Engineering the Future: Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you looking to turn your scientific background into a career that protects our nation's water resources and environment? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently accepting applications for multi-disciplinary roles, including Geographers, Biologists, Ecologists, and Environmental Engineers. This is your chance to work with a prestigious agency dedicated to building national resilience.
Job Responsibilities
As a core member of the Operations Division, you will:
- Ensure project compliance with federal and state public laws.
- Conduct detailed site evaluations using cutting-edge remote-sensing technology.
- Perform critical field investigations, including wetland delineations.
- Communicate technical findings to contractors, consultants, and the public.
- Author high-level technical documentation and environmental impact statements.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a blend of academic rigor and field-tested experience. Applicants must meet the specific education requirements for their chosen series (e.g., 24 semester hours for Geographers, 30 for Ecologists). Whether applying at the GS-09 or GS-11 level, you must demonstrate one year of specialized experience in regulatory compliance or environmental assessment.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range commensurate with experience and duty location.
| Location | Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | $70,623 - $111,087 |
| Carlisle, PA | $62,972 - $99,053 |
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health/Life Insurance
- Generous Retirement Benefits (FERS)
- Paid Leave (Vacation/Sick)
- Telework Options
- Federal Career Stability
Application Tips
- Keep it short: Your resume must not exceed two pages.
- Be specific: Clearly list hours worked per week and specific environmental tasks.
- Verify everything: Ensure all academic transcripts are uploaded to avoid automatic rejection.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers more than just a job; it offers a chance to leave a lasting impact on our nation's landscape. Apply today to contribute to a safer, stronger, and more resilient future.
Why This Geographer/Biologist/Ecologist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist Job Matters
Shape the future of our nation's landscapes and infrastructure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—where your scientific expertise meets meaningful, real-world impact.
Geographer/Biologist/Ecologist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking highly motivated professionals to join the Operations Division, Regulatory Branch. This role offers an exceptional opportunity for Geographers, Biologists, Ecologists, Environmental Engineers, and Physical Scientists to contribute to high-impact projects. You will play a vital role in safeguarding water resources, restoring ecosystems, and supporting the nation's regulatory framework. This is a Direct Hire Authority position, providing a pathway for skilled experts to join the federal competitive service in Baltimore, Maryland, or Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Requirements for Geographer/Biologist/Ecologist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must meet specific educational requirements (Bachelor's degree or higher) relevant to the chosen series (Geography, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, or Physical Science).
- For GS-09: One year of specialized experience in evaluating environmental impacts, reviewing permit applications, and conducting field investigations.
- For GS-11: One year of specialized experience managing complex workloads, preparing environmental documentation (EAs/EISs), and serving as a technical representative.
- Must be able to provide all required academic transcripts.
- Selective Service registration for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Geographer/Biologist/Ecologist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist
- Advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) in related scientific or engineering fields.
- Professional registration or licensure such as Engineer Intern (EI) or Professional Engineer (PE).
- Experience with remote-sensing tools for site evaluation.
- Strong technical writing skills for environmental impact reports and regulatory guidelines.
- Demonstrated ability to represent an agency in meetings with federal, state, and local stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Retirement savings plans (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the Department of the Army.
- ✓Telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Geographer/Biologist/Ecologist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Geographer/Biologist/Ecologist/Environmental Engineer/Physical Scientist Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly detailing your hours worked per week, dates of employment, and specific duties.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application portal.
- Upload necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, to verify your educational qualifications.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline on September 8, 2026.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
- Clearly define your specialized experience using plain language to ensure human resources can easily verify your qualifications.
- Include month and year for all start and end dates to ensure your experience calculations are accurate.
- Double-check that all required academic transcripts are attached; without them, you may be marked ineligible.
- Submit your documents early to allow sufficient time for the mandatory virus scan process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I do not have a degree in the exact field listed?
The position requires specific educational backgrounds for each series. You may substitute education with appropriate experience or a combination thereof, provided you meet the minimum semester hour requirements stated in the job announcement.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.
What does 'Direct Hire Authority' mean for my application?
It means the agency has been authorized to hire qualified candidates directly for critical positions, which often streamlines the recruitment process for specialized skill sets.
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 spans from securing vital infrastructure and restoring fragile ecosystems to designing world-class facilities for the armed forces. By joining our team, you become part of a legacy of excellence, collaborating with diverse professionals to engineer solutions for today's complex environmental challenges.