Right of Way Program Manager

Right of Way Program Manager

Operations & Policy Analyst 4 Right of Way Program Manager

Oregon Department of Transportation

Interstate Bridge Replacement Program

Portland, Oregon | Vancouver, Washington

This position is open for recruitment and fully funded following the 2025 Special Legislative Session.

The role :

Leave your mark on history. Join the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program to help build a replacement Interstate Bridge that will span generations. You will also be part of a team that is modernizing the Interstate 5 corridor for travelers of today and tomorrow.

Join this historic effort by supporting its design and construction. We are currently seeking a right of way program manager. In this role as a chief advisor to program management on right of way matters, you will also lead our Right of Way Unit for the Oregon bridge components.

The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program is a mega infrastructure program with national significance led jointly by the states of Oregon and Washington. Its purpose is to address regional safety and mobility challenges facing the Interstate 5 highway system by replacing the aging bridge over the Columbia River between Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, Wash. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are working together to develop solutions that improve seismic resiliency, bolster safety, reduce congestion, provide reliable public and active transportation, and facilitate better freight movement. The program has received more than $2 billion in federal grant funding and continues to seek further federal funding to build a bridge that keeps people and our economy moving into the future. The two states have also committed a billion dollars each to bring these improvements to fruition.

Join the IBR program for a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the local community and region that will reverberate for decades.

This position will be a State of Oregon employee based in Portland and work out of the programs joint office in Vancouver. This is a hybrid remote position with expectation of in-office work two days a week, on average, or as business needs demand to collaborate with cross-discipline colleagues and program leadership.

We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregons communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

Before applying, visit our applicant information website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.

A day in the life :

• Provide comprehensive right of way policy, technical expertise, coordination, analysis and advice in all phases of real estate appraisals, negotiations / acquisitions, relocations, property management, sales, final reports, agreements and conveyance documents.
• Identify, evaluate, develop and implement statewide right of way improvement processes in all program areas including policy and information management systems.
• Conduct real property acquisition negotiation activities.
• Develop long-range goals and initiatives in cooperation with federal agencies, affected jurisdictions and partners.
• Research, interpret and provide direction on how to apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and practices, and / or determine a course of action.
• Advise senior level managers, facilitate meetings, and draft proposals for policy or legislative changes needed to support the program right of way operations.
• Prepare reports and other data to explain decisions and ensure reports, records and documents are clear and conform to policy.
• Guide and mentor right of way staff.
• Conduct efficiency, cost and performance factor evaluations.
• Administer project contracts and monitor / evaluate contractor performance.
• Ensure program wide consistency in applying local, state, and federal laws / regulations.
• Meet with property owners, their attorney or representatives, local public agencies, interest groups and the public to explain project plans and procedures and respond to questions.
• Work in an office environment with flexible hybrid work options available with two days / week in the Vancouver office or as needed.
• Travel required between ODOT and WSDOT project and / or headquarters offices, and around project work sites.
• To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email ODOTRecruitment@odot.oregon.gov.

Whats in it for you :

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Minimum qualifications :

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification related to right of way acquisition for federally funded transportation projects.

OR

A bachelor's degree in business or public administration, behavioral or social sciences, finance, political science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work related to right of way acquisition for federally funded transportation projects.

Special qualifications :

Driving is an essential function of this position. You must have a valid US driver license and an acceptable driving record. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s). Your license does not have to be issued in Oregon to be considered.

What wed like to see :

How to apply :