Launch Your Federal Career: Administrative Support Assistant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently seeking a highly organized Administrative Support Assistant to join the Portland District. This position offers a unique chance to support critical regulatory programs that preserve our natural resources and strengthen national infrastructure. If you are ready to apply your administrative expertise in a dynamic federal environment, read on to learn more about this career-defining opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As an Administrative Support Assistant, you will act as the operational backbone of the Regulatory Division. Your daily duties will include:
- Personnel Management: Coordinating recruitment, onboarding, and internal personnel actions.
- Timekeeping: Managing the CEFMS automated system to track labor and attendance.
- Procurement: Serving as a Government Purchase Card (GPC) holder to acquire essential supplies.
- Regulatory Support: Facilitating permit application workflows and managing public notice lists.
- General Administration: Drafting professional correspondence and coordinating schedules.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- Education: Graduate-level coursework in Business or Personnel Management may be substituted for experience.
- Documentation: You must provide clear evidence of your eligibility, including transcripts and/or SF-50 documentation if you are a current federal employee.
Grade Level Comparison Table
| Feature | GS-7 Grade | GS-8 Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Salary | $54,370 | $54,370 |
| Max. Salary | $78,272 | $78,272 |
| Required Experience | 1 Year (GS-6 equiv) | 1 Year (GS-7 equiv) |
| Education Path | 1 Year Grad Study | 1.5 Years Grad Study |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $54,370 to $78,272, reflective of the location and locality pay adjustments. Beyond salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package including:
- Extensive health insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- Annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Career advancement and noncompetitive promotion potential.
Application Tips
To stand out to hiring managers, ensure your resume is concise, informative, and formatted correctly. Always include specific start and end dates (month/year) and detail the number of hours you worked per week. Avoid using industry-specific acronyms that may confuse the HR reviewers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is travel required for this position? A: The position may involve some travel; refer to the official announcement for details regarding travel codes and requirements. Q: Can I update my application after I submit it? A: Yes, you can edit your application via your USAJobs account as long as the announcement is still open.
This role is an excellent entry point into the federal civil service. By managing the essential administrative workflows that allow the Regulatory Division to function, you directly contribute to the success of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. If you meet the qualifications, prepare your documentation and apply before the September deadline.
Why This Administrative Support Assistant Job Matters
Launch your career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland and take on a mission-critical role that supports the infrastructure of our nation.
Administrative Support Assistant Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Portland District is seeking a diligent and detail-oriented Administrative Support Assistant to join the Regulatory Division. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of administrative, clerical, and personnel functions. You will act as a primary point of contact for timekeeping, office management, and procurement, serving as a cornerstone for branch operations and supporting the regulatory mission that impacts local communities and national resilience.
Requirements for Administrative Support Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be able to pass a background check and suitability determination.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level (for GS-7) or GS-7 level (for GS-8) involving time and attendance validation, correspondence management, and procurement.
- Ability to satisfy education requirements or a combination of specialized experience and graduate education.
- Registration with the Selective Service for male applicants born after 1959.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Support Assistant
- Proficiency in automated administrative and scheduling software.
- Strong background in federal procurement or Government Purchase Card (GPC) programs.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting formal correspondence.
- Experience in human resources administrative functions, including onboarding and personnel actions.
- Advanced technical skills for data reporting, chart creation, and system management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and promotion.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous paid leave accrual and federal holidays.
- ✓Telework eligibility as per agency policy.
💡 How to Apply Administrative Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Administrative Support Assistant Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJobs carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant experience with specific hours worked per week.
- Complete the online application questionnaire through the provided portal.
- Attach all required documentation, including transcripts (if using education to qualify) and proof of eligibility (SF-50, etc.).
- Submit your application by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
- Check your email for instructions to complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your work experience includes the employer's name, job title, exact start/end dates, and weekly hours worked.
- Use plain language and avoid internal acronyms when describing your professional achievements.
- Be prepared to complete the USA Hire assessment; schedule two hours to ensure you have enough time.
- Update your supporting documents early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the Administrative Support Assistant?
You will manage office operations, process personnel actions, serve as the Division timekeeper, handle procurement via the Government Purchase Card, and provide critical support to the Regulatory Division's permit processing workflows.
Can I qualify for this job using only my education?
Yes, you can qualify for the GS-7 level with one year of graduate education, or the GS-8 level with one and a half years, provided the field of study is directly related to business, administration, or personnel management.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering organizations. Our mission extends beyond construction; we act as environmental stewards, disaster response leaders, and essential partners to the communities we serve. Joining the USACE Portland District means joining a team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and long-term public service.