Advance Your Career as a Civil Engineer with the Bureau of Reclamation
Are you a licensed Professional Engineer looking to make a lasting impact on the Nation's infrastructure? The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) is currently seeking a highly motivated Civil Engineer to join the Missouri Basin Region in Billings, Montana. This position offers the unique opportunity to work on complex water resource projects that sustain communities and support the environment across the American West. If you have the technical expertise and leadership skills to drive critical engineering designs, this role is for you.
Job Responsibilities
As a Regional Design technical expert, you will be at the forefront of the Infrastructure and Engineering Services Group. Key duties include:
- Project Leadership: Designing complex civil structures such as dams, spillways, pumping plants, and water conveyance systems.
- Technical Review: Evaluating designs and specifications from architect-engineer firms to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with strict standards.
- Team Coordination: Assigning tasks to a diverse team of engineers and technicians, ensuring that project deadlines and quality standards are met.
- Field Operations: Conducting site visits to gather critical design data and collaborating with Area Offices to develop effective engineering plans.
Comparison: Standard Engineering Role vs. This Specialized Position
| Feature | Standard Civil Engineer | BOR Regional Design Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project-specific focus | Regional technical expertise |
| Responsibility | Design delivery | Design leadership and oversight |
| Collaboration | Peer-to-peer | Multi-disciplinary team lead |
| Stakeholders | Internal teams | Area Offices and external A/E firms |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:
- Possession of an active Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or non-federal equivalent) involving complex project phases from initiation to closeout.
- Ability to pass a background check and maintain a valid driver's license.
Salary Overview
This position is categorized under the GS-13 grade, with an annual salary range of $118,204 to $145,483. This competitive compensation reflects the high level of technical mastery and leadership responsibility required for the role.
Benefits
Working with the Department of the Interior provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to top-tier federal health and life insurance plans.
- Retirement Security: Eligibility for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including annual and sick time, plus federal holidays.
- Professional Growth: Continuous learning opportunities and an environment that fosters technical and leadership development.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly 2 pages, with 0.5-inch margins and 10-point font. Documents exceeding this limit are automatically disqualified.
- Clarity: Clearly define your specialized experience, including hours worked per week and exact dates, to ensure your experience level is accurately credited.
- Document Everything: Upload your PE license immediately. Missing the required documentation will lead to an incomplete application.
This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to steward the water resources that define the Western United States. If you are ready to apply your civil engineering expertise in a leadership capacity, submit your application before the August 26, 2026, deadline.
Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters
Shape the future of Western water infrastructure and lead critical civil engineering projects with the Bureau of Reclamation in Billings, Montana.
Civil Engineer Job Overview
The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking an experienced Civil Engineer to join the Missouri Basin Region. In this vital role, you will contribute to the management, development, and protection of water and related resources. You will serve as a regional technical expert, overseeing the design of complex infrastructure projects including dams, powerplants, and irrigation systems, while providing essential leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Requirements for Civil Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current Professional Engineering License (PE)
- Valid driver's license
- Background investigation and favorable adjudication
- Registration with Selective Service (if applicable)
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer
- Extensive experience in design phases of complex civil projects including initiation, planning, and closeout.
- Proven leadership in scheduling and tracking multi-disciplinary engineering workloads.
- Ability to review and provide technical recommendations on designs prepared by external architect-engineer firms.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance programs
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Generous retirement plans (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job
- Prepare a 2-page resume adhering to all specified formatting constraints.
- Gather supporting documentation, including PE license, transcripts, and the most recent performance appraisal.
- Log into your USAJOBS account and initiate the application process before the closing date.
- Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
- Submit your final application package and monitor your status via your account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the 2-page limit; extra pages will not be reviewed.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your specialized experience in month-year format and hours worked per week.
- Clearly highlight your Professional Engineering license as it is a mandatory screen-out factor.
- Include performance appraisals from the last 5 years to ensure you receive proper consideration.
- Double-check that all supporting SF-50s are current and relevant to your federal tenure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though it is not a fully remote role and is based in Billings, MT.
What is the penalty for exceeding the 2-page resume limit?
The agency strictly enforces the 2-page limit; any application containing a resume longer than 2 pages will be rejected and excluded from consideration.
Can I submit an award SF-50 to verify my work history?
No, award SF-50s are not acceptable for validating work schedules or specialized experience. Please use your most recent promotion or appointment SF-50.
What if I have foreign education credentials?
*A: You must provide a formal evaluation from a recognized organization proving your degree is equivalent to a U.S. program.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation benefits are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Bureau Of Reclamation
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation serves a vital mission: to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner. By joining our team, you become part of a legacy of engineering excellence that sustains the West's water conveyance, hydroelectric power, and irrigation systems.