Launch Your Federal Career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you looking for a challenging role where your administrative expertise directly impacts national resilience? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hiring an Administrative Support Assistant (OA) to work within the Institute for Water Resources in Alexandria, Virginia. This position is a perfect fit for a detail-oriented professional ready to transition into or advance within the federal government.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will serve as the central hub for administrative operations. Key duties include:

Financial Administration: Managing labor and payroll, processing travel requests, and utilizing government purchase cards.
Operations Support: Developing automated processes to improve office efficiency.
Coordination: Organizing conferences, preparing technical reports, and managing inventory.
Data Management: Utilizing spreadsheets and databases to track project status and produce high-level reports.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must demonstrate:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level.
Expertise in office procedures, record-keeping, and regulatory compliance.
Proof of eligibility for specific hiring paths (Veterans, Military Spouses, Federal Employees, etc.).
Ability to adhere to strict deadlines and formatting guidelines for application materials.

Comparison of Skills

Administrative Skill	Impact on Operations
Financial Processing	Ensures budget accuracy and project funding continuity
Data Synthesis	Provides leadership with clear, actionable status reports
Regulatory Guidance	Maintains agency compliance and operational integrity
Meeting Support	Facilitates clear communication among technical engineering teams

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $57,736 to $75,059. This figure includes applicable locality pay for the Alexandria area.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health and Wellness: Multiple medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Flexibility: This position is eligible for telework, allowing for improved work-life integration.

Application Tips

Mind the Page Count: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit are automatically disqualified.
Be Detailed: Ensure your job history lists hours worked per week and exact dates of employment.
Test Preparation: Prepare for the USA Hire assessment by reviewing the provided guidance well before the deadline.

This Administrative Support Assistant role with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is an outstanding opportunity to support critical mission work. If you possess the experience, organization, and dedication required, we encourage you to submit your application and start your journey toward a rewarding federal career.

Why This Administrative Support Assistant (Oa) Job Matters

Launch your career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and play a vital role in engineering the future of our nation's infrastructure from the heart of Alexandria.

Administrative Support Assistant (Oa) Job Overview

The Institute for Water Resources (IWR)-Water Resources Center is seeking an Administrative Support Assistant (OA) to provide critical operational support. This role is essential for maintaining efficient office workflows, managing financial and travel documentation, and ensuring that our technical teams have the administrative backing they need to succeed in high-impact projects.

Requirements for Administrative Support Assistant (Oa)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in federal service.
Experience in complex organizational tasks, including document preparation and report synthesis.
Proficiency in timekeeping, government purchase card financial transactions, and office supply procurement.
Demonstrated ability to manage travel arrangements and maintain records according to agency policy.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Must be able to provide documentation proving eligibility for the specific hiring category chosen.
Current GS employees must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-06 level).

Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Support Assistant (Oa)

Experience with automated office software and database management.
Strong ability to interpret and apply administrative regulations independently.
Experience supporting professional meetings, conferences, and technical staff summaries.
Proven track record of collaborative teamwork within a high-tempo federal environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance options
✓Retirement savings plans (FERS/Thrift Savings Plan)
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Telework opportunities available
✓Professional development and training support

💡 How to Apply Administrative Support Assistant (Oa) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrative Support Assistant (Oa) Job

Review the full announcement carefully to confirm eligibility.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Click the 'Apply Online' button to start your application via USA Staffing.
Complete the required questionnaire and upload all supporting documents (SF-50, transcripts, etc.).
Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire assessments and complete them within 48 hours of receipt.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically excluded.
Use plain, clear language and avoid obscure acronyms when describing your past experience.
Ensure your resume includes employer names, job titles, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Set aside at least two hours to complete the online assessment in one sitting.
Sanitize sensitive personal information from documents like marriage certificates before uploading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required for this position?

No, this is a non-sensitive, low-risk position.

Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?

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

What happens if I miss the 48-hour deadline for the online assessment?

Failure to complete the mandatory assessments within the specified timeframe will result in your application being disqualified.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: No, relocation costs are not authorized for this position.*

Can I update my application after I submit it?

*A: Yes, you can edit your application within your USAJOBS account during the open period of the announcement.*

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is much more than a construction agency; it is a pillar of national security and infrastructure. From restoring delicate ecosystems to designing military facilities, our mission touches lives every day. By joining the Institute for Water Resources (IWR), you become part of a team dedicated to long-term national interest, sustainability, and excellence.