About This Role
AR/WS is seeking an experienced Right of Way Project Manager to join our team in Walnut Creek, CA. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional with a background in right of way services to take on a leadership role managing multi-disciplinary public infrastructure assignments for local, state, and federal agencies across California.
The successful candidate will oversee all right of way activities from project initiation through certification, coordinating closely with AR/WS staff, subconsultants, and agency clients to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and full regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Manage all phases of right of way assignments, including scoping, scheduling, budgeting, and reporting
- Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams encompassing appraisal, acquisition, relocation, and title functions
- Serve as the primary point of contact for agency clients and engineering partners throughout project delivery
- Monitor project progress against approved schedules and budgets; identify and resolve issues proactively
- Prepare project status reports, budget summaries, and correspondence for agency review
- Ensure all work products comply with applicable state and federal regulations, including Caltrans Right of Way Manual and Uniform Act requirements
- Review and quality-check appraisals, acquisition packages, and relocation files as needed
- Support right of way certification submittals to Caltrans or other oversight agencies
- Assist with proposal preparation and client presentations as part of new business development
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience in right of way project management for public agency projects in California
- Working knowledge of applicable regulations, including the Uniform Act, Caltrans Right of Way Manual, and California Relocation Assistance Law
- Experience managing budgets and schedules on multi-parcel right of way assignments
- IRWA certification (SR/WA, RWA, or equivalent) strongly preferred
- Certified General Appraiser license a plus but not required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable with agency presentations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with project tracking tools preferred
- Valid California driver's license required
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Planning, or a related field preferred
- Equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience will be considered
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer contribution
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development support — IRWA coursework, certification fees, and conference attendance
- Hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office / 2 days remote)
About AR/WS
Associated Right of Way Services, Inc. (AR/WS) is a full-service right of way and real estate consulting firm founded in 1989. We serve local, state, and federal agencies, transportation authorities, special districts, and engineering firms across California, supporting projects from early planning through acquisition and right of way certification. Our team holds IRWA and Appraisal Institute designations, and several staff members serve as IRWA-approved course instructors.
AR/WS is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where every team member can grow and succeed.