Launch Your Career as an Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator

Are you passionate about infrastructure, the environment, and the future of our nation's water resources? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Portland is currently seeking a highly skilled individual to fill the role of an Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator. This position is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and contribute to projects that safeguard our communities and protect our natural landscapes.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Plan Formulator, you will be at the heart of the planning process. Your primary duties include:

Leadership: Serving as the lead technical expert for Civil Works planning projects.
Strategic Oversight: Developing comprehensive decision documents, such as feasibility reports and major rehabilitation evaluations.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all planning efforts strictly adhere to Federal policies and regulations.
Project Delivery: Coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams to define scopes of work and project schedules.
Public Engagement: Collaborating with sponsors and public affairs teams to host forums that involve the public in water resource development decisions.

Comparison: Standard Planner vs. Senior Plan Formulator

Feature	Standard Planner	Senior Plan Formulator
Scope of Responsibility	Task-based	Strategy-based
Decision Authority	Limited	Lead for Decision Documents
Project Scale	Localized	Large-scale Civil Works
Team Interaction	Individual contributor	Technical Team Lead

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-12 position, applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation of experience. Because this is an interdisciplinary role, requirements vary by educational background:

Professional Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, focusing on planning and evaluating large-scale infrastructure.
Education: Depending on your degree—whether in Engineering, Biology, Economics, or Architecture—you must meet specific semester hour requirements in your field of study.
Documentation: You must submit a two-page resume, relevant transcripts, and proof of eligibility (such as veteran status or current federal employment).

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $96,443 to $125,378 per year, which includes locality pay. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Health and Wellness: Access to comprehensive health insurance plans.
Retirement: Secure your future with the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus paid federal holidays and telework flexibility.

How to Apply

Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these steps for success:

Ensure your USAJOBS profile is up to date.
Complete the online questionnaire through the agency link.
Verify your resume is exactly two pages or less.
Double-check that all required supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50) are uploaded.

If you are ready to apply your technical expertise to projects that truly matter, this role with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is your next great career milestone. Ensure your application is accurate, thorough, and submitted before the deadline to be considered for this high-impact opportunity.

Why This Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator Job Matters

Shape the future of our nation's water infrastructure and environmental resilience with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Portland.

Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator Job Overview

The Portland District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a dedicated Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator. This pivotal role involves leading technical teams through complex planning, formulation, and evaluation phases of Civil Works projects. You will address critical challenges ranging from flood risk management and ecosystem restoration to navigation and storm damage reduction. As a key contributor, you will shepherd decision documents through the approval process and collaborate with stakeholders to develop sustainable water resource solutions that protect communities and strengthen our future.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet one of the qualifying employment authorities (e.g., Veteran, Military Spouse, Current Federal Employee, Person with Disabilities).
Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Must meet specific educational requirements based on your professional discipline (e.g., Physical Science, Engineering, Biology, Community Planning, Economics, or Architecture).
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
Resume must be two pages or less.

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator

Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams in water resources planning.
Strong communication skills for coordinating with project sponsors and public affairs.
Extensive knowledge of Federal planning policies and regulatory requirements.
Proficiency in developing scopes of work and project delivery schedules.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive Federal health insurance plans.
✓Generous retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible spending accounts and life insurance options.
✓Telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary Senior Plan Formulator Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages) that details your experience and qualifications.
Submit required documentation, such as transcripts, SF-50s, or proof of eligibility.
Verify your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less to ensure it is not disqualified.
Use plain, clear language; avoid internal acronyms that a recruiter might not recognize.
Ensure your resume explicitly mentions hours worked per week and clear start/end dates (month and year) for every position.
If using education to qualify, ensure you upload official or unofficial transcripts immediately.
Check your status in the application portal regularly to ensure all documents have cleared the virus scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the required experience?

No, for this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience alone.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Your resume must be two pages or less. Any application with a resume exceeding this length will be automatically removed from consideration.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

What is the most common reason for disqualification?

*A: Submitting a resume that is longer than two pages or failing to provide transcripts.*

Is this position eligible for remote work?

*A: This position is eligible for telework, though it is not a fully remote position.

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. We don't just build; we engineer solutions to some of the most complex challenges facing our nation today. From securing vital water infrastructure to environmental restoration and disaster response, the work we do is meaningful and essential. Joining the Portland District means becoming part of a diverse, professional team committed to excellence, integrity, and service.