CHIEF OF REAL ESTATE SERVICES -DEP - 37001219

Requisition No: 879132 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: CHIEF OF REAL ESTATE SERVICES -DEP - 37001219

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 37001219 

Salary:  $95,000 to $102,000; commensurate with education and experience. 

Posting Closing Date: 07/16/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Chief of Real Estate Services-DEP

Position #37001219

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Division of State Lands

Bureau of Real Estate Services

This position is located in Tallahassee, Florida

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of State Lands is Florida’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship and serves as staff to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Board of Trustees).

Within the Division of State Lands, the Bureau of Real Estate Services (BRES) manages all aspects of real property transactions on behalf of the Board of Trustees, including negotiation, acquisition, disposition, exchange, donation, and closing of real property.  BRES also administers statewide contracts for title and closing services, as well as environmental site assessments.

To support DEP’s mission, BRES regularly collaborates with other DEP divisions, water management districts, and state agencies serving as land managers to negotiate and facilitate real estate transactions that advance critical conservation and operational objectives.

This position is responsible for the operation, management, and supervision of BRES. BRES conducts and/or reviews state real estate transactions authorized under Chapters 253 and 259, Florida Statutes (F.S.), land acquisitions under the Florida Communities Trust Act (Chapter 380, Part III, F.S.), and surplus state land dispositions and exchanges.

The Division of State Lands, including the Bureau Chief, plays a key role in the initial review and evaluation of acquisition priorities for the Florida Forever program. The Division’s work is guided by the goals and priorities established by the Governor, Cabinet, and Legislature, which provide strategic direction for land acquisition and conservation initiatives.

As delegated by the Deputy Secretary, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Director, or Deputy Director, the Bureau Chief is responsible for implementing the Division’s goals and priorities in the areas of land acquisition, project selection under the Florida Forever program, and the sale and exchange of state lands identified as surplus, in accordance with applicable statutes. This includes identifying strategies and priorities to fulfill the Division’s responsibilities, organizing and directing BRES staff to effectively carry out program objectives, establishing performance standards, and monitoring employee performance to ensure those standards are achieved. 

The Bureau Chief provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Bureau and ensures effective coordination with other bureaus within the Division of State Lands. 

The Bureau Chief monitors the status of all acquisition and surplus land disposition projects on a regular basis, in coordination with the Deputy Secretary, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Division Director, or Deputy Director, to ensure projects are completed efficiently and in a timely manner. Responsibilities include overseeing the Bureau’s actions as part of the Cabinet agenda process, resolving complex issues, and keeping Division leadership informed of program progress and emerging matters. The Bureau Chief also leads or participates in high-level negotiations with property owners, land representatives, purchasers, and other stakeholders, exercising sound judgment and strategic decision-making in complex real estate transactions.

This position administers all Bureau functions critical to the success of the Division’s land acquisition and surplus land disposition programs, including oversight of complex real estate transactions through successful closing. 

The Bureau Chief fosters a collaborative, solutions-oriented work environment that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and sound decision-making. At the direction of the Deputy Secretary, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Director, or Deputy Director, this position represents the Division of State Lands in public forums and coordinates with state agencies to facilitate land acquisition projects.  

This position ensures Division leadership is informed of matters requiring preparation and oversees the timely development of supporting materials. The Bureau Chief also directs the Bureau’s response to statewide audits and ensures compliance with applicable laws, policies and procedures.

The Bureau Chief exercises supervisory authority, including the ability to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline subordinate employees, or effectively recommend such personnel actions. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of and experience with: Real property acquisition, appraisal, closing, and property management principles and practices, including applicable laws, regulations, and procedures.

Knowledge of: State and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing land acquisition and related activities, data collection, and analysis methods; and management, supervisory, and organizational leadership principles and practices.

Skilled in: Operating a computer. 

Ability to: Manage a consultative program designed to resolve managerial and operational issues; establish work priorities, assign and oversee work, and ensure the timely completion of assignments; collect, evaluate, and analyze data to develop recommendations, improve operational and management practices, and document workflows; organize and present complex information in reports, presentations, and other  written materials; conduct research and apply analytical and problem-solving techniques; interpret and  apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; plan, organize, and coordinate multiple projects and priorities; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; exercise sound independent judgment in matters involving land acquisition, appraisal, and property management; read and interpret contracts, maps, surveys, abstracts of title, title commitments, appraisals, court records, and other legal documents; supervise, mentor, and develop staff;  foster teamwork and collaboration; prepare detailed, accurate reports and correspondence; and  maintain effective working relationships with employees, leadership, parter agencies, and the public.

Other Requirements:

• Possess an active Florida Real Estate license;
• Possess a valid driver’s license;
• Travel;
• Vendor/Invoice Warrant Processing responsibility, section 215.422, F.S.; and
• The incumbent of this position, in accordance with sections 110.1127 and 435.04, F.S. and DEP Directive 422, Background Investigations, is required to successfully complete a background and fingerprint check.

Pay:

$95,000 to $102,000; commensurate with education and experience.

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water, and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

Tallahassee - Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combines old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Special Notes: DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.