Launch Your Federal Payroll Career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you a dedicated administrative professional looking to leverage your expertise in a high-impact environment? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently seeking a Customer Service Support Specialist (Payroll) to join the Mission Support Battalion in Alexandria, Virginia. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the financial accuracy and operational efficiency of a world-class federal agency.
About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is more than a construction organization; it is a pillar of national infrastructure and defense. From environmental restoration to building critical facilities for our armed forces, the USACE team works on projects that touch lives daily. By joining the Resource Management division, you become an essential part of the engine that keeps this agency running smoothly.
Job Responsibilities
As a Payroll Support Specialist, you will act as a technical advisor and subject matter expert. Your daily tasks will involve:
- Policy Implementation: Interpreting complex payroll laws, regulations, and DCPS advisories to ensure organizational compliance.
- Data Integrity: Verifying and processing a wide range of payroll and time-and-attendance data, including leave, taxes, benefits, and electronic fund transfers.
- Problem Resolution: Serving as the primary liaison between your department and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to resolve pay errors or system discrepancies.
- Auditing: Conducting independent audits of historical pay transactions to ensure employee records are accurate.
- Training: Developing guidance and training for staff regarding payroll system modifications.
Requirements and Qualifications
This position is open to individuals who meet specific federal employment authorities. Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
Core Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet the 52-week Time-in-Grade requirement if currently a federal GS-09 employee.
- Must demonstrate one year of specialized experience in payroll processing, budget liaison services, or defense civilian pay policy.
Education Substitution
If you lack the specific federal experience, you may qualify through education. A Ph.D., three full years of graduate study, or a relevant combination of education and experience can be used. Official transcripts are mandatory for those using education to qualify.
| Requirement Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Experience Level | GS-11 equivalent |
| Education | Ph.D. or 3 years Graduate study |
| Residency | Alexandria, VA |
| Citizenship | Required |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $85,447 to $111,087 per year. In addition to a stable income, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package:
- Health Coverage: Flexible and robust health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and federal holiday schedules.
- Flexibility: Telework eligibility, allowing for a modern balance between remote and in-office collaboration.
How to Apply
To be considered, ensure your application is submitted through the official USAJOBS portal before the July 27, 2026, 11:59 PM EST deadline. Your application must include:
- A Targeted Resume: Keep it to two pages. Detail your payroll experience, including employer names, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
- Online Questionnaire: Complete the mandatory survey within the application portal.
- Supporting Documents: Include your most recent performance appraisal and any documents that prove your eligibility status (e.g., veteran status, military spouse preference).
The Customer Service Support Specialist role at USACE is an ideal fit for a detail-oriented professional eager to apply their skills in a meaningful, mission-driven environment. With a strong salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to contribute to national operations, this role offers more than just a job—it offers a career. Prepare your documents, verify your eligibility, and submit your application today.
Why This Customer Service Support Specialist (Payroll) Job Matters
Elevate your federal career as a payroll expert with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—where your precision supports the nation’s infrastructure.
Customer Service Support Specialist (Payroll) Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a detail-oriented Customer Service Support Specialist (Payroll) to join the Mission Support Battalion in Alexandria, Virginia. This role is pivotal in managing civilian payroll systems, ensuring that our dedicated workforce is supported through accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. If you possess a strong background in payroll policy, budget liaison work, and a commitment to public service, this is your opportunity to play a vital role within a premier federal agency.
Requirements for Customer Service Support Specialist (Payroll)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet the specific employment authority requirements listed in the announcement (e.g., current federal employees, military spouse, veterans).
- Must have 52 weeks of federal service at the GS-09 level (Time-in-Grade requirement).
- One year of specialized experience in defense civilian payroll systems or a relevant combination of graduate education and experience.
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages.
- Submission of transcripts if qualifying based on education.
- Male applicants born after 1959 must register for the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Customer Service Support Specialist (Payroll)
- Extensive knowledge of DCPS payroll policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to audit and correct complex payroll and leave transactions.
- Strong technical proficiency in federal budget and payroll liaison systems.
- Proven track record of training and mentoring subordinate staff on new administrative systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and training.
- âś“Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- âś“Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Customer Service Support Specialist (Payroll) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Customer Service Support Specialist (Payroll) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the specific eligibility authorities to identify which apply to you.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, focusing on specialized experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire through the application portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms for current federal employees.
- Review your application package for completeness and submit before the 11:59 PM EST deadline.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume over two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Be specific about your payroll experience; include hours worked per week for each position.
- Use plain language and avoid jargon or internal acronyms that a hiring manager might not recognize.
- Ensure your SF-50 accurately reflects your time-in-grade; use an older SF-50 if the most recent one is less than a year old.
- Double-check your uploaded documents to ensure they clear the virus scan before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to the general public?
No, this is a merit promotion announcement. You must meet specific employment authority categories, such as current federal status, military spouse preference, or veteran status, to be eligible.
What is the page limit for my resume?
Strictly two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Is telework available for this role?
Yes, this position is designated as telework-eligible, though specific arrangements should be discussed with the supervisor upon selection.
What is the most important part of my application?
Accuracy. Ensure your resume contains specific details about your experience to match the "Specialized Experience" definition provided in the announcement. If your resume lacks detail or exceeds two pages, you may be disqualified.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, a one-year probationary period is required to evaluate your performance and conduct.