Lead Critical Infrastructure Projects: Program Manager Opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) stands at the forefront of national development, engineering, and construction management. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager to join our Omaha District team. This is a unique chance to lead significant initiatives, manage complex projects, and contribute to national security and economic growth. If you are a seasoned leader with a proven track record in program management, particularly within civil works or military construction, and possess exceptional analytical and budgetary skills, we invite you to explore this impactful career opportunity.

About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Build Strong With Us at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). As the Nation's premier engineering, design, and construction management agency, USACE delivers innovative and efficient solutions that strengthen national security, support economic growth, and reduce disaster risks for communities across the country. Our mission encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from managing waterways and flood control systems to designing and constructing military facilities and environmental restoration projects. At USACE, you will find meaningful work, collaborative teams, and opportunities to grow your career while making a lasting impact. We seek talented professionals with vision, creativity, leadership, and technical expertise to help solve some of the Nation's toughest engineering challenges.

The Role: Program Manager (GS-14)

We are looking for a dynamic Program Manager to serve as the Chief of the Northern Tier Program Management Office (PMO) within the Omaha District's Military Programs Branch. In this critical role, you will be responsible for the strategic direction and execution of assigned USACE program management activities. Your leadership will guide the development of objectives, establish project work plans, and resolve priority conflicts to ensure successful project completion.

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $132,520 to $164,758 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The role is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and is a full-time, permanent position with promotion potential to GS-14.

Key Responsibilities

As a Program Manager, your responsibilities will be extensive and impactful:

• Strategic Planning: Outline objectives for the execution of studies and projects, ensuring alignment with USACE goals.
• Team Leadership: Advise, counsel, and guide subordinate team members on both work-related and administrative matters, fostering a high-performance environment.
• Project Oversight: Review and approve schedule and cost change requests, ensuring compliance with the latest policies and procedures.
• Budget Management: Manage and execute program budgets effectively across multiple projects, ensuring financial accountability.
• Resource Analysis: Analyze and interpret complex resource requirements to ensure successful program accomplishment.
• Supervision: Supervise a team of professionals, primarily engineers, architects, program managers, and project managers.
• Collaboration: Confer with other senior USACE staff managers to develop strategic positions on critical policy issues with regional or national significance, providing essential management guidance and direction.

Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the specified employment authorities, including:

• Current Civilian Employees of the Command
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)
• Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
• Military Spouses (under Executive Order 13473)
• Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories for DoD Military Reserve/National Guard Technicians, Military Spouse Preference, and Retained Grade Preference
• Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

Specialized Experience

• A minimum of one year of specialized experience is required, equivalent to the GS-13 federal grade level. This experience must include:

  • Program and project management involving interagency, civil works, and/or military construction.
  • Analyzing and interpreting complex resource requirements for program accomplishment.
  • Managing and executing budgets within a program, programs, and/or across multiple projects.

• Note: Education cannot be substituted for this experience requirement.

Time-in-Grade

• Federal employees applying must have completed 52 weeks of service at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent within the last 52 weeks.

Preferred Qualifications & Requirements

• Security Clearance: A Secret security clearance is required.
• Risk Designation: The position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk.
• Financial Disclosure: A Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) is required upon entry and annually thereafter.
• Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

Salary Overview

The annual salary for this Program Manager position ranges from $132,520 to $164,758. This salary includes applicable locality pay, and the rate may be adjusted based on location and any applicable supplements. The position is graded at GS-14.

Benefits

USACE offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employees and their families:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a wide range of options.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including pension, Social Security, and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.
• Other Incentives: Potential for relocation expenses, recruitment, student loan repayment, advance in hire, or advance leave accrual incentives may be authorized if in the best interest of the government.

Application Process

To apply and be considered for this exciting opportunity, please follow these steps carefully:

1. Review the Announcement: Read the entire vacancy announcement and all instructions thoroughly.
2. Apply Online: Click the 'Apply Online' button on USAJOBS.
3. Complete Questionnaires & Assessments: Accurately answer all required application questionnaires and complete any online assessments as directed.
4. Submit Required Documentation: Upload all necessary supporting documents, including your resume and proof of eligibility, to your USAJOBS profile. Your resume must be two pages or less and clearly demonstrate how you meet the specialized experience requirements.
5. Meet the Deadline: Ensure your complete application package is submitted by 11:59 PM ET on October 28, 2026.
6. USA Hire Assessments: If required, you will receive instructions via email and within your USAJOBS account to access and complete the USA Hire Assessments. These must typically be completed within 48 hours of receipt.
7. Track Your Application: Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.

Application Tips for Success

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume is two pages or less and specifically highlights your experience in program and project management, interagency coordination, civil works or military construction, and budget management. Use keywords from the job announcement.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the scope and impact of your accomplishments (e.g., 'Managed a $5 million project budget').
• Provide Proof: Upload all required documents, especially proof of eligibility for the category under which you are applying. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• Start Early: Do not wait until the last minute to apply. Allow ample time to complete the application, upload documents, and take the assessments.
• Understand Assessments: Allocate sufficient time (approximately 2 hours) for the USA Hire Assessments. You can pause and resume, but be aware of deadlines.
• Review Your Application: Before submitting, carefully review all sections of your application for accuracy and completeness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this Program Manager position?	The annual salary ranges from $132,520 to $164,758 per year.
What are the primary duties of this Program Manager role?	Responsibilities include leading the Northern Tier PMO, setting project objectives, managing work plans, resolving conflicts, supervising staff (engineers, architects, PMs), and advising on policy matters.
What are the minimum qualifications required?	Candidates need one year of specialized experience in program/project management (interagency, civil works, military construction), resource analysis, and budget management, equivalent to a GS-13. Federal employees must also meet time-in-grade at GS-13.
Is a security clearance necessary?	Yes, a Secret security clearance is required for this position.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?	No, for this specific position, education cannot be used as a substitute for the required specialized experience.
When is the application deadline?	The deadline to submit your application is October 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation for the assessments?	Requests for reasonable accommodations for the USA Hire Assessments must be submitted along with supporting documentation prior to beginning the assessments. Detailed instructions are available in the 'Other Information' section of the announcement.
Will relocation assistance be provided?	Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances and other incentives like relocation, recruitment, student loan repayment, advance in hire, or advance leave accrual may be authorized if deemed in the best interest of the government.

This Program Manager position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers represents an exceptional opportunity to leverage your expertise in a role that directly contributes to national infrastructure and security. If you are ready to lead, innovate, and make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply. Join a dedicated team committed to excellence and public service. Apply today and help the USACE 'Build Strong' for the future.