Land Acquisition Specialist

Date Posted: Sep 10, 2024

Requisition ID: 448829

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the Division of Fish & Wildlife:

DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Role Overview:

This position serves as the lead Land Acquisition Specialist to negotiate/buy real property and be responsible for all real estate activities for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife. The position reports to the Assistant Director, of Public Lands, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and works closely with the Director of Land Acquisition, Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The position is responsible for:

• Appraisal - Determine what type of appraisal is needed for each tract of land DNR may be purchasing. Contract with and manage the appraiser in this process. Ensure the appraisals are fair, logical and of sound judgement as to value.

• Survey - Contract for any boundary survey work needed for acquistions. Review legal descriptions and plats for compliance with state requirements

• Title Insurance - Order title insurance to assure the State receives equitable title.

• Negotiation - Negotiations may range from a few thousand to several million dollars. Properties can be rural or urban and range from less than 1 acre to several thousand acres.

• Closing - Ensure that the state receives a clear title, free of any liens or encumbrances.

• Facilitator - These projects often involve working with and bringing together efforts of several conservation groups, corporations, private citizens, local, State and Federal agencies. This position works with mayors, county commissioners, State Legislators, Governor's Office, Attorney General's Office, Budget Agency, Auditor's Office, Dept. of Administration, USFWS, NGOs, etc

• Easements - This position is responsible for preparing easements from/to the State of Indiana.

  Candidates must have a valid broker's license, or the ability to obtain a broker's license within the first year of employment.

  Salary Statement:

  The salary for this position traditionally starts at $67,314.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Oversee or design project scope for the development of design, bidding, and construction as well as coordination of permits and grants as required.

• Provide leadership and expertise for project planning and management through budget planning, federal grant preparation and reporting, and regulatory compliance.

• Perform technical reviews of engineering submittals, construction documents, and project scope development.

• Administer contracts with professional consultants and contractors, overseeing project progress and financials.

• Perform critical review of plans and specifications to minimize non-compliance of a project.

• Responsible for long-term project planning and related budgetary issues with preparation of Capital Project Requests and submission to the State Budget Agency and monitoring unspent project balances.

• Utilize applications such as AutoCAD or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Department databases to produce documents and to gather data and information related to site layouts and project development.

• Research grant opportunities, prepare grant applications, prepare and submit required grant reports, track expenditures, and coordinate with the Department's Grant and Finance Division.

• Reviews and updates Emergency Action Plans for the Department's high-hazard dams.

• Manage projects for the Institutional Road Program. This utilizes annual allotments given directly to DNR as well as coordination of DNR-wide projects that are prioritized and submitted to INDOT.

• Provide planning and logistical coordination as needed for DNR wide initiatives or events; most notably in support of the DNR's annual presence and outreach at the Natural Resources Building at the Indiana State Fair.

• Respond to requests from other divisions and agencies regarding compliance and technical objectives of the projects.

• Supervise staff to meet the programmatic needs of the Division and the Department.

• Attend meetings, training seminars and workshops to disseminate information, review procedures, maintain licensure, and learn new methods and techniques.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

You must have the following requirements to be considered for employment:

• Knowledge and skill acquired through a Baccalaureate degree in architecture, engineering, environmental sciences, landscape architecture, natural resource management, planning, public affairs, or related field.

• Two years of work experience in a position with similar responsibilities.

• Extensive knowledge of and ability to understand and interpret relevant federal and state laws and administrative rules and is expected to wisely apply appropriate and related procedures and policies to lead projects through sound engineering, financial, and environmental means.

• Must work independently and meet with and disseminate overall project and technical information to federal, state and local agencies as well as coordinate with other Department personnel, co-workers, Executive Management, and have the ability to communicate with a diverse group of professionals.

• Projects are varied and unique, including among them aquatic centers, ADA compliance, campgrounds, dam and levee evaluation and improvements, exhibit installations, inn additions/ renovations, interpretive centers, master planning, mitigation, parking facilities, roads and trails, and shooting ranges. Most projects require complex solutions and coordination and require resolution of disputes or opposing viewpoints among stakeholders (public, State, Federal, and local government) to form consensus.

• Critical thinking and technical knowledge, ability to interpret construction plans, effectively apply methodology and standards, ability to communicate with diverse professionals.

• Broad knowledge of Department standards and policies, ability to plan, develop, critique, and prioritize projects/programs.

• Knowledge of bidding and construction process and ability to review shop drawings and contractor submittals for consistency with design and technical requirements.

• Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulatory programs and procedures.

• Ability to provide designs that meet safety and code requirements in coordination with usage requirements of the institution and public within an acceptable budget.

• Knowledge of the requirements of the NEPA review process.

• Ability to communicate effectively and timely, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers within and outside the Division; Federal, State, and local agencies; consultants; contractors, as well as the general public.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid new parent leave

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

  Equal Employment Opportunity:

  The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected] .

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

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