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Realty Specialist

Western Area Power Administration

Lakewood, COFull-time$62–130K/yrPosted today

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At a glance

Compensation
$62–130K/yr
Location
Lakewood, CO
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
US work authorization required

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Defensive Driver CertificationValid State Driver's License

Job overview

The Realty Specialist advises on programs for acquiring and managing land and land rights that support construction, rehabilitation, and reliable operation of the electrical transmission system. The role handles realty transactions, negotiations, property-use proposals, and land-management recommendations, and contributes findings to facilities route planning. This is not a remote position; the selectee must be physically present at an identified duty location.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Realty TransactionsLand AcquisitionReal Estate NegotiationProject ManagementLand ManagementResearchProposal DevelopmentPresentationProject AnalysisPublic Land CoordinationLegal InterpretationNEPA InterpretationCommunicationAttention to DetailCustomer ServiceDecision MakingFlexibilityIntegrityInterpersonal SkillsLearningReading ComprehensionReasoningSelf-ManagementStress ToleranceTeamwork

Qualifications

U.S. Citizen or NationalSelective Service RegistrationModerate Risk ClearanceGovernment Vehicle OperationDefensive Driver CertificationValid State Driver's LicenseOne Year Specialized ExperienceMaster's or Equivalent Graduate DegreeTwo Years Graduate EducationRelated LL.B. Or J.D.GS-07 Specialized ExperiencePh.D. Or Equivalent Doctoral Degree

Benefits

Relocation Assistance
Paid Time Off

Full job description

Summary

As a Realty Specialist, you will serve as subject matter expert and adviser in the areas of developing, administering, and executing programs in support of the acquisition and management of land and land rights, construction and its replacements, rehabilitation, and addition (RRAD) programs to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the electrical transmission system. This is NOT A REMOTE POSITION. The selectee will be required to be physically present at a duty location identified.

Duties

As a Realty Specialist, you will: Perform acquisition of real property interests. Complete common and routine realty transactions involving most classifications of real property. Perform and complete necessary actions that lead up to final proposals to the various land owners. Actions such as ordering title commitments, land surveys, ensuring environmental reviews address the necessary lands actions, conducting research at a county assessor's office, etc. Perform necessary lands actions to acquire legal access across various land ownerships, such as private, city, county and state, federal and tribal reservation lands. Demonstrate an understanding of real estate property terms, actions, legal references, etc. to inform and advice respective internal and external parties involved in a WAPA lead project. Initiate and complete routine negotiations for acquisition of real estate interests in land and facilities through the use of temporary use permits, leases, fee simple deeds, memoranda of agreement and other instruments as necessary. Review and determine whether proposals for the use of WAPA property are compatible with the purposes for which the properties were acquired. Prepare licenses, leases, grants and permits for secondary uses of WAPA's lands. Establish and implement sound project management practices including task planning, resource matrix, milestones, and delivery dates on a tasks or project basis. Provide recommendations to the Regional Manager, Maintenance Manager, Environmental Manager, WAPA's Lands Manager, and other higher level management officials related to the efficient support and execution of the region's land management policies to support maintenance and construction programs. Participate in proposed facilities route planning and provide expert and technical findings to identify land ownership, social, economic, or political problems that may affect the plan and to provide recommended solutions in a timely manner. Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Security clearance and associated requirements- Moderate Risk. This position requires the ability to operate a Government vehicle. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license, in order to visit field sites, some of which are remote or in locations affected by natural disasters. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment. Total salary varies depending on location of position. Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. To qualify at the GS-09 grade level: Applicants must have either: Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related, - OR- Specialized Experience: One (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include one (1) of the following: Conduct research to gather relevant information to inform processes and decisions for a larger action or project; Work with individuals and groups to develop realty proposals for approval and action; Present material in a clear and effective manner to professional work groups and others; Assist with multiple projects simultaneously that may require extended periods of time between the start and completion of the project or task. OR a combination of both specialized experience and education that together meet the qualifications of this position. To qualify at the GS-11 grade level: Applicants must have either: Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. -OR- Specialized Experience: One (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience MUST include two (2) of the following: Analyze results of information gathered related to a lands actions to inform the respective lands lead, lands manager, and the project team; Obtain individual and group cooperation to develop realty proposals for approval and action; Present material gathered from diverse sources and disciplines in a clear and effective manner to professional work groups and others; Manage multiple projects simultaneously that may require extended periods of time between the start and completion of the project or task. OR a combination of both specialized experience and education that together meet the qualifications of this position. To qualify at the GS-12 grade level: Applicant must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. This experience MUST include at least two (2) of the following: Resolve and/or evaluate issues which relate to lands and realty programs; Manage public land activities requiring close coordination between federal agencies, state and local governments, and/or public land user groups; Interpret laws, regulations, and procedures concerning land cases; Interpret National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) laws for land and resource management programs; Communicate with other realty specialists, landowners and attorneys, title companies, local/state governments, and the public. "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. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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 all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How You Will Be Evaluated

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Office will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications. USAHire: To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Rule of Many Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the USA Hire Assessment rating assessment(s) will be scored. You will be ranked in score order plus any Veterans' preference points. All candidates who score above a predefined cut score will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. All applicants tied at the cut line will be referred. If additional candidates are needed, groups of three per vacancy will be referred. Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles with the same score. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are listed at the top of the certificate in the order of their ratings unless the job is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent). Simultaneous Listing: Candidates may be referred simultaneously on multiple certificates for which they are interested, eligible, and within reach. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified". You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (11/23/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13109416. Other Information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov. Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement. USAHire Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed. The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized. This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages. Colorado: $68,819 - $129,742 Remaining locations fall under Rest of US: $61,722 - $116,362

How this job compares

Set against the 548 open Real Estate jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 7, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$62–130K/yr
  • US median$133–237K/yr368 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $96K, is 52% below the US median midpoint ($198K) — in the lowest quarter of Real Estate salary ranges across the US.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 21 open Real Estate jobs in Colorado and 548 across the US. 5% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Colorado
Experience
This posting asks for at least 1 year of experience — less than three in four Real Estate postings that state a minimum ask for (median 7 years, across 437 postings).
Education
202 of the 548 open Real Estate jobs (37%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 7, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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