Job Description
Summary
Are you passionate about land conservation and seeking a position that will have a lasting positive impact on current and future generations? This is an exciting opportunity to join King County's Open Space Acquisitions Unit's Acquisitions Team as a Title and Escrow Officer. In this position, you will work alongside experienced real estate professionals to permanently protect land through fee and easement acquisitions in furtherance of King County's Land Conservation Initiative - an effort to protect approximately 65,000 acres of land for public access, climate resilience, and habitat preservation within 30 years - and to support the Water and Land Resources Division's growing number of capital improvement projects. This is a meaningful opportunity to apply your experience in the title and escrow industry in the service of a healthier future for King County's residents. To date, the Acquisitions Team has successfully completed acquisitions permanently conserving more than 160,000 acres of floodplain, forestland, farmland, and other open space.
In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Real Property Agent III career service positions throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six (6) months.About the Role:
As a Title and Escrow Officer (Real Property Agent III), you will be the title expert and escrow liaison to support a team of conservation-minded King County real property agents in acquiring property interests on behalf of the Water and Land Resources Division and Parks and Recreation Division, as well as for local jurisdictions and non-profit partner recipients of King County grant conservation funding.This position requires a detail-oriented and organized individual with experience in reviewing or producing title commitments, writing legal descriptions, project management, who is well-versed in closing real estate transactions, and has a track record of successfully communicating clearly, calmly, and effectively with a wide range of audiences, including internal and external constituents, senior leadership, and attorneys.
In addition to demonstrating the technical expertise necessary to be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will consistently approach their work in an efficient manner with a sense of enthusiasm and pride. They will be exceptionally dependable and proactive in accomplishing work assignments with minimal assistance, and possess the ability to ask questions, seek feedback, and learn from others.
This is a great opportunity to join our fast-paced and dynamic team as a key contributor to advance acquisitions for the purpose of removing people and property from flood hazard areas, advancing capital improvement projects, establishing regional trail connections, floodplain protection and restoration, and permanently protecting open space for future generations.
About the Team:
This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.
The Open Space Acquisitions Unit is part of the Rural and Regional Services Section, in the Water and Land Resources Division. The unit plays a central role in advancing the County's ambitious Land Conservation Initiative by (1) awarding approximately $100 million annually for conservation acquisitions through the Conservation Futures Tax grant program; (2) acquiring land on behalf of King County partners within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks and external clients to permanently protect parks, open space, trail corridors, habitat/ecological areas, floodplains, forestland and farmland; and (3) operating the transfer of development rights program, compensatory mitigation programs, and supporting a Forest Carbon program - all of which are market-based conservation programs. Our staff bring expertise in government land acquisition, grant funding, policy development, and environmental markets, all driving creative solutions that maximize conservation outcomes.Known for professionalism, attention to detail, and working at the pace of the private market, the Acquisitions Team is deeply respected within the King County enterprise and by external partners and clients, alike. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
Who Are We?
The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) is at the forefront of King County's efforts to protect and restore clean water and healthy habitat and strengthen the resilience of communities, environment, and infrastructure in the face of climate change. We are a dedicated workforce of more than 450 supported by an annual budget of ~$280 million. WLRD has a strong track record of developing innovative strategies to protect working farms and forests, restore habitat, improve water quality, and provide county residents with equitable access to green space. We house the Land Conservation Initiative, which aims to preserve our last, most important lands. Our forestry and agricultural programs help individuals protect their lands and support local food production.We house four salmon recovery forums where we collaborate with scores of partners to plan, design, and build habitat projects. We partner with regional jurisdictions to help residents and businesses reduce the threats posed by production, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. We are the primary service provider to the King County Flood Control District, contributing to flood preparedness and constructing and maintaining facilities that restore rivers and reduce risk. Our one true local service to unincorporated King County is stormwater management, protecting water quality, reducing flooding, and building and maintaining facilities. Finally, we provide regional science and laboratory services to an array of customers, maintaining high-quality data sets used to assess water quality and habitat trends, and provide Best Available Science to inform decision making. In two words, we are a watershed utility.
