3.1: Part I- Public Sector (Government and Quasi-Government Agencies)
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)I can think of no better investment in our communities than the creation of affordable housing. It is not only a moral imperative but an economic one. Stable, affordable housing lays the foundation for individuals and families to thrive, and nonprofit organizations play a critical role in ensuring that everyone has access to safe and decent housing.
- Shaun Donovan
The U.S. public sector encompasses various government agencies, including federal departments, state-level entities, and local administrations like counties and cities. Think of it as a three-tiered system in which each level offers a broad range of job opportunities:
- Federal Government: The national level, encompassing federal agencies.
- State Government: State-level agencies specific to each state.
- Local Government: City and county administrations.
Government and quasi-government agencies are established by federal, state, or local governments to provide specific functions, services, or programs. These agencies often have diverse real estate interests that they must manage in order to fulfill their mandates (orders or purpose). Government agencies typically include departments for specific areas, such as housing, transportation, and economic development. Quasi-government agencies, on the other hand, operate independently; they might be public-private partnerships or entities established by legislation.
Examples of government agencies with real estate interests include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which oversees various housing programs and initiatives (an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation) aimed at addressing affordable housing needs. HUD manages public housing developments, provides rental assistance, and implements fair housing policies. Similarly, transportation departments at the federal, state, and local levels manage extensive real estate portfolios for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public transit systems. Economic development agencies also participate in real estate activities; they facilitate land use planning, attract investment, and support business development initiatives.
Public Sector Careers
Public agencies, like the other areas of real estate we have explored, offer a diverse range of career paths. Several differences distinguish corporate and private jobs from government and non-profit positions, the largest being the primary objective of the jobs. In private industry the primary objective is to maximize profits, while the main objective of jobs in the public sector is to serve the public or community.
While you are learning about these paths, look for a rewarding professional career that will give you opportunities to work in an environment in which you will thrive, use your skill strengths, enjoy your workday tasks, expand your interests and knowledge, and provide ways to meet your personal life goals.
Examples of Real Estate Careers in the Public Sector
Let's begin with positions in government and quasi-government agencies that purchase, sell, own, and manage real estate. Examples include:
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- GINNIE MAE/FANNIE MAE
- US Department of Defense (DOD)
- US Army
- US Navy
- Cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego
- Counties, such as Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Clara
- Community College Districts
- Cal-Trans (California Department of Transportation)
- California State Board of Equalization
- Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
In these agencies, real estate related careers vary. Real property agents, for example, lease and manage properties. Senior real estate officers hold responsibility for appraisal, acquisition, leasing, and sales, as well as relocation assistance, project management and facility planning, and asset enhancement. Let’s examine some positions in more detail.
Careers with Federal Agencies
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Identifying real estate career opportunities in the more than 400 active federal agencies in the United States can be somewhat daunting. Begin by visiting the official website of the United States Office of Personnel Management at www.usajobs.gov. Here you can search by job titles, departments, agencies, and occupations. Certain job opportunities are open to the public, while others are reserved for current federal employees.
Take into account the advantages and disadvantages of federal employment when considering federal opportunities. The government offers competitive salaries, and many positions have a positive work-life balance. One attractive feature is the availability of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which assists in eliminating student loan balances. On the other hand, locating employment near your current residence can prove challenging since many positions require relocation to the Washington D.C. area. Furthermore, salary and job growth may be limited, depending on the agency and job sector, and rarely approach what you might find in commercial real estate.
Compensation in federal careers is determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay system for most of the white collar positions (jobs in offices), which usually require higher education and are carried out behind desks. The GS pay system has 15 grades with pay scales that reflect the difficulty and level of responsibility of the work. The grades define the qualifications and performance level required for acceptable performance.
Most government positions require registration into the Selective Service System at https://www.sss.gov/register/. Federal law requires all males between the ages of 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service System. This requirement makes you available for a fair and equitable draft into the Department of Defense if needed to protect our country. The last time the draft was used was 1973.
