Realty Specialist

This position is a Realty Specialist, GS- 1170-12 working in Fergus Falls, Minnesota for the R3-Fergus Falls Wetlands Acquisition Office.

This position is also open to status candidates under announcement R3-24-12375836-CB-MP. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.As a Realty Specialist your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops, modifies, and implements procedures and policies to effectively administer the real property transactions and projects for the assigned Region/office. Provides expert consultation and guidance to senior management, technical specialists and staff of state and Federal agencies in matters that are complex or unusual to develop viable solutions or procedures for handling such matters which frequently involve unique or controversial issues that are not readily resolved by the application, adaptation, or extension of conventional approaches.

• Analyzes technical realty proposals to determine whether they are in accordance with legislative and regulatory criteria and will yield benefits commensurate with proposed costs. Conducts evaluations of projects and proposals that include the substantiality of the soundness of the character and design of project proposals.

• Procures and reviews abstracts of title, title certificates or title insurance and submits title case with a purchase contract and other documents. Analyzes and takes appropriate action to clear title objections, drafts an acceptable form of legal document and has it executed and recorded and takes all other actions necessary to vest title in the United States.

• Reviews progress and results of projects to confirm that proposals constitute effective and efficient expenditure of funds. Reviews performance and final reports to determine conformance with stated objective and recommends approval or disapproval of final payment of project costs. Negotiates appropriate resolution if project or handling of funds fails to comply with requirements

• Monitors and evaluates project activities in the field to determine progress in accomplishment of stated project objectives.

Only experience and education obtained by 05/02/2024 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification.

Minimum Qualification [GS-12]

• One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-11 in the Federal service. Experience may include: Acquiring fee title and conservation easements; negotiating with various partners (including landowners, non-profit conservation organizations, and governmental bodies) on projects that involve the acquisition of important fish and wildlife habitat; preparing and developing non-traditional legal realty documents; procuring and reviewing abstracts of title; analyzing and taking appropriate action to clear title objections; drafting acceptable legal documents to be executed and recorded in order to vest title; examining lands for proposed acquisition; planning, analyzing and resolving valuation problems; and providing advice to others on realty acquisition matters.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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.