ABANDONMENT SPECIALIST 0602

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs specialized tasks relating to the abandonment of real property. An abandonment is the cancellation of a filed map for the purpose of replacing it with reconfigured lots, blocks and sites and/or the removal of unimproved roads. Responsibilities of this position include reviewing abandonment petitions for accuracy and completeness, comparing information contained in title reports, survey maps, and abandonment petitions for consistency and accuracy, and coordinating the abandonment procedure with the Highway Department, Assessor’s Office, Planning Division, and Law Department. Duties require independent judgment and an awareness of the impact of map changes on property values and access. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Senior Assessment Assistant or administrative supervisor. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Reviews abandonment maps and title reports for consistency and accuracy, ensures proper certification, correctness of metes and bounds descriptions, and adherence to various other requirements pursuant to Real Property Law Section 335;

Reviews petitions to identify the impact on other property owners of changes affecting view, access and property values, and to consider the likelihood of resultant condemnations under eminent domain procedures;

Reviews title reports for requirements concerning liability, certification, and indemnification;

Identifies, within the filed map, the location of property being abandoned and determines whether adjoining property owners have rights that need to be considered;

Advises the petitioner of errors in the abandonment petition relating to inconsistencies between the survey, abandonment maps, the petition and title reports, and may suggest alternatives to mitigate adverse impact ;

Assists the drafting staff in showing changes to the map as a result of the abandonment;

Assists the Highway Department with locating on official highway engineering maps properties to be abandoned;

Checks the ownership of properties impacted by the abandonment and reviews title reports to determine if there are any lien holders on such properties.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the legal principles governing the abandonment process; good knowledge of Highway Department procedure and how it relates to the abandonment of property; good knowledge of the principles of map drafting; ability to analyze metes and bounds descriptions, filed maps, and proposed replacement maps and their relationship to each other; ability to analyze proposed land use changes to determine the impact on area property values; ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports that analyze and describe errors and inaccuracies in abandonment documents; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and three (3) years of experience in map drafting which has included land and filed maps.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employee must possess a valid New York State Real Estate Salesperson’s license.

R04/19/04

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive