Project Coordinator

Job Announcement

This job opportunity is being re-announced. Applicants who previously applied for this job do not need to re-apply; all applications will be considered.

Join the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) as a Project Coordinator!

Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in shaping the future of Fairfax County's infrastructure? DPWES is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Coordinator to lead a branch of senior right-of-way agents in the acquisition of land and land rights for county capital projects.

Top candidate should have proven ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment. Experience in personnel management and supervision of land acquisition teams.

Expertise 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.
• 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 : 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, project assignments, and key metrics for successful workload management.
• May serve as Acting Director of LAD in the absence of the LAD Director.

This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the county's infrastructure and community development.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally-accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia.

Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.

Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan;

medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Through our LiveWell Program and the County Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness.

Please review our awesome benefits :

• Benefits
• Retirement

The Land Acquisition Division is responsible for the acquisition of land or right-of-way and other land rights, including permanent and temporary easements and letters of permission, necessary to support the Capital Improvement Program.

Note : This role precludes outside work in real estate within Fairfax County.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

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 modern construction practices and methods;
• Knowledge of the theories and practices of civil engineering;
• 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.

Employment Standards

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 a Certified 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Ability to produce handwritten and typed documents. Communicate orally in an understandable manner. Field review and visually inspect acquisition sites which may include hiking through stream valleys and properties of varying terrain.

All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE :

Panel interview and may include exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian / Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and / or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO / AA / TTY.

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