sale, disposition or conveyance of County-owned real property and real property interests; conducting legal research, acting as an advisor to County departments, drafting and reviewing legal documents, representing the County in matters before the Board of Estimates and/or the County Council, writing memorandums, drafting and reviewing contracts, providing advice/opinions when directed. Knowledge of real property law and extensive contract drafting experience is a plus.

An RPA III should have comprehensive knowledge of: the different types of interests in real property, e.g., permanent easements, temporary easements, fee simple interests, leasehold interests, etc.; the different types of deeds; land records, lien records, judgment records and recordation systems and processes; real estate transaction documents and records including mortgages, deeds of trust and other real property encumbrances; the different types of real property appraisals and appraisal processes; and the different types of leases and leasehold interests, commercial versus residential leases, caretaker leases, and agricultural leases.

The job does not have set working hours. When negotiating transactions, evening/after normal business hours work may be required. From time-to-time, an RPA III may be required to attend Council meetings, or evening meetings with County boards or committees. A person holding the position must have good interpersonal skills and be capable of negotiating productively with all types of individuals, including hostile, impatient and/or indecisive individuals. Assignments require evaluative thinking, independent problem-solving skills, advance preparation and/or review of legal documents suitable for execution and recordation. Extensive contact with user agencies, County officials and the public is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Conducts acquisition negotiations and prepares the documentation for capital and developer projects for any or all rights-of-way and/or easements.

· Recommends revisions to construction plans and property plats, adjustments of properties, and suggests improved operational procedures.

· Reviews contracts and activities, to include reviewing and evaluating independent property appraisal reports prepared by outside contract appraisers to ascertain the validity and determine the appropriate compensation of property owners for the acquisition of land, easements and rights-of-way for public use, reviewing environmental reports and surveys.

· Prepares estimates of value for County in-house projects requiring additional/new rights-or-way for public use.

· Prepares and/or reviews necessary legal documents for real property acquisition, disposition, and rental, including recordation.

· Presents land acquisition practices and policies before the courts, at public hearings, civic association meetings, etc.

· Negotiates and presents property purchases, sales, leases and easements to the County Board of Estimates and/or the County Council.

· Ensures that all legal and administrative requirements are met throughout the land acquisition process, adhering to State and Federal guidelines when those funding sources are involved.

· Reviews plats, prepares/reviews deeds and interprets/reviews contract drawings and engineering documents.

· Sets schedules and appointments and determines any legal, administrative or functional restrictions on all assigned projects.

· For complex projects, provides supervision, training, guidance and assistance to junior agents and to employees with agencies that require interests in property.

· Assists with inspections of County property and accompanies property owners/ appraisers inspecting County property.

· Assists with review/approval of plans and project acceptances for capital and developer projects.

· Drafts and obtains the execution of contracts, including but not limited to agreements of sale, conveyance agreements, access agreements, right-of entry agreements, license agreements, and memorandums of understanding.

· Assists with preparation of condemnation documents including public necessity determinations, appraisals, plats, and deeds, and assists with litigating a condemnation action.

· Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Administration or the County Attorney.

· Performs other duties as determined by the County Attorney.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Considerable knowledge of the procedures, methods and techniques of land acquisition and property management and knowledgeable in land values, appraisals, title reports, title insurance, environmental reports, surveys.

· Ability to interpret, prepare and/or review plans, legal documents and construction drawings, perform title searches, and prepare reports, contracts and correspondence.

· Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with officials, appraisers, engineers, surveyors, property owners, developers, court personnel, attorneys, associates and the public.

· Ability to use a personal computer in preparing legal documents for signature and recordation.

· Ability to guide/lead/train others.

· In-depth knowledge of real property law in Maryland, condemnation procedures, on-line legal/ property research

· Act both independently and in a team environment in fulfilling job responsibilities within guidelines established by government regulations and County policy and seek higher authority when appropriate.

· Ability to operate a computer; to sit for prolonged periods of time.

· Ability to drive a County vehicle while conducting some assignments.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75, $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person