RIGHT OF WAY APPRAISER - 04212026-76687
State of Tennessee, Nashville, TN, United States
Overview
The Region Right of Way (ROW) Appraiser will work both independently and in a team setting, providing support and expertise to the Region ROW Appraisal Section. This position will assist the Region ROW Appraisal Team Lead with implementing Region work plans, meeting the Section’s strategic vision, and ensuring compliance with Federal and State laws and requirements pertaining to Appraisal. This position will involve the appraisal of and/or appraisal review of (1) properties being acquired as rights of way which are necessary for transportation projects and under threat of eminent domain and (2) excess land about to be sold or leased to others (3 Appraisal reviews for condemnation appraisals and court updates). The Region ROW Appraiser supports Project Teams and Project Managers by sharing insights as to project impacts, potential cost savings design options, and risk management decisions associated with project delivery. The Region ROW Appraiser will possess and demonstrate a wide range of ROW skills and knowledge, including application of real estate principles and practices, appraisal valuation concepts, title searches, legal descriptions, instruments of conveyance, eminent domain, and related computer applications and technology. This position will also possess and demonstrate extensive skills and knowledge related to transportation projects and engineering, such as construction plans reading, the Project Delivery Network (PDN), and access management guidelines. This position will participate in Appraisal Training programs covering required proficiencies, appraiser certification, and similar courses involving class attendance, completion of training modules, and on-the-job training while working towards advancement as a ROW professional to State Certified Residential Appraiser and then to State Certified General Appraiser. The Region ROW Appraiser position must effectively communicate ROW concepts through training, mentoring, and collaboration as part of a matrix organization.
Location & Compensation
Opening Date/Time:
04/21/2026 12:00 AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time:
05/04/2026 11:59 PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly):
$5,647.00 - $7,326.00
Salary (Annually):
$67,764.00 - $87,912.00
Job Type:
Full-Time
City, State Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Department:
Transportation
Location of (1) Position to be Filled:
Department of Transportation, Hamilton County
Division:
Right of Way & Utilities Division - Region 2 Preconstruction - Appraisal Section
More Information:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/HR/ROW-Division-Regional-Preconstruction-Right-of-Way-Appraiser-V01-Final.pdf
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
TDOT ROW Appraiser 1
Bachelor’s degree in a related field as outlined in the position description.
TDOT ROW Appraiser 2
Possess and maintain an active Certified Residential Appraiser License as issued by the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission.
TDOT ROW Appraiser 3
Possess and maintain an active Certified General Appraiser License as issued by the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission.
Necessary Special Qualifications:
Possess and maintain a Class D driver’s license valid to operate vehicles in the State of Tennessee.
Responsibilities
Perform ROW Appraisal functions and actions in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act - PL 91-646), the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), Tennessee Statutes, and the TDOT ROW Manual to ensure compliance and performance measures are achieved. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of all actions taken during appraisal or appraisal review, including field inspections, property owner contacts, notices, comparable sales research and analysis, title search verification, construction plan viability, severance damage assessment, highest and best use determination, distinguishing real property from personal property, and related tasks.
Prepare appraisals and perform appraisal reviews on non-complex takings and tracts, form an opinion of fair market value, and apply applicable policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws related to the appraisal process. Gather and review documents (public records, land sales, construction costs, business valuations, rents, and other pertinent data) to support valuation decisions. As a reviewer, establish fair market value for use in ROW negotiations and determine uneconomic remnants.
Participate as a team member in Preliminary Group Inspections (PGI) on transportation projects, including discussions of risk management concerns, project impacts, access issues, cost savings analysis, scheduling, and sequencing of appraisals. Attend public meetings and hearings for transportation projects in support of Project Managers and Project Teams.
Engage in on-the-job training, online courses, and classroom training to ensure fundamental right-of-way knowledge, continual learning, and career advancement, including courses required or defined by the Appraisal Institute, the Appraisal Foundation, or FHWA. Work toward State Certified Residential and Certified General Appraiser designation and gain foundational skills for promotion.
