Launch Your Career: Dredge Operations Specialist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a commitment to public service? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently hiring a Dredge Operations Specialist to join the St. Louis District. This is an exceptional opportunity to work aboard the Dredge Potter and contribute to the maintenance of our nation's vital waterways. If you possess a strong background in operations and safety management, we invite you to build your future with us.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dredge Operations Specialist, you will act as a key liaison for the Captain and Assistant Master Chief. Your primary responsibilities include:
- Operational Support: Assisting in the review of dredge plans and daily activity management.
- Logistics & Personnel: Planning crew travel, organizing safe crew changes, and managing staff-related actions like performance ratings.
- Budget & Compliance: Providing expert input for operating budgets and overseeing Subchapter M inspections.
- Safety & Policy: Ensuring that all crew members follow safety regulations and that the unit maintains total regulatory compliance.
Comparison: Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience at the NH-01/GS-09 level |
| Education | PhD or 3 years of progressive graduate study |
| Combination | Allowed if 100% of requirements are met |
Requirements
To qualify for this role, you must meet the specialized experience or educational criteria outlined above. You must be a U.S. citizen, eligible for federal employment, and capable of passing a drug test. Because this position involves travel with the dredge, candidates must be prepared for an on-the-go lifestyle.
Salary Overview
This position is structured within the NH-02 pay band. Candidates can expect an annual salary range of $41,769 to $99,550. This figure includes applicable locality pay and market supplements based on the St. Louis area.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Federal Retirement (FERS) participation
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Career Training and Growth
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Keep it under two pages. Long resumes are automatically excluded.
- Clarity: Use plain language. Do not rely on obscure acronyms.
- Detail: Clearly state your hours worked and employer information for every position listed.
- Documents: Double-check your eligibility documents before submitting to avoid an incomplete status.
If you are ready to apply your skills in a mission-driven environment, this is your chance. We encourage all qualified applicants to review the full details and submit their materials before the deadline of November 8, 2026. Join our team and help us build a stronger, more resilient future for the nation.
Why This Dredge Operations Specialist Job Matters
Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and play a vital role in our nation’s infrastructure by managing the specialized operations of the Dredge Potter.
Dredge Operations Specialist Job Overview
The St. Louis District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a dedicated Dredge Operations Specialist to join our team. This position is essential to the efficient management of our dredging vessels, requiring a proactive professional who can assist the Captain and Assistant Master Chief in daily operations, contract administration, and crew logistics. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical water resource missions while advancing your career within a premier federal engineering agency.
Requirements for Dredge Operations Specialist
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-01 or GS-09 grade level in federal service.
- Experience in monitoring dredge/facility operations, supporting safety programs, and contract administration.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
- Ability to undergo and pass a mandatory drug test.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
- Capability to travel with the dredge as required.
Preferred Qualifications for Dredge Operations Specialist
- PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field.
- Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree.
- Proven success in managing crew staffing, training, and performance documentation.
- Experience with Subchapter M inspections and maritime regulatory compliance.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Competitive federal retirement system (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- ✓Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
💡 How to Apply Dredge Operations Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dredge Operations Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, clearly detailing relevant experience and hours worked.
- Click the Apply Online button and complete all mandatory questionnaires.
- Attach all required documentation, including transcripts and proof of eligibility.
- Submit your application by 11:59 PM (ET) on November 8, 2026.
- Monitor your email for a link to complete the USA Hire online assessments if prompted.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be excluded.
- Avoid using acronyms; use plain, clear language to describe your accomplishments.
- Clearly define your experience with specific dates (month and year) and average hours worked per week.
- Complete your assessments promptly, as they generally must be finished within 48 hours of notification.
- Sanitize sensitive personal information from your supporting documents before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this position is not eligible for telework and requires travel with the dredge.
What is the pay system for this job?
This is a pay-banded position (NH-02), which encompasses the equivalent of GS-05 through GS-11 grade levels under the General Schedule.
Can I use foreign education to meet the requirements?
Yes, provided you submit an evaluation from a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign education programs confirming equivalency to U.S. standards.
What is the security level for this job?
This is a non-sensitive, low-risk position.
Can I request reasonable accommodations?
Yes, the USACE is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities, especially regarding the online assessment process.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s premier engineering and construction management agency. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that strengthen national security, support economic growth, and protect communities from disaster. At USACE, you will work in a collaborative environment alongside talented professionals who are solving some of the most significant engineering challenges facing the United States today.