Property Agent 1 (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DAG) was established to encourage and promote the development of agriculture within Connecticut . Working as a Property Agent in the Department's Farmland Preservation unit, you will assist in securing and leveraging millions of dollars each year through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Services.

You may also: work on all phases of the purchase of development rights on agricultural lands through the state's voluntary Farmland Preservation Program; coordinate with and provide outreach to municipalities, landowners and other involved entities on the state's Community Farms Program; assist with coordination and administration of the Gov's Farmland Restoration Prgrm; assist with coordination and administration of the FarmLink Prgrm; prepare lease agreements, easements and other agreements related to land acquisition, property management and revenue development; conduct title searches and related research; conduct inspections of proposed land acquisitions; review and may prepare appraisals; assist in municipal grants in aid programs; conduct negotiations necessary to secure property, property rights, and commercial lease agreements; prepare deeds and draws maps from survey notes; collect and analyze data in property market values; make recommendations for fair awards to property owners; maintain records and prepares reports; may provide relocation assistance to displaced individuals in obtaining new residences or places of business; may prepare condemnation files and provides testimony at condemnation hearings; may process disposal and sale of state owned land and buildings; may recommend items for salvage in properties to be demolished; may supervise maintenance of buildings and grounds of acquired property; related duties as required.

This position is a 35 hour per week position located at 450 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford. Interested applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application and should indicate how their background meets the position requirements.

NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation such as performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, etc., to support their candidacy for this position.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Irena Baj-Wright at Irena.Baj-Wright@ct.gov, or (860) 713-5391.

In a state agency having a property acquisition and leasing function this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in technical phases of property acquisition, disposal, commercial leasing and revenue management.

Conducts negotiations necessary to secure property, property rights and commercial lease agreements; conducts title searches and related research; prepares deeds and draws maps from survey notes; collects and analyzes data in property market values; conducts site inspections of proposed land acquisitions; makes recommendations for fair awards to property owners; provides relocation assistance to displaced individuals in obtaining new residences or places of business; prepares condemnation files and provides testimony at condemnation hearings; prepares leases agreements, easements and other agreements related to land acquisition, property management and revenue development; processes disposal and sale of state owned land and buildings; maintains records and prepares reports; may prepare or review appraisals; may recommend items for salvage in properties to be demolished; may supervise maintenance of buildings and grounds of acquired property; may assist in municipal grants in aid programs; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and practices of land acquisition by purchase or condemnation; knowledge of principles and practices of real property title examination, abstraction and conveyance; knowledge of commercial lease agreements and revenue management; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of property values and appraisal methods; knowledge of deed and tract restrictions, zoning ordinances, setbacks, assessments and encroachments and their effect on property values; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software.

Six (6) years of technical experience in rights of way, real estate appraisal, land acquisition, sale of real property, commercial leasing or property management.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. Certification by the International Right of Way Association as a Senior Right of Way Professional may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Experience creating and modifying GIS data and maps.
  
• Experience interacting with and presenting to landowners/farmers, businesses, and institutions involved in farming and food systems, government agencies, surveyors, appraisers, attorneys and legal staff.
  
• Experience with graphic design software; photo editing software; desktop design software and Microsoft Office products.
  
• Experience completing land conservation projects.
  
• Experience designing and maintaining websites and drafting social media content.

1. Incumbents in this class involved with the appraisal of real property must successfully complete agency specified real estate appraisal courses and possess and retain a current Connecticut Real Estate Appraiser license and either a residential and/or general appraiser certification as required by the position.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.