Become a Leader in Civil Engineering: GS-13 Civil Engineer (Structural) in Ventura, California

For engineering professionals who wish to combine high-level technical expertise with public service, civilian careers with the Department of the Navy represent the pinnacle of professional achievement. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) is seeking a highly qualified, licensed Civil Engineer (Structural) to fill a critical vacancy in Ventura, California. Operating at the GS-13 grade level, this role offers a annual salary range of $124,085 to $161,313, extensive federal benefits, and the opportunity to safeguard critical infrastructure along California’s scenic coast.

This position is not merely about maintaining buildings; it is about reinforcing national security. As a Structural Engineer with NAVFAC, you will be responsible for evaluating, designing, and managing structural systems that support military readiness. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the role, its rigorous qualifications, the unique application process, and why Ventura is the ideal location to take your engineering career to the next level.

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About the Agency: NAVFAC Southwest

The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) is the Navy's premier systems command for facilities, engineering, and expeditionary support. NAVFAC’s dedicated civilian workforce works alongside active-duty military personnel to design, build, and maintain the complex physical infrastructure required by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

From advanced runways and deepwater piers to state-of-the-art administrative buildings and historic military facilities, NAVFAC’s portfolio is as diverse as it is essential. Working for NAVFAC Southwest means collaborating with a highly professional engineering community that values technical excellence, innovation, and career development. The agency provides a culture where civilian employees enjoy professional autonomy, work-life balance, and structural projects that simply do not exist in the private sector.

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Job Responsibilities

As a GS-13 Civil Engineer (Structural), you will serve as a technical authority for a broad spectrum of structural engineering projects. Your duties will span the entire life cycle of facilities, from initial structural analysis to construction oversight and quality assurance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and Analysis: Performing complex structural calculations, design analyses, and forensic investigations on both new construction and existing facilities.
• Contractor Coordination: Coordinating responses to design-build submittals, contractor technical questions (RFIs), shop drawings, and design revisions.
• Technical Writing: Composing detailed technical correspondence, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and material specifications to clearly communicate engineering guidelines to contractors and management.
• Project Management: Overseeing assigned projects from inception to completion, ensuring strict adherence to federal budgets, target schedules, and safety standards.
• Cost Estimation: Assisting in the preparation of detailed labor and material cost estimates used for obtaining project funding and evaluating bidding contractors.
• Site Inspections: Conducting field investigations to verify and document structural conditions, requiring occasional physical effort such as walking, climbing, and bending at active construction sites.

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Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for this highly competitive role, applicants must meet both basic educational standards and specific professional criteria.

1. Education Requirements

Applicants must possess a professional engineering degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Alternatively, candidates may qualify through equivalent physical, mathematical, and engineering coursework that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of statics, dynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.

2. Selective Placement Factor (SPF)

This position requires current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. You must provide a copy of your active, unexpired registration with your application. Wall certificates that do not clearly show current registration status are insufficient.

3. Specialized Experience

You must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent in the private sector). This experience must include:

• Providing structural engineering analysis for complex designs.
• Preparing construction drawings and technical specifications.
• Conducting structural field investigations.
• Developing detailed cost estimates.
• Managing engineering projects from cradle to grave.

4. Background and Security

Candidates must be U.S. citizens capable of obtaining and maintaining a Secret security clearance. The position is categorized as Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk.

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Salary and Benefits Overview

Federal employment offers a highly competitive compensation structure that rivals private-industry packages, especially when factoring in long-term retirement security and work-life balance.

Compensation Table: Federal vs. Private Sector Overview

Feature	NAVFAC Federal Employment (GS-13)	Typical Private Sector Engineering
Salary Range	$124,085 - $161,313	Varies widely based on corporate profitability
Retirement Plan	FERS Pension + TSP 401(k) Match up to 5%	401(k) matching only (pensions are rare)
Work-Life Balance	Standard 40-hour work week, stable schedules	Frequent overtime, high-pressure billable hours
Job Security	Exceptionally high, protected by civil service	Subject to economic cycles and contract wins
Telework	Eligible for recurring telework	Variable, often limited in construction firms
Health Benefits	FEHB (Comprehensive choice of national plans)	Varies by employer size and region

Comprehensive Benefits

In addition to the competitive base salary, NAVFAC employees receive:

• The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS): A three-tiered retirement plan comprising a defined-benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Generous Leave Programs: Earned annual leave (vacation), separate sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
• Telework Flexibility: The opportunity to work remotely on a recurring basis, providing excellent integration between professional and personal life.

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Master the Application: Essential Tips

Applying for a federal engineering position requires strict attention to detail. This announcement is a public notice flyer, and the application pathway differs from standard USAJobs listings.

• Adhere to the 2-Page Resume Limit: NAVFAC Southwest enforces a strict 2-page limit for all resumes. Any page beyond the second will not be read, and resumes deemed illegible will be immediately disqualified. Keep your formatting clean, concise, and professional.
• Explicitly Detail Your Experience: For each job entry on your resume, include the job title, employer name, start and end dates (Month/Year), average hours worked per week, and your specific technical achievements. If you have prior federal experience, list the pay plan, series, and grade (e.g., GS-0810-12).
• Submit Your PE License: Do not forget to attach a clear, scanned copy of your active Professional Engineer license. Double-check that the expiration date and license number are fully visible.
• Use the Direct Email Pathway: Do not attempt to apply through the USAJobs portal interface. You must email your application package directly to [email protected].
• Incorporate the Exact Subject Line: To ensure automated HR systems direct your email correctly, your subject line must read precisely: Ventura, CA - DE-13022867-26-JAS.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this job open to the general public?

Yes. This position is open to all qualified U.S. citizens under direct-hire authority.

Q2: Does the Professional Engineer (PE) license have to be from California?

No. Active PE registration from any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico is fully acceptable. However, you must maintain active registration throughout your employment.

Q3: What happens if my resume is three pages long?

Your resume will be rejected. HR has a strict policy limiting resumes to a maximum of two pages to ensure fair and expedited evaluations. Condense your history to focus on the most relevant structural engineering accomplishments.

Q4: Is relocation assistance provided?

No. Relocation expenses (PCS) are not authorized for this position. Candidates must be prepared to self-relocate to the Ventura, California area.

Q5: What is the deadline to apply?

All application materials, including your 2-page resume and PE license, must be received via email no later than September 28, 2026.

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The GS-13 Civil Engineer (Structural) position at NAVFAC Southwest is an extraordinary opportunity for a dedicated engineer to combine technical mastery with public impact. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Ventura, California, this role provides exceptional career stability, robust federal benefits, and the chance to lead structural designs that protect the nation's naval forces. If you are a licensed Professional Engineer who meets the criteria, do not wait—streamline your resume to two pages and submit your application today.