Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID: 33344
Agency: Department of Transportation / Division of Planning & Engineering / Right-of-Way Program
Location: Pierre, SD - NegotiableSalary: $29.57 - DOE
Pay Grade: J
Closing Date: 10/23/2025
This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation. For more information about the Department of Transportation, please visit http://dot.sd.gov
The Sr. Right-of-Way Specialist (Title Examiner) searches public records and examines titles to determine legal condition of property title for Department of Transportation Right-of-Way Office. Duties include, but are not limited to, conducting property title research and ascertaining easements on designated private owned parcels to verify parcel ownership for a Department of Transportation project that may affect acquisition of property rights/title; conducting property title research on designated private owned parcels to verify and certify parcel ownership and identify any mortgages, liens, or judgments for a Department of Transportation project that may affect acquisition of property rights/title; conducting title research on designated highway routes or parcels to verify parcel ownership of Department of Transportation property interest rights and title; and researching and providing title opinions, along with associated documentation, to various DOT personnel to ensure accurate chain of title.
Position location will be set depending on qualifications and experience.
Extensive in-state travel is required with overnight stays.
What the SDDOT Offers: - Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
- Well-being program
- Employee assistance program
- Dental and Vision
- Health savings account
- Free basic life insurance policy
- Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System with partial state match
- Paid leave (15 vacation days per year)
- Sick leave (14 days per year)
- Paid family leave (12 weeks for birth and adoption of child, equivalent to 40 hours per week)
- Military leave (15 days per year)
- 11 paid holidays
- Longevity pay
- Semimonthly pay periods
- Eligibility for meal per diems
The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for entry level Sr. Right-of-Way Specialist is approximately $83,439.00 annually.
Licenses and Certifications:Certified Abstractor of Title (preferred but not required).
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:Experience in the property titling industry or public assessment as a Title Examiner.
Knowledge of:
- public land record systems in various counties (preferred but not required);
- researching and examining land title and tax records (preferred but not required);
- terminology and practices regarding escrow, property titles, and related records (preferred but not required).
Skill to:
- read and interpret construction plans, plats, maps, legal descriptions of property, appraisals, agreements, contracts, and other property-related documents (preferred but not required);
- use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to set up functions, enter data, and process information;
- add, subtract, multiply, and divide mathematical figures; structure or classify multiple pieces of information to organize, file and retrieve materials and documents.
Ability to:
- display high standards of ethical conduct;
- adjust effectively to changing, new, or different situations at work;
- attend to all details of assignments and completes work properly, accurately, and thoroughly;
- listen attentively to others and clearly conveys information and ideas;
- treat customers courteously and is responsive to their needs;
- actively seeks, collects, and evaluates information to learn more about issues or events;
- display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
- set priorities, schedules activities, acquires resources, and monitors progress to ensure the successful completion of projects and assignments;
- work to build and maintain friendly relationships with people who can, or might someday be able to, provide information, assistance, or support;
- work cooperatively with others and promotes a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals;
- lift heavy index books up to 25 pounds.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2L8
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
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