City of Tampa

This is highly responsible supervisory and technical work in real estate negotiations, including property acquisitions, leases, disposition of city property and development of city properties in major growth areas within the city.

An employee in this class performs highly responsible supervisory and technical work involving the city’s real estate programs, including planning and assigning work and ensuring that the work of real estate professionals and para-professionals is accomplished in accordance with the policies and programs of the department. Assignments are broad in scope and of considerable difficulty requiring the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgment. The employee assists the Real Estate Manager in directing the more complex real estate programs and negotiations with emphasis on the city’s major growth areas. The employee must exercise a high degree of negotiating finesse while being mindful of the sensitivity and confidentiality of real estate negotiations and working within the bounds of various federal, state and/or county funding and approval requirements relating to acquisition and disposition of properties. Work is performed under direction, may involve numerous evening sessions, and requires the ability to work a flexible schedule. Work is reviewed while in progress through conferences, observations and reports submitted and upon completion through results obtained.

Confers with the real estate management team, city representatives and elected officials, representatives of non-profit organizations and other governmental entities, and the general public regarding the nature of projects for which land or facilities are needed in major growth areas for such purposes as transportation corridors, public utility sites, community facilities, etc.; assists the real estate manager in developing city real estate strategies, including analysis of the viability of the use of eminent domain; determines acquisition parameters so that property search, determination of real estate ownership, and negotiations can be initiated; confers with other city department managers concerning their specific needs and conducts appropriate searches to locate suitable land and/or facilities for their operations.

Assigns projects to Real Estate Contract Specialists; assists and advises real estate personnel in the approach to and analysis of projects; ensures that work is completed in accordance with plans and schedules.

Supervises staff in: researching real estate ownership and making owner contacts regarding the potential acquisition of properties needed by the city for public purposes; arranging for and reviewing property appraisals; providing analysis of title search results and opinions; visual inspection of properties; conducting information searches of tax records, deeds, abstracts, office files, court records, private surveys, etc.; making recommendations concerning purchase; preparing resolutions for City Council relating to real estate acquisition, disposition or exchange.

Serves as lead negotiator on the more complex real estate negotiations and on matters of substantial financial impact to the city; works with other city, county, state, and federal entities in matters of joint concern and consequence; inspects and evaluates real estate and determines estimate of value; inspects real estate to determine if a contemplated use is appropriate for a particular piece of real estate; negotiates and prepares documents to complete land acquisition and disposition agreements; negotiates and prepares leases and hold harmless agreements.

Writes original drafts and complex agreements and leases, agreements to purchase and sell, deeds and resolutions; negotiates and reworks drafts with the Legal Department until such documents accomplish the city’s interest within a framework established by the Legal Department.

Reviews and evaluates real estate documents provided by staff, Legal Department, or third parties; participates in meetings with appraisers to negotiate fees and letters of engagement; assures that legal, accounting and budgetary requirements with respect to the property purchases, dispositions and financial transactions comply with professional and legal requirements.

Prepares reports and correspondence; assigns, supervises, develops, and reviews the work of subordinate employees; completes performance appraisals; recommends promotions, employment, termination, and disciplinary actions; serves as respondent in the grievance process; manages unit budget and work processes.

Performs related work when required.

Considerable knowledge of: real estate practices, procedures and laws; requirements of form, content and recording necessary to validate real estate documents; methods of appraisal of property; real estate title and valuation work; modern management practices and procedures.

Ability to: read and interpret technical location plans and property descriptions; plan, assign, direct, and coordinate the work of professional, para-professional, and clerical employees in a manner that promotes full performance; write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, employees, representatives of property owners, lending institutions, and the general public; set clear objectives and measures and monitor process, progress and results.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, real estate, or related area and three (3) years of experience in real estate with federal, state, county and/or city agencies in such areas as negotiations, property acquisition, leases, eminent domain, management, disposal and development of property, including one (1) year in supervisory experience; OR  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a associate’s degree in public or business administration, real estate, or related area and three (5) years of experience in real estate with federal, state, county and/or city agencies in such areas as negotiations, property acquisition, leases, eminent domain, management, disposal and development of property, including one (1) year in supervisory experience

Possession of a current Florida Real Estate Broker’s License, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.