Become a Lease Contracting Officer with the GSA: A Career in Federal Real Estate
Are you a seasoned real estate professional looking to pivot into the federal sector? The General Services Administration (GSA) is currently seeking talented individuals to serve as Lease Contracting Officers. This role is at the heart of the Public Buildings Service (PBS), responsible for procuring high-value real estate solutions that support agencies across the United States. If you have a passion for complex negotiations and project management, this is a unique opportunity to shape the federal workspace.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lease Contracting Officer, your day-to-day work will be both dynamic and challenging. Your responsibilities include:
- Coordinating site acquisition projects, including easements, permits, and federal site selection.
- Managing high-visibility transactions that require sensitive negotiations.
- Applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and GSA-specific policies to every lease document.
- Overseeing project closeouts and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to solve complex relocation issues.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-13 role, you must meet rigorous standards. You need one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level involving large-scale real estate transactions. Additionally, you must be prepared to:
- Obtain an Unlimited Contracting Officers Warrant.
- Secure FACCOR Level II certification.
- Pass a high-risk (Tier 4) background investigation.
- Maintain current knowledge through continuous leasing certification training.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1+ Year at GS-12 equivalent |
| Certification | FACCOR Level II (Active) |
| Background | Tier 4 Investigation |
| Resume Length | 2 Pages Max |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $108,173 to $172,980 per year. Beyond the salary, the GSA provides a comprehensive benefits suite including:
- Robust Health & Life Insurance options.
- Competitive leave policies and 11 paid holidays.
- A generous Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Transit and childcare assistance.
Application Tips
Your resume is your primary marketing tool. Ensure it is formatted correctly—never exceed the two-page limit, as longer resumes will be automatically rejected. Focus on quantifying your experience; use data to describe the size and scale of the transactions you have managed. Finally, address each KSA thoroughly in your application narrative to ensure you rank high with the Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel.
Serving as a Lease Contracting Officer is an impactful career path that combines real estate expertise with public service. By managing the assets that house the federal government, you contribute to a more efficient and effective country. Prepare your materials, ensure your qualifications are highlighted, and apply before the closing date to join this elite team.
Why This Lease Contracting Officer Job Matters
Take your career in real estate acquisition to the next level by managing high-stakes federal projects with the General Services Administration.
Lease Contracting Officer Job Overview
The GSA Public Buildings Service is seeking skilled Lease Contracting Officers to oversee complex real estate transactions and large-scale office space acquisitions. This role involves managing the full project lifecycle, from site selection and contract negotiation to final closeout. You will serve as a key technical advisor, ensuring all real estate activities comply with federal regulations while delivering high-quality workplace solutions.
Requirements for Lease Contracting Officer
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Unlimited Contracting Officers Warrant
- FACCOR Level II Certification in active status
- Commitment to completing Level III leasing certification training
- Successful completion of a Tier 4 background investigation
- Submission of a financial disclosure report
Preferred Qualifications for Lease Contracting Officer
- Demonstrated expertise in large-scale commercial real estate project management
- Experience in negotiating complex federal or private sector lease agreements
- Strong proficiency in applying Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and related real estate statutes
- Proven ability to provide authoritative technical advice on controversial real estate matters
- Expertise in performing market surveys and real estate site inspections
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Life insurance coverage options
- ✓Generous sick leave and vacation accrual
- ✓11 paid federal holidays per year
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement)
- ✓Transit and childcare subsidies
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Ongoing training and career development
💡 How to Apply Lease Contracting Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lease Contracting Officer Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account and build your federal resume
- Ensure your resume does not exceed the two-page limit
- Click the apply link on the job announcement to be redirected to the GSA application portal
- Submit all required documents, including SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee
- Review your application status via the GSA portal and wait for the confirmation notification
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid automated disqualification
- Clearly define your hours worked per week and specific dates for all relevant experience
- Quantify your accomplishments, especially when discussing project management and cost analysis
- Ensure your narrative responses explicitly address each of the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical glitches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The GS-13 salary range begins at $108,173 per year and extends up to $172,980 per year, depending on location and experience.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation expenses are not covered for this position and are the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Can I work remotely?
This position is eligible for telework, though it is not categorized as a fully remote role.
Job from Public Buildings Service
The General Services Administration (GSA) acts as the landlord for the federal government. The Public Buildings Service (PBS) manages a massive portfolio of real estate, ensuring that government employees have the high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective office spaces they need to fulfill their missions. As a member of this team, you will be part of an organization that values innovation, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.