Summary
As a Realty Specialist, you will serve as the subject matter expert and adviser in the areas of developing, administering, and executing programs in support of the acquisition and management of land and land rights, construction and its replacements, rehabilitation, and addition (RRAD) programs to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the electrical transmission system.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties
As a Realty Specialist at the full performance level, you will:
- Perform acquisition of real property interests. Complete common and routine realty transactions involving most classifications of real property.
- Perform and complete necessary actions that lead up to final proposals to the various land owners. Actions such as ordering title commitments, land surveys, ensuring environmental reviews address the necessary lands actions, conducting research at a county assessor's office, etc.
- Perform necessary lands actions to acquire legal access across various land ownerships, such as private, city, county and state, federal and tribal reservation lands.
- Demonstrate an understanding of real estate property terms, actions, legal references, etc. to inform and advice respective internal and external parties involved in a WAPA lead project.
- Initiate and complete routine negotiations for acquisition of real estate interests in land and facilities through the use of temporary use permits, leases, fee simple deeds, memoranda of agreement and other instruments as necessary.
- Review and determine whether proposals for the use of WAPA property are compatible with the purposes for which the properties were acquired. Prepare licenses, leases, grants and permits for secondary uses of WAPA's lands.
- Establish and implement sound project management practices including task planning, resource matrix, milestones, and delivery dates on a tasks or project basis.
- Provide recommendations to the Regional Manager, Maintenance Manager, Environmental Manager, WAPA's Lands Manager, and other higher level management officials related to the efficient support and execution of the region's land management policies to support maintenance and construction programs.
- Participate in proposed facilities route planning and provide expert and technical findings to identify land ownership, social, economic, or political problems that may affect the plan and to provide recommended solutions in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
- In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.
- Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.
- Security clearance and associated requirements - moderate risk.
- This position requires the ability to operate a Government vehicle. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license, in order to visit field sites, some of which are remote or in locations affected by natural disasters. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment.
- Total salary varies depending on location of position.
Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service.
To qualify at the GS-09 grade level: Applicant must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service in the following:
- Conducting research to gather relevant information to inform processes and decisions for a larger action or project;
- Working with individuals and groups to develop realty proposals for approval and action;
- Presenting material in a clear and effective manner to professional work groups and others; and
- Assisting with multiple projects simultaneously that may require extended periods of time between the start and completion of the project or task.
OR
Education: master's or equivalent graduate degree o
r 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.B. or J.D., if related.
OR
Combination: A combination of specialized experience and education that together meet the qualifications of this position.
To qualify at the GS-11 grade level: Applicant must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service in the following:
- Analyzing results of information gathered related to a lands actions to inform the respective lands lead, lands manager, and the project team;
- Obtaining individual and group cooperation to develop realty proposals for approval and action;
- Presenting material gathered from diverse sources and disciplines in a clear and effective manner to professional work groups and others; and
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously that may require extended periods of time between the start and completion of the project or task.
OR
Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or LL.M., if related.
OR
Combination: A combination of specialized experience and education that together meet the qualifications of this position.
To qualify at the GS-12 grade level: Applicant must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service in the following:
- Resolving and/or evaluating issues which relate to lands and realty programs;
- Managing public land activities requiring close coordination between federal agencies, state and local governments, and/or public land user groups;
- Interpreting laws, regulations, and procedures concerning land cases;
- Interpreting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) laws for land and resource management programs; and
- Communicating with other realty specialists, landowners and attorneys, title companies, local/state governments, and the public.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.
Education
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Additional information
- This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
- For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov.
- Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement.
- If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed.
- The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive.
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
- This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
- Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.
- Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
USAHire: To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
Rule of Many Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the USA Hire assessment rating assessment(s) will be scored. You will be ranked in score order plus any Veterans' preference points. All candidates who score in the top 30% of highest-ranked eligibles will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. All applicants tied at the cut line will be referred. If additional candidates are needed, groups of three per vacancy will be referred.
Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles with the same score. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are listed at the top of the certificate in the order of their ratings.
If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies:
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Decision Making
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Reasoning
- Self-Management
- Stress Tolerance
- Teamwork
Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified".
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (06/11/2026) of this announcement.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments
here.
To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12971872.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:
- Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
- Transcripts, if relying on education to meet qualification requirements.Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
If applicable:
- Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
- You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
- To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
- You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application:
https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit:
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center:
https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.