A helpful tool in identifying open positions can be found at USAJOBS Help Center - Federal occupations by college major. Occupation groups and a series of four digit codes are listed. A series code categorizes occupations into a family of jobs that are similar in nature and industry. The same job series and job titles are used by multiple agencies. For example, the four-digit code for the Realty Series is 1170. Enter Code 1170 and a desired job location on www.usajobs.gov to narrow a search for positions of interest. Job openings in multiple agencies related to the Realty Series will then be listed for you to browse.
Read through the three examples of agencies and job titles in the Realty Series:
- Realty Specialist – “Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The employee serves as a Realty Specialist providing expertise in real property acquisition, management, and disposal duties in support of the National Airspace System (NAS).” Source: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-03/Realty_Specialists.pdf
- Realty Specialist – “US Army Corps of Engineers: The employee performs complex real estate transactions, such as acquisition by lease; acquisition of property interests up to fee simple; conducting compliance inspections and inventory activities; disposals and transfers of property out of federal or agency ownership; and preparation of documents, records research, and data management to support those activities.” Source: https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Real-Estate-Division/
- Realty Specialist – “Federal Highway Administration: Located in the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Environment, Planning & Realty, the Realty Specialist is responsible for carrying out FHWA real estate and outdoor advertising programs and other related activities necessary to administer the real estate program.” https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/?_gl=1*1dofil4*_ga*MTMwNDUzNzY0LjE3MDYyMDc3NDY.*_ga_VW1SFWJKBB*MTcwNjIwNzc0Ni4xLjEuMTcwNjIwNzgzNS4wLjAuMA
In addition to Series 1170, other federal agency careers require real estate competency. Begin a search by creating a profile, a resume, and support documents, and save them onto the www.usajobs.gov website. Once saved, documents will be visible to the recruiters who search the database looking for qualified candidates.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has Student Volunteer (Intern) and Student Trainee (Office Support) positions as continuous vacancies that are always open for applications. These openings have no application deadline. They are available for students as young as 16 years and can provide invaluable experience that could be the foundation for a future rewarding and productive professional career.
Source: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/administration/jobs/internship
Real estate positions in the Internal Revenue Service, Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Ginnie Mae can be engaging and rewarding. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employs Real Estate Officers who oversee the entire lifecycle of agency properties. These officers manage the acquisition process, from initial planning to final disposition. They're also responsible for leasing operations, ensuring a large portfolio of owned and leased properties functions smoothly. The required education is a BA in Business Administration or Finance (or equivalent work experience). Five years experience in federal acquisition experience required, and a real estate broker’s license Is desired. (See more details at Real Estate Officer - CIA.)
Here are a few more examples of federal positions:
**Realty Specialist - Multiple Agencies
The work of a Realty Specialist varies somewhat depending on the agency or department. However, in general, the responsibilities include acquisition (purchase or lease) of property, management, and “disposal” (sale or transfer). The daily work includes preparation of documents, records research, and data management. These specialists advise on the value of real estate and ensure that transactions are completed according to the policies of each agency.
Experience and/or Education Required: 1 year experience at the GS07 level of compensation in the field of real estate or a master’s degree in business administration or a combination of higher education and experience. For more detailed explanation of the requirements, see https://www.usajobs.gov/search and search for 1170 in the keywords section.
**Student Trainee (Management Analyst) - Department of Housing and Development
A Student Trainee (Management Analyst) is an entry level temporary position. Trainees assist in reviewing contractors’ work for accuracy, adequacy, and soundness along with assessing effectiveness in procedures designed to prevent waste, loss, unauthorized use, and misappropriation of assets.
Experience and/or Education Required: One year at the GS-5 pay level with experience using computer applications and preparing reports, or one full year of graduate level education. For further information, go to https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_jobs and click on Review All FHEO Job Opportunities.
Careers with California Agencies
The State of California has over 200 agencies, some of which offer job opportunities related to real estate. The official website of the State of California for job seekers is https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/. Like the federal government website, candidates can search for job openings by job title and geography. Also, like the federal site, some of the positions are open only to current state employees while others are open to everyone qualified. Here are a few of the California agencies that offer positions related to the real estate industry.
