Lead Critical Infrastructure Projects: Supervisory Environmental Engineer at the Indian Health Service
Are you an experienced environmental engineer looking to combine your technical expertise with a mission-driven career? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a Supervisory Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director for Management Operations) to join the Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction in Saint Michaels, Arizona. This high-level position offers the chance to lead vital infrastructure initiatives, directly improving the quality of life for American Indian and Alaskan Native populations.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will serve as the Management Operations supervisor, providing strategic direction and coordination for the design and construction of complex sanitation facilities. Your core responsibilities include:
- Project Oversight: Managing the lifecycle of water and wastewater projects, from initial scoping and design to final construction and transfer.
- Financial Management: Preparing project summaries, managing budgetary guidelines, and developing life-cycle cost estimates.
- Contract Administration: Coordinating contractual actions in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations and tribal procurement agreements.
- Leadership: Acting as a first-level supervisor, handling personnel actions, and mentoring staff within the Division.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific federal criteria:
Core Qualifications
- Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Licensure: Active Professional Engineering (PE) license is mandatory.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
Additional Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
- Successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and fingerprinting.
- Financial responsibility and good standing with all creditors.
Salary and Comparison
The position offers a competitive salary based on the GS-13 pay scale.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $119,112 - $154,847 per year |
| Pay Scale | GS-13 |
| Location | Saint Michaels, Arizona |
| Appointment Type | Full-Time |
Benefits
Employees at the Indian Health Service enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave. Additionally, this position may offer:
- Student Loan Repayment: Potential for participation in the IHS Student Loan Repayment Program.
- Incentives: Possible recruitment or relocation bonuses for well-qualified candidates.
- Leave Accrual: Recognition of previous federal and qualifying non-federal experience for annual leave calculations.
Application Tips
Submitting a federal application can be competitive. Follow these strategies to improve your chances:
- Maximize the First Two Pages: The recruitment team focuses heavily on the first two pages of your resume to verify specialized experience. Ensure your engineering successes are prominent.
- Documentation Accuracy: Ensure your PE license details, transcripts, and any veterans preference documentation are uploaded clearly.
- Use the Help Center: Refer to the USAJOBS Help Center to ensure your resume format meets current federal standards.
Serving as a Supervisory Environmental Engineer with the Indian Health Service is a unique opportunity to apply your engineering skills to solve real-world problems. By providing sustainable infrastructure, you directly contribute to the long-term health and prosperity of American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Apply today to start your career with the IHS.
Why This Supervisory Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director For Management Operations) Job Matters
Join the Indian Health Service in a mission-critical leadership role, shaping the future of sanitation and water infrastructure for American Indian and Alaskan Native communities.
Supervisory Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director For Management Operations) Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Environmental Engineer to serve as the Deputy Director for Management Operations within the Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction in Saint Michaels, Arizona. This leadership role is pivotal in driving the planning, design, and construction of essential water, wastewater, and solid waste infrastructure projects. You will act as a key manager, overseeing technical workgroups, coordinating federal and tribal contracts, and ensuring that vital public health infrastructure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Requirements for Supervisory Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director For Management Operations)
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must possess a valid, REAL ID-compliant State driver's license.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must hold a professional degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a combination of education and qualifying experience.
- Possession of a current Professional Engineering (PE) license issued by a U.S. State, DC, Guam, or Puerto Rico.
- One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-13 equivalent).
- Must pass a pre-employment background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Subject to a confidential financial disclosure requirement.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director For Management Operations)
- Proven track record in managing complex multi-disciplinary civil or environmental engineering projects.
- Strong expertise in federal, state, and tribal procurement and contracting regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage personnel, provide technical supervision, and drive performance management.
- Exceptional communication skills for interagency coordination and stakeholder engagement.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Eligibility for the IHS Student Loan Repayment Program based on funding.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Annual leave accrual based on previous Federal or qualifying non-federal service.
- ✓Opportunity to participate in the PHS Commissioned Corps programs.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director For Management Operations) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Environmental Engineer (Deputy Director For Management Operations) Job
- Create or update your account on USAJOBS.gov.
- Prepare your resume, ensuring the first two pages explicitly highlight your specialized experience and technical competencies.
- Gather supporting documentation, including transcripts, licensure, and preference forms (e.g., DD214, BIA-4432).
- Complete the online application, including the eligibility questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 7, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Focus your resume: Subject matter experts only review the first two pages.
- Clearly label your Professional Engineering (PE) license details and expiration dates.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and accurate before final submission.
- Utilize the text alert feature in USAJOBS to stay updated on your application status.
- Double-check that your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant as per current federal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this position is based in Saint Michaels, Arizona, and is not designated for remote work.
What is the specialized experience requirement?
Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of experience in managing water, wastewater, or solid waste engineering projects, including scoping, budgeting, and leading technical workgroups.
Do I need to submit official transcripts?
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the initial application phase. Official transcripts will be required if you are tentatively selected.
How are applications assessed?
*A: The process uses a multi-hurdle system. HR first reviews for basic eligibility, followed by a Subject Matter Expert review to evaluate your specialized experience.*
Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?
*A: Yes, the vacancy is open to various hiring paths, including the public, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.*
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 works tirelessly to provide safe and sustainable water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities to tribal communities across the nation. By joining this team, you become part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary organization focused on creative problem-solving and public service.