Assist with data collection and preparation of ROW cost estimates, evaluation of appraisal consultants, Local Agency training and guidance, and oversight. Administer and manage project data in TDOT ROW Division’s database program and software including IRIS.
Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers, exercise effective listening, assist in policy implementation related to ROW appraisal, respond promptly to inquiries, and communicate effectively. Assist with responses to Public Records Requests involving ROW issues and assist TDOT Legal and the Attorney General’s Office with eminent domain proceedings, including depositions, testimony, and summary reports.
Competencies (KSA’s)
TDOT ROW Appraiser I
Self-Development
Communicates Effectively
Ensures Accountability
Financial Acumen
Tech Savvy
Knowledges:
Transportation
Building and Construction
Law and Government
Skills:
Learning Strategies
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning and Listening
Technical Report Writing
Mathematics
Abilities:
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Mathematical Reasoning
Written Comprehension
TDOT ROW Appraiser 2
Instills Trust
Communicates Effectively
Ensures Accountability
Decision Quality
Manages Complexity
Knowledges:
Contract Management
Real Estate Principles and Practices
Uniform Act (PL 91-646)
Project Delivery Concepts
Design Plans
Skills:
Solving Intermediate Appraisal Problems
Financial and Advanced Mathematics
Writing Intermediate Level Technical Reports
Applying Transportation Engineering Principles
Interpreting design plans
Abilities:
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Mathematical Reasoning
Written Comprehension
TDOT ROW Appraiser 3
Knowledges:
Contract Management
Government Economy and Cost Savings
Uniform Act (PL 91-646)
Project Delivery Concepts
Design Plans
Skills:
Solving Complex Appraisal Problems
Financial and Advanced Mathematics
Writing Complex Level Technical Reports
Applying Transportation Engineering Principles
Interpreting design plans
Abilities:
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Mathematical Reasoning
Comprehending Access Management Rules
Tools & Equipment
Computer
Office and Mobile Phone
Calculator
Vehicle
Digital Camera
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Region Right of Way (ROW) Appraiser will work both independently and in a team setting, providing support and expertise to the Region ROW Appraisal Section. This position will assist the Region ROW Appraisal Team Lead with implementing Region work plans, meeting the Section’s strategic vision, and ensuring compliance with Federal and State laws and requirements pertaining to Appraisal. This position will involve the appraisal of and/or appraisal review of (1) properties being acquired as rights of way which are necessary for transportation projects and under threat of eminent domain and (2) excess land about to be sold or leased to others (3 Appraisal reviews for condemnation appraisals and court updates). The Region ROW Appraiser supports Project Teams and Project Managers by sharing insights as to project impacts, potential cost savings design options, and risk management decisions associated with project delivery. The Region ROW Appraiser will possess and demonstrate a wide range of ROW skills and knowledge, including application of real estate principles and practices, appraisal valuation concepts, title searches, legal descriptions, instruments of conveyance, eminent domain, and related computer applications and technology. This position will also possess and demonstrate extensive skills and knowledge related to transportation projects and engineering, such as construction plans reading, the Project Delivery Network (PDN), and access management guidelines. This position will participate in Appraisal Training programs covering required proficiencies, appraiser certification, and similar courses involving class attendance, completion of training modules, and on-the-job training while working towards advancement as a ROW professional to State Certified Residential Appraiser and then to State Certified General Appraiser. The Region ROW Appraiser position must effectively communicate ROW concepts through training, mentoring, and collaboration as part of a matrix organization.
Location & Compensation
Opening Date/Time:
04/21/2026 12:00 AM Central Time
Closing Date/Time:
05/04/2026 11:59 PM Central Time
Salary (Monthly):
$5,647.00 - $7,326.00
Salary (Annually):
$67,764.00 - $87,912.00
Job Type:
Full-Time
City, State Location:
Chattanooga, TN
Department:
Transportation
Location of (1) Position to be Filled:
Department of Transportation, Hamilton County
Division:
Right of Way & Utilities Division - Region 2 Preconstruction - Appraisal Section
More Information:
https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/HR/ROW-Division-Regional-Preconstruction-Right-of-Way-Appraiser-V01-Final.pdf
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
TDOT ROW Appraiser 1
Bachelor’s degree in a related field as outlined in the position description.