**Property Appraiser and Property Audit Appraiser
The Property Appraiser series includes Junior Property Appraiser, Associate Property Appraiser, Senior Specialist Property Appraiser, and Supervising Property Appraiser. An Auditing series is also available for interested candidates. See https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/5439.aspx
Among the agencies that employ property appraisers and property auditor appraisers is the Board of Equalization (BOE). The Board of Equalization assists in ensuring compliance by county assessors with respect to property tax laws, regulations, and assessment issues. One function of the BOE is to conduct audits on all 58 county assessors’ programs.
**Real Estate Officer
Department of General Services (DGS) – The Department of General Services, the business manager for the State of California, is responsible for the procurement (securing funds) and acquisition of assets for the State. Five positions with increasing responsibility comprise a series beginning with Real Estate Officer, whose duties include site selection, providing real estate expertise to the State Public Works Board, appraisal, acquisition, review of appraisals and transactions, leasing both as landlord and tenant, sale, relocation assistance, regional portfolio management, project management, facility planning, asset enhancement of real property, and the review of acquisition and leasing procedures and documents of all state acquisition agencies other than the Department of Transportation, University of California, and State Lands Commission. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/9594.aspx
**Right of Way Agent
Cal-Trans. The California Department of Transportation (Cal-Trans) manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes. The Right of Way Agent series of jobs within Cal-Trans assists in the various programs and duties of the Right of Way Department while receiving formal and rotational on-the-job training in the major functional areas of appraisals, acquisitions, relocation assistance, utility relocation and property management. The entry level position is the Right of Way Agent, with four promotional opportunities available, including first and second level supervisory positions. https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/4959.aspx
Applying for Jobs with the State of California
Candidates interested in state employment should first create a CalCareer Account on the CalCareers website at www.calcareers.ca.gov/. After creating an account, complete the application form STD678, which includes personal information, education, and employment history. Documents including resumes and transcripts can be uploaded to the system for repeated use. Next, conduct a search for open examinations for each series of interest. The examinations are online, ask questions regarding the minimum qualifications of the position, and can be completed from your computer, tablet, or phone. Once the examination is passed, you can apply for any vacant position for which you are eligible.
Careers with City and County Agencies
California contains 58 counties and more than 450 cities. Each county and city has positions related to real estate. One benefit to working for a local government is that most positions are concentrated in a small geographic area, limiting the need to relocate. On the other hand, local government agencies can be highly affected by economic downturns and budgetary issues. Candidates interested in local government should analyze the economic stability of the agency of interest prior to applying.
County Positions
County Tax Assessor Offices
County assessors, https://www.counties.org/county-office/assessor, are mandated by the state to locate, identify, and establish values of all vacant land, improved real estate, and business property. Improved real estate includes any land that has value added value by construction of building or infrastructure. The role of the tax assessor’s office is to determine the amount of property taxes owed. Then, the county tax collector’s office has the responsibility of collecting and receiving the payments from property owners. Positions related to real estate available in County Assessor Offices include Appraiser, Auditor Appraiser, Office Specialist, and Property Transfer Examiner positions.
Each county in California has its own website showing job opportunities, however, most job vacancies for all counties can be located at www.governmentjobs.com. Working for the county tax assessor’s office does not require a real estate license. If the employee has a real estate license, it may need to be inactivated.
Here are a few job titles, descriptions and links to job specifications for Assessor positions that exist in Santa Clara County. Similar positions exist in every county, although the exact job titles, job descriptions, salaries, and requirements will vary from county to county.
