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

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