Description About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an Acquisition Unit Supervisor to lead the Eastern Region (ER) Acquisition Program by providing strategic leadership, technical expertise, and oversight of right-of-way acquisition activities that support the planning, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of Washington's state transportation system. This position supervises acquisition staff and consultant resources, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies governing property acquisition and eminent domain, and oversees acquisition certification requirements that support successful project delivery, mitigate risk, and protect eligibility for federal funding.

Our top candidate will possess expertise in right-of-way acquisition and real estate practices, leadership and staff development skills, knowledge of federal and state compliance requirements, and the ability to build collaborative partnerships while effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Acquisition Unit Supervisor will:

• Provide direct supervision and leadership for the ER Acquisition Program.
• Develop and implement workforce plans, resource strategies, budgets, and funding requests to ensure acquisition services are available to support project delivery schedules and organizational priorities.
• Oversee consultant acquisition contracts, monitor contractor performance, and ensure contracted services meet project requirements, regulatory standards, and agency expectations.
• Work collaboratively with Real Estate Services management, Project Development, Engineering, Environmental, Local Programs, and Headquarters staff to establish acquisition schedules, identify resource needs, and resolve issues.
• Serve as the ER's subject matter expert for acquisition, eminent domain, and federal compliance requirements.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance to staff, consultants, project teams, and executive leadership regarding acquisition procedures, regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Review acquisition files, settlement packages, certification documents, and support records to ensure compliance.
• Ensure acquisition activities are properly documented and completed in accordance with federal funding requirements to protect project eligibility and reduce agency risk.
• Analyze complex acquisition issues and develop recommendations to resolve legal, procedural, and operational challenges.
• Identify compliance deficiencies, process gaps, and program risks and implement corrective actions to maintain regulatory compliance and support project delivery objectives.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Acquisition and Right-of-Way Expertise: Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing right-of-way acquisition, eminent domain, relocation assistance, and real estate transactions.
• Leadership and Supervision: Ability to lead, mentor, develop, and evaluate employees in a professional work environment.
• Program and Project Management: Ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Communication and Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, property owners, consultants, attorneys, public agencies, and project stakeholders.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions within delegated authority.
• Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State Notary Public commission within six (6) months of hire.

Important Notes

The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.