Tax Assessor's Office - Sample Job Descriptions
Chief Appraiser
Chief Appraisers plan, organize and direct the operation of a division responsible for audit, appraisal or assessment systems and standards functions within a Assessor's Office. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sacramento/classspecs/16101
Auditor – Appraiser I/II/III
Auditor-Appraisers conduct audits of businesses for tax assessment purposes. They work independently to audit small and medium-sized businesses. Typical tasks include performing field inspections and interviews, processing personal property statements, computing replacement costs and depreciation, examining financial documents, preparing reports with recommendations, and defending audits before the Assessment Appeals board. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field, plus one to two years of relevant experience. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/1375674
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/1375676
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/9726
Office Specialist II/III
Office Specialists work throughout the Assessor’s Office in customer service, data processing, and other assessment roll support functions. This classification serves as an entry level position leading specialized promotional support positions such as assessment clerk. Office Specialists are critical to an organization, providing assistance and technical expertise in areas of assessment, appraisal, standards, exemptions, and administration. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and one to two years of relevant experience.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/10318
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/10320
Appraiser I/II/III
Appraiser I, II, and III positions serve as the training classification for the appraiser professional series. Incumbents receive significant classroom and field training on appraisal fundamentals including how to inspect, measure, classify, analyze, and value property. Appraiser I workers also learn how to apply laws and regulations governing public-sector appraisals. Candidates who successfully complete one year as an Appraiser I may be promoted to the Appraiser II classification. Minimum qualifications for this position include possession of a four-year degree or four years of relevant experience.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/9676
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/9677
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/39650
Property Transfer Examiner
The sale of a property requires the legal transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer, that is, a “property transfer.” The sale of a property requires the legal transfer of ownership from a seller to a buyer, that is, a “property transfer.” Property Transfer Examiners examine title documents to determine whether a property is legally eligible to be re-appraised; they function as subject matter experts on re-appraisibility. These professionals use their knowledge of laws and regulations to examine complex titles to determine if a property transaction will trigger a reappraisal. Minimum requirements include two years of related work experience or certification as a paralegal technician and one year of relevant experience. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/9319
Senior Appraiser
Senior Appraisers perform research and analysis to determine the value of commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and agricultural properties. They perform highly varied, complex, and specialized appraisals, requiring a high level of independent judgment and interpretive ability using various appraisal methods and techniques. These professionals may coordinate and review the work of Appraiser I/II/III positions. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/9491
Practice Zone
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Go to the websites CalCareers.com and GovernmentJobs.com and search for real estate assessor careers. Do you find these careers on both sites? Why do you think that is? Read the job descriptions. What type of real estate training and career skills are required for these positions? What is the salary range, Are benefits included? Would such a position be interesting to you? |
Real Property Agent
The Real Property Agent Series is not part of the Assessor’s Office, but rather is part of Real Estate Service divisions within counties. Real Estate Service divisions are responsible for the acquisition and disposition of real estate owned by the County. The Real Property Agent series is similar to the Right-of-Way Agent in Cal-Trans in that their primary function is to negotiate with property owners and other persons with interest in property to obtain rights of way for public projects. A “right of way” refers to property in which the County has an interest or legal control, including streets, public sidewalks, alleys, waterways or utility easements.
County Housing Authorities
County Housing Authorities assist low-income persons in obtaining affordable housing. Job titles in this area include Housing Services Manager and Housing Services Specialist. Job descriptions for the Real Property Series for Santa Clara County can be found at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/9530 https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/10151 https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/classspecs/10341
Job descriptions for all Housing Authority positions can be found at: https://www.scchousingauthority.org/careers/job-descriptions/
City Positions
City Planning and Development Departments have various duties and responsibilities related to real estate. These departments are responsible for preparing and administering the state-required General Plan, which describes the long term vision for the city. Part of this responsibility is analyzing all of the real property owned by the city to ensure best use of public lands for the citizens of the city.
Using the City of San Bernardino as an example, a Planning Department series of jobs include positions of Planning Aide, Associate Planner, Principal Planner, Senior Planner, and Deputy Director/City Planner. In addition to the Planning Department other positions related to the management of Real Estate for the City of San Bernardino are Assessment District/Real Property Specialist, Real Property Manager, Economic Development Manager, and Housing Compliance Specialist. Job descriptions along with links to full job descriptions and benefits are below. Other cities have similar websites with job classifications and job descriptions defined. Due to the variations among cities, interested candidates should review all information including job series, salary schedules, and benefit packages for the specific city of interest prior to applying for a position.
