Realty Specialist

Full spectrum of Realty Specialist duties as described in position description in Series 1170 (land acquisitions, land exchanges, leases, rights-of-way, disposals, etc. as assigned).

• 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. Develops supplemental manual sections, guidelines and instruction memoranda for issuance by management officials. Recommends changes in technical standards and criteria where local resource conditions or needs are not being satisfied by applying existing Fish and Wildlife Service standards. Assists managers in identifying needs/opportunities and direction in achieving Fish and Wildlife Service goals and objectives. Develops innovative solutions and procedures to appropriately advise and assist State agency personnel and other partners, including sub-grantees, local government entities, and non-governmental organizations. Determines whether proposals are in compliance with Departmental rules and regulations, Service and region refuge policy, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars, Executive Orders, and/or the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 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 charater and design of project proposals. Monitors and evaluates project activities in the field to determine progress in accomplishment of stated project objectives. Reviews ongoing projects to ensure that their development and/or use are carried out as originally proposed. Speaks and acts independently conveying decisions of the Service in discussions with state agency directors, state Federal Aid coordinators, state staff, and partners during project field reviews. 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.   35%
• Initiates and completes assignments and requirements according to laws, regulations, policies, instruction memoranda, manuals and established practices. Ensures the proper interpretation of these sources including developing innovative approaches to situations that do not fit into standard practices and procedures. Prepares and develops non-traditional legal documents such as flowage, construction and development easements, and leases and permits so there is an understanding between the parties which is necessary to transfer title/ownership rights to real property. 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. Exams land proposed for acquisition by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Plans and resolves appraisal problems then analyzes and prepares final appraisal reports. Analyzes and resolves conflicts in case action policy and program objectives. Resolves complex issues in cases of right-of-way and lease management records, documents, files and associated processes such as casework adjudication, docket control, appraisal, master title plats, permits, deeds, and other related land management actions. Coordinates work with various representatives of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for purposes of securing a clear title in accordance with prevailing legal standards for acquired lands. Prepares and submits documents to the DOJ in cases where there are condemnation actions are necessary as in eminent domain matters. Develops and oversees the implementation of relocations on various projects. Develops and submits recommendations to management for alternate means of acquisitions and project management. Performs research and abstracts legal land titles to verify chain of title. Ensures that documentation for encumbrances such as liens, mortgages suits and related legal instruments that affect the title of land being acquired by the United States has been fully addressed.   30%
• Serves on regional and national committees and work groups to address major program issues by conducting program and policy analyses, reviewing and summarizing new legislation and policy proposals, reviewing program documents, and preparing special reports. Provides expert advice to Service management on new or updated policy and innovative land management approaches. Serves as the representative to various committees and work groups tasked with resolving realty management issues. Coordinates with realty and subject matter experts within the assigned Region, in other Regions, and Headquarters regarding major land management program issues having impacts on the management of real property. Works with all parties to achieve consistent program management. Coordinates program activities and information exchange among Service Offices to address common problems and opportunities for joint efforts. Maintains communications with the Offices to keep them apprised of recent events affecting ongoing and new realty management programs, whether it is new legislation, proposed regulations, policy development, or new program opportunities. Develops and maintains cooperative, and effective working relationships with peers and other personnel in the Service, the Department at its bureaus, and other Federal land management entities; and with landowners and other affected parties. Maintains peer contacts to keep informed of new techniques, procedures, results, and strategies to gain information for use in program facilitation and coordination. Negotiates with private landowners; representative of Federal, state, and local government agencies; corporations; civic organizations; and non-profit associations for the acquisition of property by purchase, lease, easement, exchange, and/or donation. Work that is done with other Federal agencies, i.e. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Coast Guard would involve transfers of property from one bureau/agency to another. The incumbent is authorized to speak for Fish and Wildlife Service when providing consultation, advice, and guidance to the staff of other Federal agencies, local agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other partners. Develops and participates in symposiums, conferences, and formal training, as well as informal training with State organizations, private industry and local government participants.   25%
• Ensures that land acquisitions or divestures are environmentally sound and will present no potential to harm to the surrounding ecosystems. Reviews planning documents to ensure that the documentation contains information that will support long and/or short range plans to establish new refuges in the United States. Examines and evaluates related physical and environmental activities that may affect realty management actions. Addresses and resolves a variety of complex habitat and ecosystem problems and issues involving several functional areas. Modifies policies and procedures to accomplish program realty and refuge land management goals. Works with other resource specialists and industry personnel by providing realty program data and information in developing environmental assessments for proposed actions which affect the lands program.   10%

• Required Certifications: N/A
• Physical requirements: Office duties Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.