Commitment To Equity and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Title and Escrow Officer, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Water and Land Resource Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:
- Procuring and reviewing title commitments, master guarantees, and subdivision guarantees as an initial step in the fee and easement acquisition process, and for informational purposes in response to internal inquiries.
- Preparing maps to visually depict property boundaries, encumbrances, and access.
- Writing legal descriptions to support easement acquisitions.
- Acting as the primary point of contact with numerous escrow companies for 60+ fee and easement acquisitions annually, from mutual acceptance through closing, including drafting escrow instructions, releasing contingencies, ordering funds, reviewing closing documents, and providing timely updates.
- Performing a variety of administrative tasks, including utilizing templates to prepare purchase and sale agreements and amendments, providing accurate and timely updates to various tracking mechanisms, routing signature items through DocuSign, and managing your own files.
- Making recommendations and assist in resolving title defects prior to closing.
- Acting as the subject matter expert for internal title-related inquiries, including performing and reporting on property research.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:
Demonstrated proficiency in reviewing and/or preparing title commitments.
Understanding of the steps required to close real estate transactions.
Demonstrated ability to write legal descriptions.
Experience performing administrative tasks.
- Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
- Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
- Experience using Net Deed Plotter and/or ArcGIS.
- Demonstrated ability to make informed recommendations to resolve title defects.
- Familiarity with the nuances of government land acquisitions.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:
- Remote and Onsite Work Details: The Open Space Acquisitions Unit works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104.
- Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
- Work Schedule: This full-time position will work a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible. The typical work schedule is 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday- Friday.
- Union Representation: This position is not represented.
Application and Selection Process:
We welcomeapplications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Please ensure that your application materials clearly detail how your skills and experience meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this posting.
Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.
To apply, submit a:
- Complete Online Application with response to supplemental questions.
- Cover Letter.
- Resume.
Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Isaac Good at (206) 848-0576 or [email protected].
Discover More About the Water Land & Resources Division: Visit our website.
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive mapof our recent accomplishments and check us out atFacebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTubeand Keeping King County Green News.
Sign up forJob Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer: No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
Summary
Are you passionate about land conservation and seeking a position that will have a lasting positive impact on current and future generations? This is an exciting opportunity to join King County's Open Space Acquisitions Unit's Acquisitions Team as a Title and Escrow Officer. In this position, you will work alongside experienced real estate professionals to permanently protect land through fee and easement acquisitions in furtherance of King County's Land Conservation Initiative - an effort to protect approximately 65,000 acres of land for public access, climate resilience, and habitat preservation within 30 years - and to support the Water and Land Resources Division's growing number of capital improvement projects. This is a meaningful opportunity to apply your experience in the title and escrow industry in the service of a healthier future for King County's residents. To date, the Acquisitions Team has successfully completed acquisitions permanently conserving more than 160,000 acres of floodplain, forestland, farmland, and other open space.
In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Real Property Agent III career service positions throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six (6) months.About the Role:
As a Title and Escrow Officer (Real Property Agent III), you will be the title expert and escrow liaison to support a team of conservation-minded King County real property agents in acquiring property interests on behalf of the Water and Land Resources Division and Parks and Recreation Division, as well as for local jurisdictions and non-profit partner recipients of King County grant conservation funding.This position requires a detail-oriented and organized individual with experience in reviewing or producing title commitments, writing legal descriptions, project management, who is well-versed in closing real estate transactions, and has a track record of successfully communicating clearly, calmly, and effectively with a wide range of audiences, including internal and external constituents, senior leadership, and attorneys.
In addition to demonstrating the technical expertise necessary to be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will consistently approach their work in an efficient manner with a sense of enthusiasm and pride. They will be exceptionally dependable and proactive in accomplishing work assignments with minimal assistance, and possess the ability to ask questions, seek feedback, and learn from others.
This is a great opportunity to join our fast-paced and dynamic team as a key contributor to advance acquisitions for the purpose of removing people and property from flood hazard areas, advancing capital improvement projects, establishing regional trail connections, floodplain protection and restoration, and permanently protecting open space for future generations.
About the Team:
This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.
