Become an Area Civil Engineer with the USDA NRCS
Are you ready to combine your engineering expertise with a passion for environmental stewardship? The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the USDA, is searching for a dedicated Area Civil Engineer to join our team in Oregon. This role is pivotal in supporting our mission to "help people help the land" by designing and overseeing infrastructure that preserves our soil and water resources.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will lead the engineering phases of complex conservation efforts. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Coordinating the planning and construction of water and erosion control structures.
- Conducting feasibility studies and site investigations to ensure project success.
- Interpreting technical specifications for contractors and solving field-level engineering problems.
- Performing quality assurance reviews to ensure compliance with federal standards.
- Developing strategic workload analysis to prioritize regional conservation goals.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 level position, you must meet stringent federal standards:
- Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a related field with one year of professional experience.
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of work equivalent to the GS-11 level, involving soil and water conservation practices.
- Technical Proficiency: Ability to handle field work in diverse conditions, including steep slopes and variable weather.
- Application Constraints: Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages.
Salary and Benefits
| Compensation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $89,508 – $116,362 Per Year |
| Pay Plan | GS-12 |
| Primary Benefits | Health, Life, Retirement, Paid Leave |
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages. The automated system will reject longer files.
- Assessment Readiness: You are required to complete the USA Hire assessment. Use the practice tools provided by OPM to prepare.
- Evidence: If using education to qualify, ensure your transcripts include all necessary course data.
Serving as an Area Civil Engineer in Oregon is more than a job; it is a commitment to the land and the communities that rely on it. If you have the technical skills and the drive to make a difference, we encourage you to apply before the closing date.
Why This Civil Engineer (Area Engineer) Job Matters
Transform landscapes and protect our natural resources as a Lead Civil Engineer with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oregon.
Civil Engineer (Area Engineer) Job Overview
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking a skilled Civil Engineer to serve as an Area Engineer. You will provide critical technical leadership in planning, designing, and maintaining soil and water conservation projects, including watershed protection initiatives across Oregon. This role is essential for ensuring sustainable land management and agricultural health.
Requirements for Civil Engineer (Area Engineer)
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and professional engineering experience.
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in federal or private sector service.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Ability to perform strenuous field work, including traversing rough terrain and carrying equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements if currently a federal employee.
- Resume limited to exactly two pages; exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer (Area Engineer)
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
- Proven track record in managing watershed flood protection programs.
- Expertise in animal waste management and erosion control design.
- Proficiency in quality assurance review and construction contract compliance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Flexible telework arrangements based on agency policy.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer (Area Engineer) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer (Area Engineer) Job
- Review the full job announcement carefully on USAJobs.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, SF-50s, or DD214 forms.
- Apply online through the USAJobs portal and complete the required questionnaires.
- Follow instructions provided via email to complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments within 48 hours of the closing date.
- Track your application status periodically through your account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the major duties listed in the announcement.
- Double-check your resume page count before submitting; files over two pages will be automatically rejected.
- Do not wait until the final hour of the closing date to submit, as technical issues may occur.
- Ensure your transcripts clearly show course names, credit hours, and grades.
- Practice using the available resources in the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit my application if I am still finishing my degree?
Applicants must meet the basic education and experience requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Is a security clearance required for this role?
No, this is a non-sensitive/low-risk position.
Are there opportunities for remote work?
While this position is eligible for telework, it is not a remote-only position and requires field work in Oregon.
What if I have foreign education?
You must provide a certificate of foreign equivalency from a NACES-recognized organization.
Is relocation assistance provided?
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for the right candidate.
Job from Natural Resources Conservation Service
The NRCS is at the forefront of conservation science. Working alongside farmers, forest managers, and local governments, we provide the technical and financial assistance necessary to maintain healthy, productive working landscapes. As an Area Engineer, you will work within the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area, contributing to a nationwide network of experts committed to sustainable agriculture.