TDOT ROW Appraiser 2
Possess and maintain an active Certified Residential Appraiser License as issued by the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission.
TDOT ROW Appraiser 3
Possess and maintain an active Certified General Appraiser License as issued by the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission.
Necessary Special Qualifications:
Possess and maintain a Class D driver’s license valid to operate vehicles in the State of Tennessee.
Responsibilities
Perform ROW Appraisal functions and actions in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (Uniform Act - PL 91-646), the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), Tennessee Statutes, and the TDOT ROW Manual to ensure compliance and performance measures are achieved. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of all actions taken during appraisal or appraisal review, including field inspections, property owner contacts, notices, comparable sales research and analysis, title search verification, construction plan viability, severance damage assessment, highest and best use determination, distinguishing real property from personal property, and related tasks.
Prepare appraisals and perform appraisal reviews on non-complex takings and tracts, form an opinion of fair market value, and apply applicable policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws related to the appraisal process. Gather and review documents (public records, land sales, construction costs, business valuations, rents, and other pertinent data) to support valuation decisions. As a reviewer, establish fair market value for use in ROW negotiations and determine uneconomic remnants.
Participate as a team member in Preliminary Group Inspections (PGI) on transportation projects, including discussions of risk management concerns, project impacts, access issues, cost savings analysis, scheduling, and sequencing of appraisals. Attend public meetings and hearings for transportation projects in support of Project Managers and Project Teams.
Engage in on-the-job training, online courses, and classroom training to ensure fundamental right-of-way knowledge, continual learning, and career advancement, including courses required or defined by the Appraisal Institute, the Appraisal Foundation, or FHWA. Work toward State Certified Residential and Certified General Appraiser designation and gain foundational skills for promotion.
Assist with data collection and preparation of ROW cost estimates, evaluation of appraisal consultants, Local Agency training and guidance, and oversight. Administer and manage project data in TDOT ROW Division’s database program and software including IRIS.
Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers, exercise effective listening, assist in policy implementation related to ROW appraisal, respond promptly to inquiries, and communicate effectively. Assist with responses to Public Records Requests involving ROW issues and assist TDOT Legal and the Attorney General’s Office with eminent domain proceedings, including depositions, testimony, and summary reports.
Competencies (KSA’s)
TDOT ROW Appraiser I
Self-Development
Communicates Effectively
Ensures Accountability
Financial Acumen
Tech Savvy
Knowledges:
Transportation
Building and Construction
Law and Government
Skills:
Learning Strategies
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning and Listening
Technical Report Writing
Mathematics
Abilities:
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Mathematical Reasoning
Written Comprehension
TDOT ROW Appraiser 2
Instills Trust
Communicates Effectively
Ensures Accountability
Decision Quality
Manages Complexity
Knowledges:
Contract Management
Real Estate Principles and Practices
Uniform Act (PL 91-646)
Project Delivery Concepts
Design Plans
Skills:
Solving Intermediate Appraisal Problems
Financial and Advanced Mathematics
Writing Intermediate Level Technical Reports
Applying Transportation Engineering Principles
Interpreting design plans
Abilities:
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Mathematical Reasoning
Written Comprehension
TDOT ROW Appraiser 3
Knowledges:
Contract Management
Government Economy and Cost Savings
Uniform Act (PL 91-646)
Project Delivery Concepts
Design Plans
Skills:
Solving Complex Appraisal Problems
Financial and Advanced Mathematics
Writing Complex Level Technical Reports
Applying Transportation Engineering Principles
Interpreting design plans
Abilities:
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Mathematical Reasoning
Comprehending Access Management Rules
Tools & Equipment
Computer
Office and Mobile Phone
Calculator
Vehicle
Digital Camera
#J-18808-Ljbffr