Right-of-Way
Right-of-Way (ROW) is a term used in urban planning that refers to the land reserved for public roads, sidewalks, utilities, and transportation corridors. Think of it as the public space between private properties that allows for movement and infrastructure. When planners talk about Right-of-Way, they're discussing how to organize and manage these public spaces to ensure safe travel for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, while also accommodating utilities like water pipes, electrical lines, and internet cables that run underneath or above these areas. Similar terms you might see include "public way," "transportation corridor," or "street easement."
Examples in Resumes
Managed Right-of-Way acquisition projects for new highway development
Conducted ROW assessments for urban transit expansion projects
Developed policies for Right-of-Way maintenance and utility coordination
Negotiated Right of Way permits with property owners for infrastructure improvements
Typical job title: "Right-of-Way Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Right-of-Way Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a complex Right-of-Way acquisition project with multiple stakeholders?
Expected Answer: A senior specialist should discuss project management strategies, stakeholder communication, negotiation techniques, and experience with resolving conflicts between property owners, utilities, and government agencies.
Q: What strategies have you used to overcome challenges in Right-of-Way projects?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership experience in solving issues like budget constraints, timeline delays, property owner disputes, and coordination with multiple agencies and utility companies.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the process of Right-of-Way acquisition?
Expected Answer: Should be able to outline the steps from initial property identification through negotiation, legal documentation, and final acquisition, including understanding of property valuation and owner rights.
Q: How do you coordinate with utility companies in Right-of-Way projects?
Expected Answer: Should explain experience in working with various utility providers, understanding utility requirements, and managing schedules for infrastructure installation or relocation.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a Right-of-Way and why is it important in urban planning?
Expected Answer: Should explain that Right-of-Way is public land used for transportation and utilities, and its importance in city infrastructure and development.
Q: What types of permits are typically needed for Right-of-Way work?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of common permits required for construction, utility work, and other activities in public rights-of-way.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of Right-of-Way concepts
- Permit processing
- Document preparation
- Basic property research
Mid (2-5 years)
- Right-of-Way acquisition processes
- Utility coordination
- Property negotiation
- Project coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex project management
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Policy development
- Team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of property rights and eminent domain
- Lack of experience with government regulations and procedures
- Poor communication or negotiation skills
- No knowledge of utility coordination requirements
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Navigating Compliance: Structuring On-the-Job Training in Regulated Industries
Navigating the Legal Labyrinth: Unpacking Global Labor Laws for Transnational Teams
Why Your Hiring Process is a Maze (And How Design Thinking Can Turn It into a Superhighway)
