Launch Your Career as a Realty Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you a seasoned real estate professional looking to apply your negotiation and acquisition skills to projects that impact the entire nation? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently seeking a highly qualified Realty Specialist to join the Real Estate Division in the Rock Island District. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to vital civil works and infrastructure projects while working within a collaborative, mission-driven federal environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Realty Specialist, you will serve as a technical expert responsible for the end-to-end management of federal real estate acquisitions. Your primary duties will include:
- Leading the planning and documentation of complex real estate requirements.
- Managing real estate cost estimates and acquisition schedules.
- Reviewing appraisals and property information.
- Negotiating terms with landowners and cost-sharing sponsors.
- Advising leadership on real estate policies and project-related issues.
- Representing the District at public and stakeholder meetings.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent, which includes planning and executing complex real estate transactions.
- Regulatory Knowledge: A deep understanding of federal real estate laws and acquisition requirements is essential.
- Application Compliance: Your resume must be two pages or less and explicitly detail your relevant work history, including hours worked per week.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range commensurate with experience and federal guidelines. Please see the table below for a quick summary of the compensation and location details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Realty Specialist |
| Grade Level | GS-13 |
| Salary Range | $108,137 - $140,580 |
| Location | Rock Island, Illinois |
| Closing Date | September 9, 2026 |
Benefits
Working with the USACE provides more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Robust health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Flexibility for telework.
- A career path focused on professional growth and national service.
Application Tips
The federal hiring process can be rigorous. Here is how to stand out:
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your experience highlights your direct impact on complex real estate transactions. Use clear language and avoid jargon.
- Mind the Details: Double-check that your resume is under two pages and contains all required information like dates and hours worked.
- Prepare for Assessments: If you receive an invite for the USA Hire assessments, treat it as a priority. You will typically have 48 hours to complete them.
- Check Eligibility: Review the 'Who May Apply' section carefully to ensure you have the necessary documentation to prove your status.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to infrastructure that protects and strengthens our nation, we encourage you to apply. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building the future—come join us.
Why This Realty Specialist Job Matters
Shape the future of our nation's infrastructure by leading critical real estate acquisitions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Realty Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rock Island District, is seeking a skilled Realty Specialist to manage complex real estate acquisition projects. This role involves planning, negotiating, and executing real estate transactions that support vital civil works and national resilience projects. You will act as a key advisor to leadership, ensuring all activities comply with federal regulations while collaborating with stakeholders across multiple agencies.
Requirements for Realty Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
- Must possess expertise in planning, executing, and negotiating complex real estate transactions.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Experience in appraisal analysis and federal compliance is mandatory.
- Resume must not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Realty Specialist
- Demonstrated ability to manage cost estimates and acquisition schedules.
- Strong proficiency in federal real estate laws and regulations.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills for negotiating with landowners and stakeholders.
- Experience in representing district leadership at public and official meetings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Telework eligibility as per agency policy.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
💡 How to Apply Realty Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Realty Specialist Job
- Carefully review the job announcement and requirements.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Click the apply link and complete the required USA Hire questionnaires.
- Submit your application and all supporting documentation by the closing date.
- Check your email for instructions regarding potential online assessments.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; ensure every entry includes hours worked per week and specific dates.
- Use plain language to describe your experience and avoid acronyms.
- Complete the USA Hire assessment within the required 48-hour window if prompted.
- Gather your SF-50 documentation early if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Verify all eligibility documentation is included to avoid an incomplete application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this role.
What is the page limit for the resume?
Your resume must be two pages or less. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Are there assessments required for this job?
Yes, applicants may be required to complete USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Detailed instructions will be provided via email if you are selected for this step.
Is this a remote position?
While telework is eligible, this position is located in Rock Island, Illinois, and is not classified as a fully remote role.
What is the most common reason for an application to be marked as incomplete?
Often, applicants fail to include specific details regarding hours worked per week or dates of employment in their resumes, or they exceed the two-page limit.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is at the forefront of engineering the future of our nation. We don't just build infrastructure; we secure vital water resources, restore fragile ecosystems, and design world-class facilities for our armed forces. Joining the USACE means becoming part of a diverse network of professionals dedicated to national resilience and community safety.