Become a Program Manager at the Bonneville Lock and Dam
Are you ready to apply your management skills to one of the most vital infrastructure projects in the Pacific Northwest? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hiring a Program Manager to join the Portland District at the iconic Bonneville Lock and Dam. This is a high-responsibility role for professionals looking to make a lasting impact on national water infrastructure, energy security, and environmental preservation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Program Manager, you will serve as a cornerstone of the Bonneville Project. Your duties will include:
- Operations Management: Overseeing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the dam’s complex systems.
- Financial Oversight: Developing and justifying annual operating budgets for personnel, equipment, and material requirements.
- Safety and Security: Serving as the primary supervisor for environmental compliance, workplace safety, and site-wide security.
- Performance Monitoring: Measuring operational success, adjusting schedules, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Requirements
This position requires candidates who meet federal merit promotion guidelines. Key requirements include:
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent) in hydropower operations or large project management.
- Expertise in budget execution and resource management.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Successful completion of a background check and financial disclosure reporting.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $114,684 – $149,091 |
| Grade Level | GS-13 |
| Location | Bonneville, Oregon |
| Travel Requirement | Occasional |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $114,684 to $149,091 per year, reflecting the high-level responsibilities inherent in the GS-13 grade. Compensation is based on locality and market standards for the Pacific Northwest.
Benefits
Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Robust paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, keep these points in mind:
- Respect the limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will result in disqualification.
- Detail your hours: Explicitly state the hours per week worked for each experience block to ensure your eligibility is clearly verified.
- Complete assessments promptly: If invited, complete the USA Hire assessments within the required 48-hour window.
If you have the experience to lead at the Bonneville Operations Project, this is your chance to advance your federal career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Prepare your application materials carefully and apply by the September 14, 2026, deadline to be considered for this exceptional role.
Why This Program Manager Job Matters
Step into a pivotal leadership role at the Bonneville Lock and Dam, where your expertise will directly support national energy security, environmental stewardship, and critical water infrastructure management.
Program Manager Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a dedicated Program Manager for the Bonneville Operations Project in Bonneville, Oregon. This high-impact position involves overseeing multi-functional operations at a major hydropower facility, balancing navigation, recreation, environmental compliance, and site security. You will serve as a lead authority in budgeting and operational performance, playing a vital role in the long-term success of one of the nation's key infrastructure assets.
Requirements for Program Manager
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to the GS-12 level.
- Must demonstrate one year of experience in planning and maintaining large hydropower projects.
- Must possess experience in annual operating budget development and execution.
- Must be familiar with environmental compliance programs.
- Time-in-Grade: Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 grade level.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
- Must submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450).
- Must pass a Moderate Risk (MR) background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Manager
- Demonstrated ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams in a high-stakes environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and interagency coordination.
- Proven experience in performance monitoring and corrective action management.
- Background in infrastructure security and safety protocol implementation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and TSP.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous annual/sick leave accrual.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
- ✓Opportunity for advanced pay rates based on qualifications.
- ✓Ongoing professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Program Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Manager Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Log into your USAJOBS account to initiate the application.
- Complete the required online questionnaires.
- Upload supporting documentation including transcripts and SF-50s (if applicable).
- Submit your application package by the closing date.
- Monitor your email for a link to complete the USA Hire Assessments.
- Complete the assessments within the mandated 48-hour window.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any submission exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid confusing acronyms.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details the number of hours worked per week for each listed role.
- If claiming federal hiring preferences, ensure your supporting documents are clearly labeled and attached.
- Double-check your email spam folder for assessment notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this position?
The role centers on the operations and maintenance of the Bonneville Lock and Dam, specifically managing budgets, environmental compliance, and facility security.
Is telework available for this role?
No, this position is not listed as telework-eligible.
What is the resume length limit?
Resumes must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
What is the most important document in my application?
*A: While all documents are critical, your resume is the primary tool for determining qualification. Ensure it perfectly aligns with the 'specialized experience' description provided in the job announcement.*
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: While permanent change of station (PCS) costs are not authorized, the agency may consider other recruitment or relocation incentives on a case-by-case basis.*
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is world-renowned for its commitment to engineering the nation’s future. From disaster response and ecosystem restoration to managing critical navigation and power-producing infrastructure, USACE professionals serve at the intersection of public safety and technical innovation. By joining the Bonneville Operations Project, you become part of a legacy of engineering excellence that sustains local communities and national interests alike.