Become a Force for Environmental Change: Civil Engineer Jobs in Jacksonville, FL

If you are an ambitious engineer seeking a career that combines technical innovation with meaningful public service, look no further. The Department of the Army's U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has announced an outstanding opportunity for a Civil Engineer within the Jacksonville District's Engineering Division. This public notice flyer aims to recruit qualified engineering talent under the Department of Defense’s Direct Hire Authority (DHA), Section 9905.

Operating in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida, this role puts you at the absolute forefront of regional water resources management, ecological restoration, and environmental compliance. With a competitive salary range of $50,460 to $97,087 per year, this position offers a direct path into the federal civil service. Learn more below about the agency, the day-to-day responsibilities, qualifying requirements, and how to successfully navigate the federal application process.

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About the Agency: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is one of the world's premier public engineering and design agencies. Its civilian workforce serves a vital role in supporting the nation's military and civil works infrastructure, delivering services that are crucial to both defense operations and national welfare.

The Jacksonville District (SAJ) is renowned for handling some of the most complex, high-profile water resource challenges in the United States. Its jurisdiction encompasses massive ecosystems, including the Everglades, the St. Johns River, and extensive coastal infrastructure networks. Civil engineers in this division operate at the intersection of flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable resource planning. Working here means collaborating with elite scientists, engineers, and project managers to shape the natural and built environment of Florida and beyond.

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Key Job Responsibilities

As a Civil Engineer (GS-0810) within the Jacksonville District, your primary duty will be ensuring the safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable operation of various water control projects. Below are the key responsibilities you will handle on a day-to-day basis:

• Real-Time Water Control Decisions: You will make real-time water management decisions in strict compliance with the project’s approved water control plans and operating manuals.
• System Manual Development: Assist in drafting and updating system operating manuals and plans for critical control structures and multi-faceted, interconnected water resource networks.
• Hydrological and Meteorological Analysis: Collect, evaluate, and interpret complex hydro-meteorological data to guide water management choices and ensure long-term structural viability.
• Environmental Stewardship: Ensure all water control actions align with the USACE environmental operating principles, and fully comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal regulations.
• Site Inspections & Fieldwork: Perform field inspections and technical investigations to build comprehensive databases that support water budgets and conservation models.
• Operator Supervision: Issue clear, actionable instructions to dam and project operators to maintain systemic integrity during normal operations and severe weather events.

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Job Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for this competitive federal engineering position, you must meet rigorous educational and experience-based criteria.

Minimum Education Requirement

To qualify at any GS grade level, you must have completed a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). You must provide official or unofficial transcripts with your application to prove this requirement has been met.

Specialized Experience Criteria

Depending on the grade level you are targeting, you must demonstrate the following specialized experience:

• GS-07: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in federal service. This includes assisting in civil engineering project designs, drafting basic technical documents, and reviewing engineering reports for baseline compliance.
• GS-09: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level. This includes executing tasks under the general guidance of senior engineers, analyzing field data, and compiling technical reports or plans.
• GS-11: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level. This includes planning field investigations, compiling technical data for complex water budget elements, and demonstrating advanced knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, and meteorology.

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Grade Level Comparison and Progression

To help visualize where your qualifications align, review this comprehensive comparison table:

GS Grade	Minimum Specialized Experience Required	Core Focus Area	Supervision Level
GS-07	1 year equivalent to GS-06	Assisting in design and basic technical reporting.	Direct and close supervision from senior personnel.
GS-09	1 year equivalent to GS-07	General project design, data collection, and plan drafting.	General guidance with routine review of deliverables.
GS-11	1 year equivalent to GS-09	Advanced hydrology, water budgets, and NEPA compliance.	High autonomy; independent technical decision-making.

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Salary and Federal Benefits Overview

This Civil Engineer position offers a starting salary range of $50,460 to $97,087 per year, which includes locality pay and local market supplements. In addition to base pay, a career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers comes with a robust array of federal benefits designed to support your personal and professional well-being:

• Retirement & Pension: Full enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
• Flexible Leave: Earn paid annual leave for vacations, sick leave for medical needs, and observe all federal holidays.
• Comprehensive Healthcare: Choice of premium health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance programs.
• Incentives: Based on budget and candidate eligibility, the agency may authorize signing bonuses, relocation incentives, and student loan repayment plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Access to situational telework programs and flexible scheduling options to balance your job with personal priorities.

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Step-by-Step Application Guide & Critical Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. This flyer outlines a unique submission path, meaning you will not apply directly on USAJobs. Instead, you must submit your materials through the USACE Yello portal. Use these guidelines to ensure your package is not rejected:

1. Master the 2-Page Resume Rule

This is perhaps the most critical constraint of this listing. Your resume must be two pages or less. Any resume that exceeds this limit will be instantly discarded. Keep your wording concise, utilize bullet points, and focus only on highly relevant, specialized engineering experience.

2. Include Vital Work History Details

For every job listed on your resume, you must include:

• Exact employer/agency name.
• Your official job title.
• Start and end dates (including month and year; e.g., 05/2022 to 08/2025).
• Average hours worked per week (e.g., 40 hours/week).
• Failure to include these metrics will make it impossible for HR to verify your experience, resulting in your application being marked as incomplete.

3. Provide Official Transcripts

Do not forget your college transcripts! Because this position requires a professional engineering degree, your application will be rated ineligible if you fail to attach your transcripts showing an ABET-accredited degree.

4. Submit Electronically Before the Deadline

Upload your finalized resume and transcripts to the Yello portal by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on July 27, 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I apply if my engineering degree is from a foreign university?

Yes, provided your foreign education has been evaluated by a recognized private organization specializing in the evaluation of foreign credentials. It must be determined to be equivalent to an ABET-accredited program in the United States.

Q2: What is a "Term Appointment"?

A Term Appointment is a non-permanent employment status. This vacancy is initially approved for up to 4 years, but depending on project funding and mission requirements, it can be extended up to a maximum of 6 years.

Q3: Are relocation allowances provided?

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, but they are subject to Joint Travel Regulations and must be approved by the agency as being in the interest of the government.

Q4: Does this position require frequent travel?

Yes. The selected candidate must be willing and able to travel for business and temporary duty (TDY) up to 35% of the time.

Q5: Will background checks be conducted?

Yes. While a security clearance is not required, all selections are subject to background checks, suitability determinations, and administrative fitness adjudications.

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Working as a Civil Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Jacksonville, Florida, is more than just a job; it is a chance to play a hands-on role in protecting the nation's natural resources and infrastructure. By managing water budgets, evaluating meteorological data, and upholding stringent environmental standards, you will contribute directly to the safety and well-being of millions of citizens. Do not let this opportunity pass. Prepare your two-page resume, gather your transcripts, and submit your application today!