Engineering Your Future: Civil Engineer Opportunities with the USACE
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking talented and ambitious Civil Engineers to join the Memphis District. If you are an engineering professional looking to leverage your technical skills for the greater good, this position offers an exceptional career path. As part of the Design Branch, you will be on the front lines of designing and managing infrastructure that protects our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Civil Engineer, your daily tasks will involve:
- Overseeing project planning and design phases.
- Developing and reviewing grading and drainage plans.
- Utilizing tools like Civil 3D to create construction plans.
- Acting as a liaison between government agencies, private stakeholders, and local authorities.
Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet specific education and experience criteria:
| Grade Level | Education Requirement | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-07 | Bachelor's or 1 yr Graduate study | 1 yr specialized experience |
| GS-09 | Master's or 2 yrs Graduate study | 1 yr specialized experience |
| GS-11 | Ph.D. or 3 yrs Graduate study | 1 yr specialized experience |
| GS-12 | Not applicable | 1 yr specialized experience (No sub) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a broad salary range from $56,039 to $116,362 per year, depending on the grade level at which you are hired and your documented qualifications.
Benefits
Employees enjoy competitive federal benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement planning, and the potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
Application Tips
- Mind the Page Count: Your resume must be two pages or less. Exceeding this will cause your application to be rejected.
- Be Detailed: Clearly list hours worked per week and specific duties for every position you include.
- Submit Early: Don't wait for the final cutoff on December 2, 2026. Applying early ensures your documents clear system virus scans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work remotely?
This position is telework-eligible, but it is not a fully remote position.
Is a security clearance required?
No, this is a non-sensitive, low-risk position.
Join a team where your work builds more than just structures—it builds a safer, stronger future for everyone. Apply to the Memphis District today.
Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters
Engineers, build your legacy with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and shape the future of our nation's critical infrastructure in Memphis.
Civil Engineer Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Memphis District, is seeking dedicated Civil Engineers to join our Engineering & Construction Division. This developmental role offers a career ladder from GS-07 through GS-12, providing a unique opportunity to grow your expertise while contributing to high-impact projects. Whether you are designing water resource infrastructure or supporting national security facilities, your work will directly influence the resilience and safety of local communities.
Requirements for Civil Engineer
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Possess a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or meet specified alternative coursework requirements.
- Must submit official academic transcripts if qualifying based on education.
- For GS-07/09/11: Ability to meet specialized experience requirements or combine education and experience.
- For GS-12: Must possess one full year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level (education substitution is not permitted for GS-12).
- Must be able to pass a background check for a Non-sensitive/Low Risk position.
- Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must register for the Selective Service.
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer
- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE).
- Evidence of successfully passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
- Proficiency in advanced engineering design software, specifically Civil 3D.
- Experience in grading and drainage plan development.
- Prior experience working with local, state, or federal government agencies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Structured career ladder and promotion potential to GS-12.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Standard federal employee health and retirement benefits.
- ✓Telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the application portal.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts and any relevant licenses.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of December 2, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages; anything longer will be disqualified.
- Use plain language and avoid acronyms that may not be widely understood.
- Clearly state your hours worked per week for each job entry to help recruiters calculate your specialized experience.
- Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Ensure your transcripts clearly show your degree and relevant coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'developmental' position?
It means the position offers non-competitive promotion potential. If you are hired at a lower grade (e.g., GS-07), you can advance to the target grade of GS-12 as you demonstrate performance and meet time-in-grade requirements.
Can I substitute my education for the GS-12 requirement?
No. For the GS-12 level, you must meet the qualification requirements using specialized experience alone.
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 tackle complex challenges, from ecosystem restoration to disaster response. Working with the Memphis District means collaborating with a diverse group of experts dedicated to national resilience.