Central Office - Citizens Square - ROW Acquisition & Communications Manage

Under the direction of the Highway Engineer, the Right-of-Way Acquisition and Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing the County Highway Department’s information technology (IT) systems, managing right-of-way activities for roadway and bridge projects, and supporting public communications. This includes handling IT infrastructure, right-of-way acquisitions, complaint investigations, and planning and research efforts to ensure efficient project management and regulatory compliance.  This position is Covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.         

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Right-of-Way Management

• Ensures conformance with right-of-way acquisition laws and procedures and acts as liaison with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Right-of-Way Division.
• Organizes and oversees the road conversion developments and matrix for the Highway Department.
• Works with Technical Services for dedication of right of way for development projects.
• Works with County Attorney for right-of -way for all projects and other departments within the County.
• Responsible for document research, interaction with property owners, assignment and coordination of appraisal and acquisition consultants, documentation, recordation, and file maintenance, and processing invoices and checks.

Information Technology (IT) Management

• Performs as the Highway Department’s IT manager.
• Oversees purchasing, installation, maintenance, and upgrading of computer hardware and software.
• Develops and maintains Highway Department geodatabases.
• Maintains Highway Department’s GASB-34 database and IT equipment inventories.
• Trains employees and provides technical support on Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) equipment.

Public Communications and Reporting

• Responsible for public information activities, including preparation of maps, charts, graphics and presentation materials.
• Prepares information and updates on department website.
• Compiles and maintains Highway Department master status report on projects and programs, and right-of-way reports on individual projects.
• Prepares and maintains annual street acceptance and mileage certification and submits to Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).
• Prepares and assists with Highway annual reports and Commissioners annual report.
• Prepares and facilitates the annual Winter Storm book for the school transportation district, Sheriff’s Department, Commissioner’s, and Homeland Security.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Continued):

Project Administration

• Facilitates and assists with administration of road and bridge projects, including legislation session submittals, compilation and reproduction of bid documents, preparation of advertisements and legal notices, bid tabulations, notifications of award, notices to proceed, and maintenance of electronic project files.

General IT and Equipment Management

• Facilitates and oversees purchasing, renting, operation, and upkeep of all department electronic devices and systems including, but not limited to cell phones, radios, printers, scanners, GPS devices, and surveying equipment, and all office supplies.

Other Responsibilities

• Provides backup support to Finance and Personnel Manager
• Responsible for County Trails from planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and working with Fort Wayne Trails.
• Attends a wide variety of meetings as representative of the County Highway Department, including those for the Accela development group, consultant & developer meetings, and Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordination Council (NIRCC) Quarterly Progress Report meetings. 
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Construction, Civil Engineering or Computer Science or other related field
• Minimum of two years of experience with real estate acquisition, information technology, and geographic information systems (GIS)
• Ability to hold and maintain annual Certification of Employee in Responsible Charge (ERC) for federal projects
• Valid Operator’s License is required to operate County-owned vehicles to and from job sites
• Understanding of right-of-way acquisition laws and procedures
• General Knowledge and understanding of typical highway and governmental policies and procedures
• General Working knowledge of road construction and maintenance operations
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and other job-related software
• Working knowledge of computer science and information technology

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Right-of-Way Acquisition and Communications Manager oversees information technology systems, right-of-way acquisition processes, and is responsible for handling complaint investigations, along with planning and research efforts. The role requires sound judgment and adaptability to support road and bridge projects, balancing technical management, project oversight, and compliance with right-of-way laws. Maintaining accurate records, addressing challenges, and conducting thorough investigations are critical, with attention to detail and problem-solving skills essential for success.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Right-of-Way Acquisition and Communications Manager oversees the Highway Department’s information technology systems, manages right-of-way activities for roadway and bridge projects, and handles public communications.

RESPONSIBILITY (Continued):

This role ensures compliance with right-of-way laws, coordinates property acquisitions, investigates complaints, and supports planning and research efforts while working with property owners, consultants, and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Right-of-Way Acquisition and Communications Manager regularly interacts with County employees, the public, property owners, consultants, and representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to support the Highway Department’s information technology systems, right-of-way construction, complaint investigations, and planning and research efforts. The role involves attending meetings, responding to public inquiries, and ensuring effective project coordination and compliance with policies.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Right-of-Way Acquisition and Communications Manager works both indoors in an office environment and outdoors in the field. The position involves frequent walking, prolonged periods of sitting, and lifting up to sixty pounds. Physical tasks include bending, pushing/pulling, overhead reaching, kneeling, crawling, and climbing ladders, with exposure to extreme temperatures, dangerous equipment, chemicals, and noise. The role requires frequent typing, attention to detail, equipment monitoring, detailed inspections, proofreading, and sustained mental and visual focus to ensure accuracy in documentation and reporting.

• Frequent sitting, typing, and managing records with attention to detail.
• Regular standing, walking, and interacting with staff, property owners, and the public.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and lifting up to 60 pounds during fieldwork.

The description below outlines the physical requirements specific to the Right-of-Way Acquisition and Communications Manager’s role:

SUPERVISION:

The Right of Way Acquisition and Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing and evaluating two special project managers.

LICENSING:

Valid Operator’s License is required to operate County-owned vehicles to and from job sites.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Highway Engineer

HOURS:

8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, standard 37.5-hour workweek, with additional hours as needed.

EEO CATEGORY:

0202

WORKERS’ COMP CODE:

8601

I agree that the contents of this job description are a fair and accurate representation of the duties of this position being described.

Employee Printed Name: ____________________________________________

Employee Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Supervisor Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________