TITLE EXAMINER DEFINITION:
Under limited supervision of a Principal Title Examiner, Division of Right of Way and Access Management, or other supervisory official in the Department of Transportation, performs varied work incidental to the acquisition of real estate or interests therein, including title searches, the determination of the legal effect of recorded instruments and the preparation of abstracts, memoranda and other required documents; does related work as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Searches, evaluates, analyzes and examines records relating to documents found in a chain of title in order to determine the accuracy and legal effect of such instruments on the title in question; examines the records of proceedings affecting the title; and secures tax and assessment searches from the proper municipal officers.
Examines documentation such as deeds, mortgages and all instruments affecting such mortgages, contracts of sale and assignments, and leases and releases, postponements, subordination, discharges, releases and satisfactions; wills, probate and intestacy proceedings; letters testamentary and of an administration; certificates of tax sale; secured transactions; power of attorney; mechanics; liens, judgments, bonds to Sheriff, attachments and Federal liens; in order to verify factors such as properties' legal description, ownership and restrictions.
Prepares abstracts of the recorded documents.
May be required to testify in a Court of Law regarding the title examination.
Advises the owners and attorneys of the condition of and/or defects in title, and assists, insofar as it is possible, in removing exceptions and defects of title so it will be acceptable to the State; prepares deeds, release of mortgage, satisfactions of judgments, affidavits, and other instruments of conveyance in accordance with the provisions of the agreement for acquisition of property by the State.
Obtains all necessary data for the adjustment and reimbursement of taxes and incidental closing costs.
Prepares title report describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching and analyzing activities and eliminating those that do not affect the parcel in question.
May assist in completing on-site inspections of real property to obtain helpful information by using tax maps and records.
Investigates and clarifies problem areas of a routine nature with respect to determination of real property ownership, title searches, Department jurisdiction, and property boundaries.
Makes appropriate entries to the Right of Way databases.
Prepares accurate, routine reports and correspondence.
Maintains records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Five (5) years of professional experience in title searching and other work incidental to the conveyance of real estate.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the form, content, purpose and interpretation of legal documents including deeds, agreements, easements, restrictions, mortgages, mortgage cancellations and other documents of cancellation, discharge and/or release.
Ability to acquire knowledge of the organization, of county records, and of the methods used in locating and abstracting information.
Ability to acquire knowledge of the responsibilities, functions, policies and procedures of the New Jersey Department of Transportation concerned with the acquisition of real estate required for highway right of way and of the laws of New Jersey pertaining thereto.
Ability to exhibit strong research capabilities and organize data.
Ability to organize assigned legal and related work involved in the examination and analysis of title to real property and develop effective work methods.
Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret basic law, legal documents, and Department regulations, legal terms, language, and laws related to real estate.
Ability to understand descriptions of property.
Ability to correlate data from a wide variety of sources and utilize such information in determinations of titles of real property and other related basic information having an effect upon property acquisition.
Ability to comprehend the meaning and final effect of documents upon the legal ownership and title of real property.
Ability to prepare correspondence.
Ability to prepare clear, legally sound, accurate, factual and informative reports on title matters for the Title Officer and the Attorney General containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Ability to analyze data and information.
Ability to deal effectively with others.
Ability to maintain the required records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position; American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
