Become a Supervisory Environmental Engineer with the Indian Health Service
Are you a licensed engineer looking for a career that combines technical expertise with meaningful social impact? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is hiring a Supervisory Environmental Engineer to join the Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction. This unique role offers the chance to lead critical infrastructure projects that directly improve the health and safety of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Senior Field Engineer, you will:
- Collaborate with Tribal leadership to plan and construct vital sanitation infrastructure.
- Conduct technical oversight for water supply, wastewater, and solid waste management projects.
- Manage and mentor technical and administrative staff.
- Prepare complex engineering reports, construction drawings, and cost estimates.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program or equivalent.
- Licensure: You must hold a valid Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
- Background: Candidates must pass a federal background investigation and satisfy all suitability requirements.
Comparison: Engineering Roles at IHS
| Feature | Entry Level Engineer | Supervisory Environmental Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Junior/Mid | Senior/Lead |
| Supervisory Duties | None | Required |
| Project Scope | Support | Full Lifecycle/Management |
| Requirements | EIT or Degree | PE License Required |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $89,508 to $136,183 per year. Employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including potential eligibility for the IHS Student Loan Repayment Program and various recruitment incentives.
Application Tips
- Resume Focus: Subject matter experts will only evaluate the first two pages of your resume. Ensure your specialized experience is clearly stated upfront.
- Documentation: Have your transcripts and PE license ready for upload.
- Compliance: Ensure your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant to meet federal security standards.
This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service and environmental stewardship. If you are ready to use your engineering skills to create long-term health improvements for Tribal nations, we encourage you to apply.
Why This Supervisory Environmental Engineer Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on public health by designing vital sanitation infrastructure for Tribal communities across the nation.
Supervisory Environmental Engineer Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Environmental Engineer to lead infrastructure projects within the Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction. This role centers on planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities to serve American Indian and Alaska Native communities. If you possess a professional engineering license and a passion for community service, you will find this position offers both technical challenges and the rewarding opportunity to improve health outcomes.
Requirements for Supervisory Environmental Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must hold a Professional Engineering (PE) license issued by any U.S. State, DC, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
- Possess a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- Must possess a valid, REAL ID-compliant state driver's license.
- Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Environmental Engineer
- Experience analyzing community water supply or wastewater facility conditions.
- Proven background in preparing construction documents, technical specifications, and cost estimates.
- Strong leadership skills for managing interdisciplinary technical and administrative teams.
- Demonstrated ability to perform project planning in diverse geographical environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Eligibility for the IHS Student Loan Repayment Program (subject to funding).
- ✓Recruitment or relocation incentives available for qualified candidates.
- ✓Annual leave accrual based on total federal service.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Environmental Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Environmental Engineer Job
- Create or sign into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that highlights your specialized engineering experience, ensuring it is no more than two pages for technical review.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, PE license, and proof of Indian Preference or Veterans Preference if applicable.
- Complete the online application, including the assessment questionnaire.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 3, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details duties, responsibilities, and hours per week for each position.
- SMEs only review the first two pages of your resume; keep your most relevant qualifications at the top.
- Verify that your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant well before your start date.
- Regularly check your USAJOBS dashboard for status updates and notification of any required interviews.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, contact the listed Human Resources point of contact immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of this role?
You will lead a team in planning, designing, and constructing sanitation facilities (water, wastewater, and solid waste) to improve living conditions in Tribal communities.
Is a PE license mandatory?
Yes, a valid Professional Engineering license from a U.S. state or territory is a required selective factor for this position.
Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?
Yes, this announcement is open to various hiring paths including both status and non-status candidates.
Job from Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is dedicated to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Office of Environmental Health and Engineering plays a crucial role in this mission by ensuring communities have access to safe water and sanitation systems.