Advance Your Career as a Contract Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated professional to join the Norfolk District as a Contract Specialist. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage high-dollar acquisition projects that are essential to our nation's infrastructure, national security, and environmental restoration efforts. If you are a contracting expert with a passion for public service, this position provides a platform to make a tangible impact.

Job Responsibilities

As a Contract Specialist, you will act as a primary steward of taxpayer resources. Your key responsibilities include:

Acquisition Planning: Guiding Project Delivery Teams (PDTs) to determine the best approach for procurement.
Contract Execution: Preparing complex solicitations for construction, engineering, and environmental services.
Vendor Management: Evaluating proposals, conducting market research, and managing contractor performance.
Leadership & Mentorship: Serving as a mentor to junior specialists and ensuring the integrity of the contracting process.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level in the federal service, including experience in contract planning, administration, and regulation interpretation.
Applicants must pass the required USA Hire competency assessments.

Comparison of Qualifications

Qualification Requirement	Details	Status
Education	Bachelor's Degree	Required
Specialized Experience	1 Year at GS-12 Level	Required
Assessment	USA Hire	Mandatory
Clearance	Public Trust/Suitability	Required

Salary Overview

This position is classified within the General Schedule (GS) framework, with a salary range of $121,785 to $158,322 per year. The salary includes locality pay based on the Arlington, Virginia, region, reflecting the competitive nature of federal compensation.

Benefits

Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
Paid federal holidays and ample annual/sick leave accrual.
Flexible working arrangements, including telework opportunities.

Application Tips

Resume Focus: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages. Highlight your work in federal contracting with clear, actionable descriptions.
Documentation: Keep a folder of all required documents, including your most recent SF-50 and academic transcripts.
Assessments: If you receive an invite for the USA Hire assessments, clear your schedule for a 2-hour window and complete it promptly.

Serving as a Contract Specialist with the Norfolk District is more than a job; it is a commitment to the nation's infrastructure. If you possess the required skills and are ready to advance your career, we encourage you to review the full details and apply before the closing date. Join us and help engineer a safer, stronger tomorrow.

Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of our national infrastructure and engineer your career legacy with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Contract Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Norfolk District, is seeking a dedicated Contract Specialist to provide high-level acquisition support. In this vital role, you will plan, direct, and manage complex contracting operations for critical mission requirements. As a designated Contracting Officer, you will exert significant influence over the procurement of construction, engineering, and environmental services, ensuring that government operations are executed with precision and fiscal responsibility.

Requirements for Contract Specialist

U.S. Citizenship.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent) in federal contracting.
Experience in acquisition planning, solicitation preparation, and contract administration.
Ability to interpret and apply federal contracting laws and regulations.
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements if currently holding a GS position.
Must pass online competency assessments.
Ability to submit a Public or Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.

Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist

Strong background in construction and architect-engineer service contracts.
Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff and conduct effective market research.
Exceptional negotiation and interpersonal skills for managing high-value acquisition projects.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits and savings plans.
✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays.
✓Telework eligibility for increased flexibility.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.

💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting relevant specialized experience.
Submit your online application through the official portal before the deadline.
Complete the required questionnaires and ensure all supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50s) are uploaded.
Check your email for instructions regarding USA Hire online assessments if prompted.
Complete all assessments within the 48-hour window if applicable.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes specific start/end dates (month and year) and average hours worked per week for every position listed.
Avoid acronyms and use plain language to ensure your experience is clear to non-subject matter expert HR reviewers.
Double-check that your resume is not over two pages; excessive length will lead to immediate disqualification.
Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid potential system latency or technical issues.
Check your USAJOBS dashboard regularly to track your status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the required work experience?

No, for this specific position, you must demonstrate the required specialized experience; education substitution is not permitted.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

While the position is telework-eligible, it is not listed as a remote position; you are expected to report to the Arlington, VA office.

What happens if I forget to submit my transcripts?

If your application requires proof of education and you fail to submit a copy of your transcript, your application will be marked as incomplete and you will be rated ineligible.

What is the significance of the two-page limit on the resume?

The agency enforces this limit to ensure that candidates can concisely communicate their expertise. Resumes exceeding this length are automatically excluded from the process.

Is relocation assistance offered?

Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position, though a recruitment incentive may be available to the right candidate.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering organizations. Beyond constructing infrastructure, USACE is dedicated to engineering solutions for the nation's most complex challenges. By joining the Norfolk District, you become part of a diverse, collaborative team committed to building strong, resilient communities. You will work alongside dedicated professionals in a supportive environment that prioritizes excellence, integrity, and national service.