Launch Your Federal Career as a Realty Specialist with USACE

Are you looking to pivot your career toward a role that combines professional real estate expertise with national service? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is looking for a motivated Realty Specialist to support the District's critical civil works missions. This is a unique opportunity to shape the landscape of your region while working within a stable, mission-driven federal environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Realty Specialist, your duties will evolve as you move through your career ladder (GS-7 to GS-12). You will participate in:

Acquisitions: Conducting complex negotiations to secure land rights, fee ownership, easements, and leases.
Policy Compliance: Ensuring all actions adhere to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act.
Analysis: Reviewing property titles, investigating courthouse records, and conducting field visits to identify potential land issues.
Mentorship: As you grow, you will help guide junior staff and represent the agency in formal meetings with local stakeholders.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specific criteria for one of the identified employment authorities (such as competitive status, military spouse, or veteran preference).

Comparison of Qualifications by Grade

Grade Level	Education/Experience Focus
GS-07	Basic property records and file management
GS-09	Title review and basic report writing
GS-11	Direct negotiation with landowners
GS-12	Complex acquisitions and policy compliance

Salary Overview

The annual salary range for this position is $55,012 to $126,859, depending on the grade level at which you are selected and your previous experience. This position includes locality pay, ensuring your compensation is competitive within the Saint Paul, Minnesota market.

Benefits

Federal employment with USACE comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Health and Wellness: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Retirement: A robust retirement package featuring the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and a pension system.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, federal holidays, and telework flexibility.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a hard requirement—resumes exceeding this limit will be disqualified immediately.
Detail is Key: Clearly state your duties, employment dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon. HR specialists need to see that you can perform the tasks mentioned in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I have foreign education? A: You must provide documentation showing your education is equivalent to a U.S. accredited program from a recognized evaluation service.

Q: Is a security clearance required? A: No, this position is designated as non-sensitive.

The Realty Specialist role with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is an excellent stepping stone for anyone wanting to build a long-term, impactful career. By applying, you are taking the first step toward a role that offers both personal challenge and national reward. Apply today through the official USAJOBS platform.

Why This Realty Specialist Job Matters

Launch a high-impact career in federal real estate and help build the nation’s infrastructure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Realty Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is seeking a dedicated Realty Specialist to support critical civil works missions. In this developmental role, you will play a pivotal part in land acquisitions, lease negotiations, and property management, working on projects that protect communities and strengthen national infrastructure. This position offers a clear career path with non-competitive promotion potential up to the GS-12 level, allowing you to grow your expertise while contributing to vital public service initiatives.

Requirements for Realty Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be able to provide proof of eligibility for specific hiring authorities.
Resume must be two pages or less and detailed enough to support specialized experience.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Must be able to pass a background check and suitability assessment.
Direct deposit of pay is mandatory.
Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Realty Specialist

Experience in real estate document review, including deeds and titles.
Demonstrated ability in negotiating land purchases or easements.
Knowledge of federal acquisition policies and relocation assistance programs.
Strong report writing and data gathering skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and mentor junior staff.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous retirement plans including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework options.

💡 How to Apply Realty Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Realty Specialist Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement details.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less.
Click the apply button and complete the online questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documents.
Submit your application before the closing date.
Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if notified via email.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be excluded.
Use plain, clear language and avoid obscure acronyms.
Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week for all positions.
Review your eligibility status early to gather the necessary SF-50s or other proof documents.
Test your system compatibility before beginning the USA Hire Assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position offers non-competitive promotion potential up to the GS-12 target grade, provided you meet time-in-grade requirements and demonstrate the ability to perform the duties at the next level.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

Can I work remotely?

The position is telework eligible, but it is not a fully remote position. It requires presence in the Saint Paul, Minnesota office.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. From building vital flood control infrastructure to preserving our nation’s water resources and supporting our military installations, USACE is dedicated to engineering a better tomorrow. When you join the St. Paul Real Estate Division, you are not just processing land deals; you are facilitating projects that protect lives and preserve the natural beauty of the Midwest.