This role can be filled in any of these offices: Madison, Appleton, Baraboo, Beaver Dam, Milwaukee
Primarily On-Site with Project Travel | Full-Time
Help move important transportation and municipal improvement projects forward by leading the right-of-way acquisition process at MSA Professional Services! As a Senior Real Estate Professional, you'll manage complex property acquisitions, negotiate with property owners, and provide technical expertise to project teams and public agencies.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced right-of-way professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, building relationships, and mentoring others. You'll use your expertise to guide acquisition strategies, navigate challenging property issues, and help deliver successful projects. You'll also have the opportunity to influence best practices, support the development of less experienced professionals, and make a meaningful impact within our collaborative, employee-owned firm.
Employee Testimonial:
"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners."
-Project Engineer Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office
Lead Property Acquisitions: Independently manage and oversee all aspects of right-of-way acquisition for transportation and municipal improvement projects, including complex negotiations, settlements, and property transfers.
Build Relationships & Negotiate Solutions: Work directly with property owners, clients, and public agencies to explain project impacts, address concerns, and negotiate fair compensation and successful settlements.
Navigate Complex Acquisition Issues: Evaluate challenges involving relocation, property access, severance damages, cost to cure, and potential litigation or appeals, recommending practical solutions that minimize risk.
Provide Technical Expertise: Interpret right-of-way plats, construction plans, property titles, and legal documents while advising project teams and clients on acquisition requirements and best practices.
Manage Project Delivery: Coordinate acquisition activities, appraisals, documentation, schedules, and project status updates while managing multiple assignments and meeting quality expectations.
Mentor & Guide Others: Share your expertise with less experienced real estate professionals, provide technical guidance, and potentially oversee the work of one or two colleagues.
Travel to meet with property owners and clients is an important part of this position, typically accounting for approximately 10–20% of your time. Some overnight travel may be required.
High school diploma or GED.
Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in right-of-way acquisition.
Current placement on a WisDOT list of approved right-of-way specialists or state certification authorizing real estate acquisition for public improvement projects on behalf of others.
Advanced knowledge of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act and applicable state statutes governing right-of-way acquisition.
Demonstrated experience independently managing complex property acquisitions, negotiations, and settlements.
Ability to interpret right-of-way plats, construction plans, legal descriptions, property titles, and other acquisition documentation.
Experience identifying and resolving complex right-of-way issues, including relocation, access, severance damages, cost to cure, and potential litigation.
Strong communication, negotiation, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, provide technical guidance, and collaborate effectively with property owners, clients, and project teams.
Ability and willingness to travel for property owner and client meetings, including occasional overnight travel.
Real Estate Salesperson or Broker License.
Experience working on Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) or other public infrastructure projects.
Experience mentoring, training, or providing oversight to less experienced right-of-way professionals.
Advanced professional development or coursework through the International Right of Way Association (IRWA).
MSA is a 100% employee-owned multidisciplinary AEC firm committed to improving the communities where people live, work, and play.
Employee Ownership: Be part of a firm where employees share in its long-term success through our ESOP.
Flexibility: Flexible work arrangements and Flex Time opportunities, depending on the position.
Collaboration: Work alongside in-house experts across engineering, architecture, planning, surveying, and other disciplines.
Professional Growth: Opportunities to learn, develop your expertise, and advance your career.
Compensation Range: $62,000 – $100,000 (commensurate with experience)
MSA offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Employee Ownership: ESOP contributions in company stock at no cost to eligible employees.
Retirement: 401(k) with employer match and immediate 100% vesting.
Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and company-paid life and disability insurance.
Paid Time Off: Minimum 17 days of PTO, 8 paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
Additional Rewards: Annual performance-based bonus opportunities through our Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP), where eligible.
Benefit eligibility and specific provisions vary by position and applicable plan requirements.
MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
MSA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@msa-ps.com so we can assist you.
Software Powered by ICIMS
www.icims.com