Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Headquarters, Program Management Operations Division (PMOD), Infrastructure, location is negotiable after selection. You must choose one of the following locations: Laguna Niguel, CA Washington, DC This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 50 applications have been received, whichever happens first.
Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Leading end to end lease or purchase acquisitions, including market surveys, negotiations, award, and administration in compliance with FAR/FPMR/GSA policy; Conducting site evaluations and preparing reports assessing property adequacy relative to mission requirements and proximity to operational elements; Reviewing title reports, identifying exceptions, preparing curative documentation, and coordinating with owners/counsel to resolve title defects; Developing acquisition plans and strategies for distinctive needs (e.g., easements, access corridors) and conducting competitive procurements; Negotiating complex lease and acquisition terms and conditions to achieve fair rental rates and secure protections aligned with operational requirements. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. 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. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 11/28/2025. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.
In this position, you will lead the full lifecycle of real property acquisition, management, utilization, and disposal while providing expert portfolio guidance, interpreting policy, conducting market/title analyses, and negotiating complex leases. This position ensures U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) has the facilities and land needed to execute operations, optimize utilization and costs, and maintain compliance to support mission readiness. This position starts at a salary of $124,531.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $161,889.00 (GS-14, Step 10). As a Realty Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring efficient and effective management of real property assets, resolving real estate challenges, and facilitating the acquisition and disposal of properties in accordance with applicable regulations and agency needs. Typical duties will include: Planning and executing real property acquisitions (purchase, lease, exchange, donation) and provide expert portfolio management guidance, interpreting/formulating policy and ensuring compliance with FAR, FPMR, GSA, and USBP procedures. Serving as project lead and subject matter expert (SME) for complex realty decisions, developing business cases, conducting strategic analyses, and leading audits and process improvements. Managing assignments, utilization, and disposal of federally owned/leased properties, preparing site evaluations, and formulating lease-versus-purchase analyses. Conducting market surveys and title research, negotiating and administering complex leases and agreements as a RECO, and performing cost/price analyses. Establishing and maintaining liaison with property owners, government officials, and stakeholders, briefing leadership, and acting as a spokesperson on real property matters to reconcile competing interests and support mission needs.