Planning Aide
Under direct supervision, performs sub-professional, technical support duties to assist professional staff in the field of urban planning and zoning administration.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/800353
Associate Planner
Under general supervision, the Associate Planner performs responsible, professional planning activities involving current and long-range planning and special projects.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/795119
Principal Planner
Under direction plans, organizes, and supervises a major planning section within the department and performs a variety of complex and responsible professional planning work. Advises, assists, and administers policies established by the Planning Commission, the Mayor, and City Council on matters concerning the orderly growth of the City.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/836305
Senior Planner
Under direction, performs a variety of complex and responsible professional planning functions and leads and participates in the work of other professional staff. Serves as project manager for large-scale development projects and long-range planning studies requiring coordination among multiple City divisions and departments, other public agencies, and private enterprises.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/1220731
Deputy Director/City Planner
Under administrative direction, the Deputy Director/City Planner plans, organizes, and directs the City’s planning programs, services, and staff. Works with Director to ensure effective and efficient City Planning and Development services.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/1011029
Assessment District/Real Property Specialist
Under general supervision, performs difficult technical functions associated with the acquisition, administration and disposition of easements/rights-of-way, real property, annexations and assessment districts; prepares a wide variety of legal descriptions, maps, drawings, contracts/agreements, cost estimates and other documents; and performs related duties as assigned.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/1005184
Real Property Manager
Under direction, the Real Property Manager performs a wide variety of responsible professional, technical, and administrative functions for the City's Real Property Programs.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/1266663
Economic Development Manager
Under general direction, manages a proactive business recruitment, business retention, or special events program within the Economic Development Department with the goal of bringing new jobs, events, and capital investment to the City.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/1638895
Housing Compliance Specialist
Under general supervision, the Housing Compliance Specialist inspects, oversees, and provides specialized real estate knowledge in the coordination and implementation of the asset management activities of City funded affordable housing communities and other housing activities. Ensures regulatory compliance, maintains portfolio files, prepares reports and financial analyses.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citysanbernardino/classspecs/1382841
Quasi-Government Agencies
Quasi-government Agencies, such as the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), or Edison International, have positions for Right-of-Way Agents and Planning Advisors. (See previous sections of this module for descriptions.) Their primary function is to represent a public agency in real estate transactions, including property management and sales transactions. For example, PG&E has a Land Use and Sales Divisions that manages their extensive property throughout the state. See https://www.pge.com/en/about/land-use-and-sales.html. This division of PG&E is responsible for working with the public on easements, property near substations or other PG&E owned land, and the sales of surplus property. Surplus property is property with no use for PG&E that can be returned to private ownership for productive use. PG&E
Quasi-government agencies offer benefit and retirement packages similar to those of government agencies. Further information regarding positions can be located at the websites: metrolinktrains.com/, www.pge.com/en.htm, and www.sce.com.
Additional Real Estate-Related Positions
Additional real estate-related positions in government agencies or in corporate America (working alongside government agencies):
- Urban Planner: Works for local government agencies to develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
- Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Specialist: Works at the federal level to manage and oversee housing programs, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and support affordable housing initiatives.
- State Housing Finance Agency Officer: Manages programs that provide affordable housing opportunities and support homeownership at the state level.
- County Property Assessor: Works at the county level to determine property values for tax purposes, ensuring accurate and equitable property tax assessments.
- Township Zoning Inspector: Enforces local zoning regulations, conducts inspections, and ensures compliance with building codes and ordinances at the township level.
- Facilities Manager: Oversees the maintenance, operations, and safety of an agency's facilities, ensuring efficient and effective use of space.
- Government Relations Specialist: Works for real estate firms to manage interactions with government agencies, advocate for favorable policies, and navigate regulatory environments.
- Community Development Coordinator: Collaborates with local governments, non-profits, and community organizations to develop and implement programs that improve community infrastructure and housing.
These additional positions highlight the diverse opportunities within corporate America and various levels of government, showcasing the breadth of career paths available in real estate.