Become a Realty Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you an experienced real estate professional looking to pivot into a role that serves the nation? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Norfolk District, is currently hiring a Senior Realty Specialist to handle mission-critical property and infrastructure projects. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex, high-stakes federal projects while utilizing your mastery of real estate law and negotiation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Realty Specialist, your day-to-day will involve high-level oversight of real estate instruments. Key responsibilities include:
- Complex Transaction Management: Executing lease agreements and land acquisitions for Civil and Military projects.
- Conflict Resolution: Navigating controversial transactions and resolving policy objections that arise during negotiations.
- Technical Leadership: Serving as a primary subject matter expert and providing guidance to junior Realty Specialists.
- Strategic Liaison: Communicating project requirements across USACE divisions to ensure alignment with agency goals.
Requirements
You must be able to demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level. Candidates must show proficiency in:
- Federal real estate principles and methods.
- Navigating complex land use and facility management.
- High-stakes negotiations with uncooperative or sensitive stakeholders.
Comparison: GS-12 vs GS-13 Requirements
| Feature | GS-12 (Next Lower Grade) | GS-13 (This Position) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Operational/Project Execution | Mastery/Senior Oversight |
| Negotiation | Standard Situations | Sensitive/Complex Controversies |
| Technical Guidance | Independent Contributor | Mentorship/Liaison to Districts |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $108,019 to $140,426 per year, which includes locality pay. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package including:
- Excellent health insurance choices.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Accrued annual leave and sick leave.
- Ten paid federal holidays.
Application Tips
To ensure your application is successful, keep these pointers in mind:
- Two-Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Do not exceed this limit.
- Clarity is Key: Use plain language. Hiring managers will not make assumptions about your experience.
- Include Details: Clearly state your role, the employer, start/end dates, and hours per week for every position listed.
- Proof of Eligibility: Be prepared to provide your SF-50 and any other documentation that proves your hiring authority.
If you have the experience to manage complex federal real estate transactions and want to make a tangible impact, this position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is for you. Submit your application by September 9, 2026, to be considered for this vital role in Norfolk, Virginia.
Why This Realty Specialist Job Matters
Shape the infrastructure of the nation as a Senior Realty Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—where complex real estate strategy meets public impact.
Realty Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Norfolk District, is seeking a seasoned Realty Specialist to serve as a key technical expert within the Civil Real Estate Section. This high-impact role involves managing complex real estate transactions, providing policy guidance, and negotiating sensitive agreements to support both Civil Works and Military infrastructure projects. You will act as a primary liaison, ensuring that large-scale federal real estate initiatives are executed with precision, integrity, and adherence to rigorous federal standards.
Requirements for Realty Specialist
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent) in federal real estate principles, policies, and methods.
- Proven track record of resolving critical problems in complex, long-term federal realty projects.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, conflicting, or sensitive land, space, or facility use transactions.
- Expert-level negotiation experience with resistant or uncooperative property owners and external agencies.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be eligible under one of the following authorities: Current DOD/Army civilian, Military Spouse, Veteran, or other designated preference groups.
- Must possess a job-related license or certification.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Realty Specialist
- Deep mastery of federal real estate regulatory frameworks.
- Strong technical leadership skills to guide other Realty Specialists.
- Advanced interpersonal and conflict-resolution abilities for highly sensitive negotiations.
- Experience in both Civil Works and Military real estate project portfolios.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with Local Market Supplement
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health and Life Insurance options
- ✓Federal Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Paid Time Off (Annual Leave and Sick Leave)
- ✓Paid Federal Holidays
- ✓Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy
- ✓Career advancement and professional development opportunities
💡 How to Apply Realty Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Realty Specialist Job
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly documents specialized experience.
- Submit your online application through the official USAJobs platform before the deadline.
- Complete the required application questionnaire and any associated online assessments.
- Attach all required documentation, including proof of eligibility (e.g., SF-50s) and professional certifications.
- Track your application status via your USAJobs account profile.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume over two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Focus on describing your specific contributions to federal real estate transactions rather than general duties.
- Ensure all dates (start/end) and hours worked per week are clearly listed for every position.
- Don't rely on acronyms; write out your experience in plain, professional language.
- Submit all required licenses and certifications upfront to avoid an 'incomplete' status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No. For this specific GS-13 level position, candidates must meet all qualification requirements through documented, specialized professional experience alone.
What happens if I submit my resume and it exceeds two pages?
Per the announcement instructions, resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration entirely.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, this position includes a travel component. Please refer to the position's travel code for further details regarding the frequency and nature of expected travel.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering organizations. They do not just construct buildings; they engineer the future. By maintaining water infrastructure, protecting ecosystems, and designing facilities for the armed forces, USACE members contribute to national resilience and public safety. Joining the Norfolk District means becoming part of a diverse network of professionals dedicated to engineering a safer, stronger tomorrow.