First Principles Jobs in Billings, MT (NOW HIRING)

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting a Right of Way Agent in the Billings District. Located in the Billings office, this position is responsible for assisting other agents with property appraisals and negotiations for highway project property valuations and acquisitions. This includes researching property information, conducting site inspections, conducting simple waiver valuations, and related duties. The position is expected to perform these support functions while gaining a progressively responsible knowledge of appraisal and negotiation processes, standards, and requirements. The position reports to the District Right of Way Manager or Special Programs Manager and does not directly supervise others. 

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

For a full job description, please contact Lori Edgar at ledgar@mt.gov. 

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation's mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials:

• Cover letter
• Resume

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

Required Education and Experience:

Each level requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma. Additional relevant education and/or experience may substitute for experience as determined by the panel.

Level 1 -

This position requires a minimum of One (1) year of experience in the following:

• One (1) year equivalent work requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making. 

Certifications, licensure, or other credentials include: N/A

Level 2 - 

This position requires a minimum of One (1) year and Six (6) months of experience in the following:

• One (1) year equivalent work requiring communication or public contact skills involving one or more Right of Way Agent communication-related activities such as persuasion, conflict management, diplomacy, rapport-building, mediation, problem-solving, or decision-making.
• AND
• Six (6) months of ROW Agent Level I (one) experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of real estate appraisal processes; principles of negotiation and conflict management; and laws and rules pertaining to acquisition of land for public purposes.
• Knowledge of mapping/platting methods and procedures.
• Individuals new to Right of Way who may not completely meet this qualification on Day 1 of their employment at MDT are expected to acquire this knowledge within the first year of employment.
• Skills and abilities in reading and interpreting technical maps, plans, and legal documents.
• Skills in explaining and negotiating technical and sometimes contentious issues with the public; understanding and carrying out written and verbal instructions; and maintaining effective working relationships with Bureau staff, other MDT personnel, and the public.
• Ability to develop effective techniques and procedures to achieve goals and objectives; to provide technical assistance to team members to ensure effective operations and project activities; identify root causes of problems and develop of alternative solutions; confidently challenge the status quo by experimenting with new ideas; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; and to work effectively in a high stress and multi-task environment.

Other Information

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

This position is being posted in accordance with the MFPE bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference

To be considered for this position, you must submit your online application before midnight on the closing date. All required additional materials must be submitted. If you need assistance in completing the online application or accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office. All documents for required establishing preference must be received or date stamped by screening date. 

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.