APPRAISER/REVIEWER (REALTY SPECIALIST III)

Job Requisition ID: 53027 IPR# 25-00718

Closing Date: 03/03/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Position Title: Realty Specialist III

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $ 5,055 Monthly; Full Range: $ 5,055 - $ 8,800 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Lee

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Protech Teamsters

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

This position is accountable for recommending and developing the compensation to be offered for property rights acquired by or relinquished by the Department of Transportation, District 2 and the recommending of compensation to be paid for right-of-way to be acquired by the various local agencies within the district, as well as performing in related activities as may be assigned by the district Land Acquisition Manager.

Essential Functions

• Prepares adequate, timely, and fair valuations that follow state and federal valuation policies and procedures.
• Assists the Appraisal Manager in reviewing appraisals.
• Provides accurate cost studies pertaining to land value on various highway alignments to the Bureau of Program Development.
• Completes all documentation and required reports/reviews in order to meet construction schedules.
• Prepares, compiles, and maintains appraisal data.
• Prepares valuations of land for acquisition or sale of excess right-of-way (ROW).
• Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of two years of college majoring in engineering, construction management, or related fields PLUS two years of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition, appraisal, negotiation, property management, relocation assistance, or a combination thereof, OR three years of professional experience in real estate, surveying, title work, land acquisition, appraisal, negotiation, property management, relocation assistance, or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to four years of college including coursework in engineering, business, prelaw, real estate, economics or related fields.
• State Certified General Appraiser or State Certified Residential Appraiser.
• Extensive knowledge of real estate appraising process, negotiations and condemnation process, property management and relocation principles.
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws concerning land acquisition as well as departmental Land Acquisition Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively; exercise sound judgment; and read and interpret reports, maps, plans, plats, legal descriptions, appraisals and title abstracts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effectual working relations with property owners, attorneys, and government officials.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires successful completion of a background screening.
• Requires a valid driver's license.
• Requires district-wide travel.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire an Appraiser/Reviewer.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment. We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday

Work Location: 819 Depot Ave, Dixon, Illinois, 61021

Work Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation Region 2/District 2/Bureau of Program Development

Work County: Lee

Posting Group: Fiscal, Finance & Procurement; Transportation

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.