Launch Your Engineering Career with the Bureau of Reclamation
The Bureau of Reclamation, a cornerstone of the Department of the Interior, is currently seeking highly skilled Civil Engineers to support our vital mission in Billings, Montana. If you are an engineer passionate about water resource management, infrastructure integrity, and large-scale project execution, this is the career-defining opportunity you have been waiting for.
Job Responsibilities
As a Civil Engineer, you will serve as a technical specialist providing expertise on a variety of complex projects. Key duties include:
- Design and Analysis: Conducting studies, designs, and compliance evaluations for dams, canals, pumping plants, and power plants.
- Field Inspections: Regularly visiting project sites to gather data, monitor progress, and conduct safety inspections.
- Technical Documentation: Preparing final design layouts, cost estimates, technical specifications, and comprehensive reports.
- Project Leadership: Serving as a team leader or project manager to coordinate with clients and stakeholders to keep projects on track.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: Possession of an engineering degree or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
- Licensure: A Professional Engineering (PE) license is mandatory for the GS-12 level.
- Physical Standards: Ability to pass a pre-employment physical; the role involves outdoor field work including climbing and walking on uneven terrain.
Grade Level Comparison Table
| Grade Level | Salary Range (Annual) | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-05 | $57,999 - $68,439 | Entry-level training |
| GS-07 | $71,846 - $84,779 | Assisted design & reports |
| GS-09 | $87,887 - $103,709 | Minor project planning |
| GS-11 | $99,954 - $119,097 | Technical specifications |
| GS-12 | $104,502 - $127,443 | Lead engineer & PE required |
Benefits
Employees of the Department of the Interior enjoy a robust benefits package including federal healthcare insurance, a generous retirement plan, and paid time off. Furthermore, this position is eligible for telework arrangements as approved by your supervisor, providing a modern work-life balance.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Clearly list your hours per week for every position to ensure accurate credit for your experience.
- Documentation: Provide your official/unofficial transcripts at the time of application. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.
- Veterans: If claiming preference, ensure your DD-214 and SF-15 are attached.
Working with the Bureau of Reclamation is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the preservation of our natural resources. Join our team in Billings and contribute to the infrastructure that sustains the West. Apply today before the September 3, 2026, deadline.
Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters
Shape the future of water management and critical infrastructure in the heart of the American West as a Civil Engineer with the Bureau of Reclamation.
Civil Engineer Job Overview
The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking a dedicated Civil Engineer to join their team in Billings, Montana. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on a diverse array of engineering projects, from dams and irrigation systems to complex water conveyance facilities. Whether you are early in your career or an experienced professional, you will contribute to the management and protection of the nation's natural resources while receiving professional development and mentorship within a high-impact agency.
Requirements for Civil Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Must pass a background investigation and suitability check
- Must possess a valid driver's license
- Registration for Selective Service (for males born after 12-31-1959)
- Successful completion of E-Verify employment verification
- Professional Engineering (PE) License required for GS-12 grade level
- Must meet basic educational requirements or combination of education and experience
- Submit all required transcripts by the closing date
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer
- Experience in civil engineering facility examinations of dams, irrigation systems, or water treatment plants
- Proven success in leading complex construction and supply specifications
- Experience coordinating project planning efforts with external stakeholders
- Proficiency in developing technical specifications and bid schedules using industry standards
- Demonstrated ability to manage project plans, budgets, and scheduling
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Life insurance and retirement benefits
- ✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for career advancement
- ✓Telework eligibility
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job
- Review the full announcement carefully
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, following formatting guidelines
- Gather and upload all necessary transcripts and supporting documentation
- Complete the online application and required questionnaires
- Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 3, 2026
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly states 'full-time' or 'part-time' with the number of hours worked per week for every position.
- Do not include personal photographs in your application materials.
- Be sure to attach your transcripts; a typed list of courses will not be accepted.
- Double-check that your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues as the closing date approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational requirement for this role?
You must hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited school or meet the specific requirement of having completed courses in five out of seven core engineering science areas like fluid mechanics, statics, or thermodynamics.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, you may be required to travel overnight away from home for up to one week per month for site visits, training, or meetings.
Are unofficial transcripts acceptable?
Yes, unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process, but official copies will be required upon selection.
Job from Bureau Of Reclamation
The Bureau of Reclamation manages, develops, and protects water and related resources across the American West. We are dedicated to providing sustainable water and power in an environmentally and economically sound manner, honoring our commitments to the public and Native communities.