Senior Real Estate Appraiser

MSA Professional Services is seeking a Senior Real Estate Professional to lead right of way acquisition activities for transportation and municipal improvement projects. This role is designed for an experienced right of way professional who can independently manage complex acquisitions, work directly with property owners and clients, and provide technical guidance to other members of the team.

You’ll oversee the acquisition process from property research and owner negotiations through settlement and transfer of clear title. You’ll also serve as a trusted resource for complex right of way issues and help clients navigate acquisitions efficiently while balancing project needs, property-owner concerns, and regulatory requirements.

MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a multidisciplinary network of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play. 

Come join the ownership team here! 

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners." -Project Engineer - Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

• Lead and oversee right of way negotiations and acquisitions for transportation and municipal improvement projects
• Research property titles, verify legal descriptions, interpret right of way plats and construction plans, and explain proposed projects and property impacts to owners
• Negotiate just-compensation settlements, identify affected parties, explain eminent domain rights, and develop solutions to complex acquisition issues
• Prepare and secure acquisition documents necessary to transfer clear title and maintain accurate negotiation and project records Senior Real Estate Professional

• Serve as a primary point of contact for property owners, clients, project managers, appraisers, review agencies, and other stakeholders
• Build rapport with property owners while addressing complex questions and concerns professionally and independently
• Advise project teams and clients on right of way best practices, risks, settlement considerations, and opportunities to improve efficiency
• Communicate negotiation and acquisition status to project teams and clients and identify issues requiring additional attention

• Independently manage multiple acquisition assignments while maintaining project schedules, task lists, quality, and status reporting
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to other real estate professionals
• Mentor less-experienced team members and provide informal oversight as appropriate
• Recognize and address complex issues involving relocation, access, severance damages, cost-to-cure considerations, litigation appeals, and other right of way matters

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must be on a governmental list of approved right of way specialists or certified by a state board to complete real estate acquisition for public improvement projects
• Real Estate Sales or Broker License preferred

• 8+ years of relevant right of way experience
• Demonstrated experience independently managing negotiations and acquisitions for public improvement projects

• Strong knowledge of the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act and applicable state right of way acquisition statutes
• Ability to interpret right of way plats, construction plans, title information, legal descriptions, and acquisition documents
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to navigate complex property-owner issues and develop practical solutions independently
• Strong organization and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to mentor colleagues and collaborate effectively with clients, project teams, and public stakeholders
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• 100% employee‑owned firm with 100+ years of community impact
• Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
• Flexible work‑life integration
• Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
• Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
• Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years