Launch Your Federal Career as an Office Automation Assistant
Are you looking for a career that offers stability, purpose, and professional growth? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently seeking a highly motivated Office Automation Assistant to join the Hydroelectric Design Center in Portland, Oregon. This role is essential to our daily operations, bridging the gap between technical design and administrative execution.
Job Responsibilities
As an Office Automation Assistant, you will act as a hub for office productivity. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Document Management: Using advanced word processing software to draft, format, and edit professional correspondence and reports.
- Database Administration: Inputting and retrieving data to assist in the preparation of standard and ad hoc reports.
- Operational Support: Managing electronic correspondence, coordinating travel requests (TDY), and handling clearance requests for staff.
- Time & Labor Tracking: Maintaining accurate records of employee attendance and labor hours in various enterprise software platforms.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
| Level | Specialized Experience | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-05 | 1 year of software/clerical experience | 4 years of education above high school |
| GS-06 | 1 year of complex reporting/travel support | 9 semester hours of graduate study |
All applicants must provide a resume that is strictly two pages or less. Failure to comply with this length constraint will result in disqualification. Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet at least one of the eligibility categories such as being a veteran, a military spouse, or a current federal employee.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $43,892 to $63,605 per year, which includes locality pay based on the Portland area. Federal employment comes with an exceptional benefits package, including:
- Health Coverage: Access to high-quality health and life insurance plans.
- Retirement: A comprehensive retirement package including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
- Work-Life Balance: Eligibility for telework, paid time off, and federal holidays.
How to Apply
- Prepare your materials: Ensure your resume is concise (max 2 pages) and includes specific details such as hours worked per week and exact employment dates.
- Submit online: Navigate to the USAJobs portal via the provided link and complete the mandatory online assessment.
- Monitor notifications: Watch your email for potential USA Hire assessment invitations; these must be completed within 48 hours of receipt.
The Office Automation Assistant role at the USACE Portland District is the perfect stepping stone for professionals aiming for a long-term career in federal service. If you possess the organizational skills and drive to support critical national projects, apply before the September 8, 2026 deadline. Your future at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers starts here.
Why This Office Automation Assistant Job Matters
Launch your federal career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland—where your administrative expertise supports vital national infrastructure.
Office Automation Assistant Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a detail-oriented Office Automation Assistant to join the Portland District’s Hydroelectric Design Center. This role is pivotal in maintaining operational efficiency, managing documentation, and supporting the team through advanced office technology and administrative coordination. If you are a proactive professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, this is your opportunity to contribute to projects that bolster national resilience and community safety.
Requirements for Office Automation Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- For GS-05: One year of specialized experience using MS Office suite or similar software for correspondence and data entry, OR four years of education above high school.
- For GS-06: One year of specialized experience in document creation and travel/training coordination, OR nine semester hours of graduate-level education in a relevant field.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Successful registration with the Selective Service (for male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959).
- Must meet specific eligibility categories (e.g., Veterans, military spouses, or current federal employees).
Preferred Qualifications for Office Automation Assistant
- Experience with complex database management.
- Proven track record in coordinating TDY (temporary duty) travel and clearances.
- High proficiency in electronic mail management and digital filing systems.
- Strong ability to manage time, attendance, and labor tracking software.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Telework opportunities (eligible).
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Office Automation Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Office Automation Assistant Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting relevant specialized experience.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to complete the questionnaire.
- Submit your application before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
- Monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire assessments if required.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any document exceeding two pages will be disqualified.
- Use plain language and avoid internal acronyms when describing your past work.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions the employer name, job title, and hours worked per week for each role.
- Set aside at least two hours to complete the USA Hire assessments if prompted.
- Triple-check your proof of eligibility documentation to ensure you fall into an approved hiring category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have foreign education?
Yes, but you must provide a professional evaluation from a private organization showing that your credentials are equivalent to an accredited U.S. program.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
The hiring agency will automatically remove your application from consideration. Strict adherence to the page limit is required.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework arrangements as determined by agency policy.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is more than just an engineering organization. We are the backbone of America's water infrastructure, ecological restoration, and facility design. When you join the Portland District, you aren't just filing documents; you are supporting a team that ensures regional and national resilience. Our work helps protect communities, secures vital resources, and supports our nation's armed forces. Build your legacy by contributing to high-impact projects in a culture that values innovation, integrity, and teamwork.