Temporary Right Way Agent Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting two Right of Way Agents in the Glendive District. This position is responsible for assisting other agents with property appraisals and negotiation 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 progressively responsible knowledge of appraisal and negotiation processes, standards, and requirements. The position reports to the District Right of Way 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 Jordan Ulrich at julrich@mt.gov.

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

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance

• 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

• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer.

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:

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.

• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

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

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education and Experience:

Right of Way Agent I ($25.32)

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Highschool Diploma. Additional relevant education and/or experience may substitute for experience as determined by the Panel.

• 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.

• Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Right of Way Agent II ($29.73)

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Highschool Diploma. Additional relevant education and/or experience may substitute for experience as determined by the Panel.

• 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.

• Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Right of Way Agent III ($33.89)

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Highschool Diploma. Additional relevant education and/or experience may substitute for experience as determined by the Panel.

• This position requires a minimum of Three (3) years 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.

  • One (1) year six (6) months of Right of Way Agent Level II (two) experience or equivalent with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.

• Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

Right of Way Agent IV ($38.84)

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Highschool Diploma. Additional relevant education and/or experience may substitute for experience as determined by the Panel.

• This position requires a minimum of Five (5) years 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.

  • One (1) year six (6) months of Right of Way Agent Level II (two) experience or equivalent with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.

  • Two (2) years of Right of Way Agent Level III (three) experience with demonstrated ability to perform those required tasks.

• Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

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

• Driver's record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

• This position is being posted in accordance with the 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.

• 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.

• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

• 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 Administrator for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.

• The advertised salary includes the $1.00 increase passed by the 2025 MT State Legislature regarding the state pay plan effective July 1, 2026.