Real Property Agent I/II at County of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, CA

Description

Real Property Agent I Salary: $64,731.68 - $77,459.20 Annually Real Property Agent II Salary: $83,611.84 - $100,511.84 Annually
We are accepting applications to fill one full-time Real Property Agent I/II vacancy in the General Services Department. The current vacancy is in Santa Barbara.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
Holidays: 13 days per year.
Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium.
On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age of 5.
Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance
Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participating in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.

For County benefits, please click here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

Retirement reciprocity and
Service Credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

About the Department: The Real Property Division of the General Services Department provides professional real property services to other County Departments, governmental agencies, and other outside entities. The Real Property office coordinates and prepares real property transactions of land acquisition and disposition, property management, and engineering or appraisal as they relate to buying, selling and leasing real property or property rights for public use. To learn more about this Department, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/1697/Real-Property

POSITION: Under direction, executes real estate transactions, drafts leases and lease amendments, performs and obtains appraisals, applies property management principles and real property law, and oversees public agency acquisition and disposal of real property.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Real Property Agent I/II is a flexibly staffed series. Real Property Agent I is the entry-level class in which incumbents receive orientation and training, work under close supervision, and are expected to progress to the journey level in a reasonable period of time. Real Property Agent II is the full journey level, which is distinguished by incumbents' responsibility for projects of greater complexity and sensitivity and by incumbents' use of more independent judgment in planning, scheduling, and completing assigned projects.

NOTE: Candidates may be appointed at the I or II level, depending on the candidate's qualifications and the need of the department.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college with major coursework in real property, dispute resolution, business, public administration, or another closely-related field
Three or more years of experience in Real Property transactions and/or mediation for a public agency and/or private sector entity;
Three or more years of professional experience in evaluating and interpreting written contracts for real property or related transactions for a public agency;
Professional experience in negotiating leases or acquisition and disposition of property for a public agency and/or mediating in rent control contracts and/or disputes;
Demonstrated professional experience drafting staff reports making recommendations for approval by public agency governing bodies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey information in a clear, concise, organized and relevant manner to help others understand objectives and priorities;
Solution-oriented strategic problem-solving skills;
Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and situations occurring simultaneously;
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with diverse people and personalities;
Ability to prepare and write clear and concise reports, and keep records organized accordingly;
Ability to process, interpret and communicate legal information;
Ability to obtain and review technical engineering reports relevant to development or real estate transactions;
Ability to work well in a team environment, making positive contributions and assisting others as necessary;
Ability to work independently, prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines;
Professional experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint;
Experience using a computerized real estate management system;
Great customer service skills and experience working with the public.

Examples of Duties

Performs public agency real property transactions.
Examines and interprets information contained in legal descriptions, engineering plans, property maps, and preliminary title reports for the purpose of buying, selling, or leasing real property or property rights for public use.
Reviews appraisals to ensure that they include accurate assumptions and are based on appropriate principles.
Researches minimum value and/or nominal value for real property and conducts rental studies.
Researches property title, court cases, property rights, and other public and quasi-public records related to real estate transactions.
Prepares, interprets, and negotiates deeds, easements, concession agreements, leases, licenses, temporary entry permits, and purchase and sale contracts to be used in the acquisition and disposition of real property or property rights.
Meets and confers with the public, elected officials, and appointed boards and commissions to present the County's proposals and answer questions related to real estate transactions.
Coordinates work on real property matters with other County departments, government agencies, and the general public to ensure conformance with policies and regulations and to make sure projects are completed on time.
Confers with County Counsel on eminent domain actions related to condemnation proceedings.
Maintains records and prepares letters, reports, and general correspondence.
May assist in training other staff.

Employment Standards

Possession of an Associate's Degree or 64 semester units / 94 quarter units of college coursework, preferably in real estate, business/public administration, or a related field; OR,
Either a valid certificate in real estate from an accredited college or university or a real estate license issued by the state of California Department of Real Estate AND one year of paraprofessional experience related to public or private sector real estate transactions including appraisal, leasing, engineering (as it relates to reading and interpreting drawings, plans, property maps and preliminary title reports), application or interpretation of real property law, or acquisition or disposal of real property or property rights; OR,
Two years of paraprofessional experience related to public or private sector real estate transactions including appraisal, leasing, engineering (as it relates to reading and interpreting drawings, plans, property maps and preliminary title reports), application or interpretation of real property law, or acquisition or disposal of real property or property rights; OR,
A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: English grammar and usage; basic math; computer applications for office use.

Ability to: work tactfully and effectively and maintain cooperative and productive working relations with others; make presentations; read, understand, and explain legal and technical documents; write technical material such as letters, reports, leases, and contracts clearly and concisely; follow oral and written directions; communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing; work in groups and on teams; use computers.

Additional Requirement: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.

Desirable Qualifications: knowledge of basic principles and practices of land acquisition and disposition, real estate negotiations, engineering (as it relates to drawings, plans, property maps and preliminary title reports), property management, real property law, appraisal disciplines and the preparation of documentation relating to real estate transactions.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking Assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this position (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

Conditional Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

The Hiring Department may conduct a background check that may include Live Scan screening.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Friday, February 28, 2025 at 4:59 PM PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Collin Graham, Senior Talent Acquisition Analyst - cgraham@countyofsb.org