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

Are you ready to take your career to the next level while serving your country? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hiring a Civil Engineer (Hydraulics) to join our team in Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical knowledge to national-level projects, ranging from coastal protection to water resource management.

Job Responsibilities

This position is developmental, meaning it offers growth from entry-level up to the GS-12 level. Your core responsibilities include:

Technical Advisement: Providing expert input on hydraulic and coastal investigations.
Data Analysis: Evaluating complex hydraulic information to inform design and construction phases.
Project Coordination: Working with federal, state, and local agencies to synchronize programs of mutual interest.
Contract Oversight: Preparing scopes of work for AE contracts and monitoring progress through completion.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet specific education and experience criteria:

Education: A bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or a qualifying combination of education and professional experience.
Licensure: A valid Professional Engineer (PE) license is required for the GS-12 grade level.
Resume: All applicants must submit a resume that is two pages or less, detailing relevant experience.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Comparison of Requirements by Grade

Grade Level	Key Requirement	Primary Focus
GS-7	Bachelor's Degree / 1 Year Exp	Assist with basic engineering processes
GS-9	Master's Degree / 2 Years Exp	Collection/Analysis of data
GS-11	Ph.D. / 3 Years Exp	Advanced analysis and design
GS-12	PE License / Specialized Exp	Lead Engineer for specific sections

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is competitive, ranging from $69,988 to $134,120 per year. The final offer is dependent on your experience level and the specific GS grade assigned upon selection.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package, including:

Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Insurance: Access to low-cost health and life insurance plans.
Work-Life Balance: Telework opportunities and generous paid time off.
Growth: Continuous professional development and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Be Precise: Your resume must explicitly state hours worked per week for every position listed.
Keep it Brief: The two-page limit is strict. Use your space to highlight your most relevant hydraulic and coastal engineering achievements.
Check Your Documents: Ensure all transcripts, licenses, and performance appraisals are uploaded before the October 20, 2026 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply if I don't have a PE license yet? *A: Yes, you can apply for lower-grade levels without a PE license, but the GS-12 role requires one.

Q: Is relocation assistance provided? *A: It may be authorized based on the needs of the government and agency determination.

If you are an engineer passionate about hydraulic systems and coastal preservation, this role with the USACE is the perfect opportunity to make an impact. Build your purpose and your future by applying today.

Why This Civil Engineer (Hydraulics) Job Matters

Shape the future of coastal resilience and infrastructure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—where your engineering expertise builds a safer, stronger nation.

Civil Engineer (Hydraulics) Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a dedicated Civil Engineer (Hydraulics) to join our team at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. This developmental role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact hydraulic and coastal investigations, design, and construction projects. You will serve as a technical advisor, performing complex data analysis and coordinating with interagency partners to solve critical infrastructure challenges. This position is perfect for engineers eager to grow within a premier federal agency.

Requirements for Civil Engineer (Hydraulics)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering field from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
For GS-12, a current, active, valid, and unrestricted Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
Must be able to pass a background check and suitability/fitness assessment.
Resume must not exceed two pages.
Submission of transcripts if qualifying based on education.
Submission of professional licenses/certifications as required.

Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer (Hydraulics)

Experience in hydraulic, coastal data collection, or coastal erosion projects.
Demonstrated ability to perform complex analysis of hydraulic or coastal information.
Experience coordinating design and construction projects with state, local, or federal agencies.
Superior Academic Achievement (for lower grade levels) including high GPA or honor society membership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary with locality pay
✓Opportunities for career advancement (Promotion potential to GS-12)
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
✓Paid time off and federal holidays
✓Relocation incentives (subject to agency determination and government interest)
✓Telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer (Hydraulics) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Civil Engineer (Hydraulics) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, including hours worked per week and relevant project descriptions.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided application link.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts, licenses, and performance appraisals.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date of October 20, 2026.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or it will be excluded from consideration.
Use plain language and avoid technical acronyms that an HR specialist might not understand.
Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the duties described in the announcement.
Submit all required documents, especially licenses and transcripts, to avoid being marked incomplete.
Allow extra time for file virus scanning when uploading your documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Professional Engineer (PE) license required for all levels?

A PE license is specifically required as a selective placement factor for the GS-12 level. Applicants for lower grades may qualify through other combinations of education and experience.

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, for lower grade levels, you can substitute graduate-level education for specialized experience. However, at the GS-12 level, you must meet the requirements through specialized experience alone.

How long is the probationary period?

This position requires a one-year probationary period during which your performance and conduct will be evaluated.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the world’s premier public engineering organization. We are committed to delivering engineering solutions to the Nation’s toughest challenges. By joining USACE, you become part of a professional community dedicated to innovation, national security, and environmental stewardship. Whether designing coastal storm damage reduction projects or analyzing hydraulic data, your work directly contributes to public safety and community resilience.