Lead Federal Real Estate Projects as a Lease Contracting Officer
Are you a skilled real estate professional looking to pivot your career toward public service? The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is currently seeking talented individuals to serve as Lease Contracting Officers. This is a unique opportunity to manage high-value real estate transactions, shape the federal workspace, and drive best-in-class service for government agencies across the country.
About the General Services Administration
The GSA’s Public Buildings Service (PBS) is one of the largest and most diverse landlords in the United States. They manage an expansive portfolio of federal buildings, supporting the workspace needs of countless federal agencies. As a Lease Contracting Officer, you will work within a mission-oriented environment that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, innovative design, and high-quality workplace solutions.
Job Responsibilities
Lease Contracting Officers act as the primary technical experts on complex realty projects. Your day-to-day duties will be varied, challenging, and high-impact:
- Portfolio Management: Acquire and manage leasehold interests for diverse federal agencies.
- Negotiation: Develop, define, and negotiate complex lease terms and conditions.
- Market Analysis: Conduct market surveys, perform building inspections, and analyze technical building reports.
- Regulatory Compliance: Prepare legal documentation in alignment with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), GSAR, and other federal guidelines.
- Project Oversight: Maintain milestone charts and ensure projects move from inception to successful occupancy.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 level position, candidates must demonstrate the following:
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in managing commercial real estate transactions.
- Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of real estate law, market survey techniques, and cost analysis.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Background: Ability to pass a Tier 2 background investigation.
Comparison of Potential Locations
| Region | Key Cities | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| East | Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, Boston | Major Federal Hubs |
| Central/South | Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas City | Regional Operations |
| West | San Francisco, Tacoma, Fort Worth | Strategic Expansion |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $90,968 to $145,468 per year. In addition to salary, GSA employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Retirement: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Health: Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous sick leave and vacation policies plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Development: Continuous access to professional training and career growth resources.
How to Apply
Submitting an application for this role requires precision. Because the GSA strictly enforces formatting, ensure your resume is no longer than two pages. Use the official USAJobs portal to track your progress. Ensure all supporting documents, such as your DD-214 (if claiming veteran’s preference), are uploaded before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most common reason for rejection? A: Submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit is the most common reason applications are excluded from consideration.
Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: Relocation expenses are not typically approved for this role, though some incentives may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
If you possess a strong background in real estate contracting and are ready to tackle meaningful, large-scale projects, the GSA wants to hear from you. With 28 vacancies across the nation, this is an excellent time to bring your expertise to the public sector.
Why This Lease Contracting Officer Job Matters
Shape the future of federal workspace. Join the General Services Administration as a Lease Contracting Officer and manage high-impact real estate portfolios across the nation.
Lease Contracting Officer Job Overview
The General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Public Buildings Service, is hiring Lease Contracting Officers to oversee complex real estate acquisitions. In this role, you will act as a primary technical representative, managing the lifecycle of federal leasing projects—from initial market surveys and site inspections to final negotiations and project closeout. With 28 vacancies available across various major U.S. cities, this position offers a dynamic opportunity to influence how federal agencies utilize space to fulfill their missions.
Requirements for Lease Contracting Officer
- U.S. Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa/Swains Island).
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a warrant level consistent with the assigned office.
- Must pass a Tier 2 background investigation.
- Must register with the Selective Service if a male born after 12/31/1959.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Lease Contracting Officer
- Experience in negotiating and executing complex commercial lease contracts.
- Proficiency in performing market surveys and detailed site inspections.
- Strong background in federal real estate law, regulations, and procurement procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects from inception through to successful closeout.
- Experience in conducting comprehensive cost and price analyses for real estate transactions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Life insurance coverage.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and 11 federal holidays.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement savings).
- ✓Transit and childcare subsidies.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts.
- ✓Access to long-term care insurance.
- ✓Professional training and development opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Lease Contracting Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lease Contracting Officer Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Log in or register on the USAJobs portal.
- Click the 'Apply Online' button on the official vacancy announcement.
- Complete the required online assessment to measure critical job competencies.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents (DD-214, SF-50, etc.).
- Confirm the submission to receive a confirmation notice.
💡 General Tips
- Apply early; ensure your online assessment is fully completed before the closing date.
- Double-check your resume length; applications exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details the number of hours worked per week and specific duties that meet GS-11 equivalency.
- If experiencing technical issues, try switching browsers or clearing your cache.
- Make your resume searchable in your profile to allow recruiters to find your credentials for other potential openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The starting salary is $90,968 per year, with potential growth up to $145,468 based on experience and grade step progression.
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
Yes, this announcement is open to the public.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
The USAJobs system will not accept your application, and you will be disqualified from the hiring process.
Is travel required?
Yes, the position may require travel as part of the market survey and site inspection process.