The Open Space Acquisitions Unit is part of the Rural and Regional Services Section, in the Water and Land Resources Division. The unit plays a central role in advancing the County's ambitious Land Conservation Initiative by (1) awarding approximately $100 million annually for conservation acquisitions through the Conservation Futures Tax grant program; (2) acquiring land on behalf of King County partners within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks and external clients to permanently protect parks, open space, trail corridors, habitat/ecological areas, floodplains, forestland and farmland; and (3) operating the transfer of development rights program, compensatory mitigation programs, and supporting a Forest Carbon program - all of which are market-based conservation programs. Our staff bring expertise in government land acquisition, grant funding, policy development, and environmental markets, all driving creative solutions that maximize conservation outcomes.Known for professionalism, attention to detail, and working at the pace of the private market, the Acquisitions Team is deeply respected within the King County enterprise and by external partners and clients, alike. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
Who Are We?
The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) is at the forefront of King County's efforts to protect and restore clean water and healthy habitat and strengthen the resilience of communities, environment, and infrastructure in the face of climate change. We are a dedicated workforce of more than 450 supported by an annual budget of ~$280 million. WLRD has a strong track record of developing innovative strategies to protect working farms and forests, restore habitat, improve water quality, and provide county residents with equitable access to green space. We house the Land Conservation Initiative, which aims to preserve our last, most important lands. Our forestry and agricultural programs help individuals protect their lands and support local food production.We house four salmon recovery forums where we collaborate with scores of partners to plan, design, and build habitat projects. We partner with regional jurisdictions to help residents and businesses reduce the threats posed by production, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. We are the primary service provider to the King County Flood Control District, contributing to flood preparedness and constructing and maintaining facilities that restore rivers and reduce risk. Our one true local service to unincorporated King County is stormwater management, protecting water quality, reducing flooding, and building and maintaining facilities. Finally, we provide regional science and laboratory services to an array of customers, maintaining high-quality data sets used to assess water quality and habitat trends, and provide Best Available Science to inform decision making. In two words, we are a watershed utility.
Commitment To Equity and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Title and Escrow Officer, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Water and Land Resource Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:
- Procuring and reviewing title commitments, master guarantees, and subdivision guarantees as an initial step in the fee and easement acquisition process, and for informational purposes in response to internal inquiries.
- Preparing maps to visually depict property boundaries, encumbrances, and access.
- Writing legal descriptions to support easement acquisitions.
- Acting as the primary point of contact with numerous escrow companies for 60+ fee and easement acquisitions annually, from mutual acceptance through closing, including drafting escrow instructions, releasing contingencies, ordering funds, reviewing closing documents, and providing timely updates.
- Performing a variety of administrative tasks, including utilizing templates to prepare purchase and sale agreements and amendments, providing accurate and timely updates to various tracking mechanisms, routing signature items through DocuSign, and managing your own files.
- Making recommendations and assist in resolving title defects prior to closing.
- Acting as the subject matter expert for internal title-related inquiries, including performing and reporting on property research.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:
Demonstrated proficiency in reviewing and/or preparing title commitments.
Understanding of the steps required to close real estate transactions.
Demonstrated ability to write legal descriptions.
Experience performing administrative tasks.
- Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
- Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
- Experience using Net Deed Plotter and/or ArcGIS.
- Demonstrated ability to make informed recommendations to resolve title defects.
- Familiarity with the nuances of government land acquisitions.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:
- Remote and Onsite Work Details: The Open Space Acquisitions Unit works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104.
- Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
- Work Schedule: This full-time position will work a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible. The typical work schedule is 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday- Friday.
- Union Representation: This position is not represented.
Application and Selection Process:
We welcomeapplications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Please ensure that your application materials clearly detail how your skills and experience meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this posting.
Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.
To apply, submit a:
- Complete Online Application with response to supplemental questions.
- Cover Letter.
- Resume.
Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Isaac Good at (206) 848-0576 or [email protected].
Discover More About the Water Land & Resources Division: Visit our website.
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive mapof our recent accomplishments and check us out atFacebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTubeand Keeping King County Green News.
Sign up forJob Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer: No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
About King County
Be part of the solution that helps nurture equity and environmental justice
Apply for a rewarding career at the Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities.
King County is a leader in its work and innovations to protect and restore clean water and healthy habitat and strengthen the resilience of communities, environment, and infrastructure in the face of climate change.
JOIN OUR TEAM!