Realty Specialist

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Real Property Field Services (TERR), Real Property Services (TER), Engineering and Technical Services (TE), Transmission Services (T). As a Realty Specialist, you'll be at the forefront of powering the Pacific Northwest. You will manage diverse real estate transactions, from acquisition to landowner negotiation, ensuring the integrity and expansion of our region's vital energy infrastructure. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-09: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-07] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience: 1) assisting with real estate transactions, such as the acquisition of land or property rights; 2) performing routine real estate support duties, including courthouse research for ownership and land rights information; and 3) helping to ensure landowners comply with the terms and conditions of real estate agreements. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.B. or J.D. if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated. GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-09] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience: 1) performing a variety of real estate services, including negotiating the acquisition of property and land rights such as easements or leases; 2) analyzing title documents to resolve routine encumbrances and preparing documents for real estate transactions; and 3) conducting market research to prepare informal estimates of property value for acquisition or disposal purposes. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.M., if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Powering the Future: Secure the Land that Lights Up the Northwest Join the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a leader in providing reliable, affordable, and clean energy to the Pacific Northwest. We're seeking a driven Realty Specialist to acquire and manage the real estate interests that are foundational to our critical mission. This isn't just a job; it's a chance to have a tangible impact on the region's economic prosperity and environmental sustainability by securing the path for the energy grid. As a Realty Specialist, you will be at the center of complex and meaningful projects. Your key responsibilities will include: Leading Negotiations: Personally conduct and direct complex negotiations with landowners, corporations, and government agencies to acquire essential land rights (such as easements and permits) for vital BPA programs. Valuation and Compensation: Determine fair market value and compensation for property rights, including preparing estimates for damages and overseeing appraisals to ensure equitable agreements. Strategic Project Management: Serve as the primary real estate expert and liaison for a wide range of construction projects, skillfully resolving conflicts between internal teams and external landowners to keep projects on schedule. Policy and Conflict Resolution: Interpret and apply real estate policies to resolve issues like property encroachments and disputes, coordinating with legal and engineering teams to protect government assets. Tribal and Wireless Program Support: Serve as the lead real estate advisor for unique and sensitive projects, including those involving Tribal lands and the expansion of BPA's wireless communications network. Community and Public Engagement: Represent BPA in public forums, answering complex real estate questions and building consensus to gain support for projects that keep the region's power supply safe and reliable. Title Analysis and Risk Mitigation: Analyze complex title policies to identify and resolve issues, negotiating with multiple parties to clear financial liens and other encumbrances to minimize government risk. Disposal of Real Property: Manage the entire process for selling or leasing BPA-owned property and rights, from determining the marketing method to negotiating conditions and collecting payments. Conditions of Employment In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Conditions of Employment: This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment. This position has been designated as requiring a PUBLIC TRUST background. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check. The incumbent reports to the Supervisor for Real Property Field Services but is physically located in the Region the position is located. The incumbent is required to travel by air, land and water. The incumbent is required to travel (day, overnight, and extended overnight). Education If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'.