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Civil Engineer job opening at U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
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Civil Engineer Job

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

Key Skills:Civil Engineering DesignDredging Operations PlanningTechnical Analysis and ReportingProject Budgeting and Cost EstimationContract Specification DevelopmentGeotechnical and Hydraulic Analysis

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

Are you a civil engineer looking to make a massive impact on the infrastructure of our nation? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently seeking a motivated and skilled Civil Engineer to join our team in Norfolk, Virginia. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to one of the most respected engineering organizations in the world. As part of our Operations Branch, you will help design, manage, and maintain the critical waterways that drive our economy and support our national security.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be deeply involved in the life cycle of the District's River and Harbor program. Your primary duties will include:

  • Navigation Planning: Developing advanced plans and coordinating with diverse stakeholders, including other federal, state, and local agencies.
  • Design & Analysis: Utilizing survey maps, aerial photography, and field studies to design disposal areas and calculate dredge output requirements.
  • Contract Development: Drafting technical provisions, specifications, and plans for the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of civil works facilities.
  • Financial Oversight: Developing out-year budget estimates and forecasting long-term engineering needs for civil works appropriations.

Comparison: Choosing Your Path

Feature GS-09 GS-11 GS-12
Complexity Routine/Developmental Conventional/Methods Advanced/Specialized
Independence High Supervision Moderate Guidance Independent Execution
Core Task Basic Calculations Technical Analysis Design Alternatives

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the basic educational requirements—typically a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering school—or a combination of relevant experience and education. Because this is a federal position, your resume must be clearly articulated and limited to two pages. Failure to adhere to the formatting guidelines or the inclusion of extraneous, non-relevant data can lead to your application being excluded.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $62,640 to $118,092 per year. This range reflects the potential growth as you move through the developmental grades from GS-09 up to GS-12. Your final salary will be determined based on your experience, grade level, and the locality pay adjustments associated with the Norfolk, Virginia, region.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package that is hard to beat in the private sector. Benefits include:

  • Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching contributions.
  • Health & Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, federal holidays, and telework options to ensure you can maintain a healthy balance.
  • Professional Development: Continuous opportunities for professional growth and training within the CASIE career program.

Application Tips

  1. Focus on Quality: Ensure your resume clearly states the hours worked per week for every position. The hiring team needs to see how your experience maps to the job requirements.
  2. Transcript Importance: If you are using your education to qualify, ensure your official transcripts are part of your application package immediately.
  3. Follow Directions: The two-page limit for your resume is non-negotiable. Edit for impact and brevity.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers a rare blend of public service and high-level engineering work. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to the vital maritime infrastructure of the United States, we encourage you to apply to this announcement. Your technical expertise can help us maintain a safe and efficient future for all Americans.

Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters

Shape the waterways of the future with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—an elite team where your engineering expertise drives national infrastructure and environmental resilience.

Civil Engineer Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a dedicated Civil Engineer to join the Operations Branch, Design Section in Norfolk, Virginia. This developmental role serves as a cornerstone for the District's navigation mission, offering the unique opportunity to manage complex river and harbor programs. As a high-impact position with promotion potential up to the GS-12 level, you will work on vital projects ranging from dredging and disposal design to the rehabilitation of critical civil works infrastructure, ensuring our waterways remain safe, navigable, and environmentally sound.

Requirements for Civil Engineer

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in an ABET-accredited engineering program.
  • Alternative qualification via a combination of education and specialized experience.
  • Must meet specialized experience requirements for the specific GS level (09, 11, or 12).
  • Must be able to pass a background suitability and fitness determination.
  • Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
  • Resume must be limited to two pages or less to be considered.

Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer

  • Possession of an Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
  • Experience with river, harbor, or coastal navigation projects.
  • Proficiency in analyzing dredging survey data and technical manuals.

Federal Benefits & Perks

  • âś“Competitive Federal salary with locality pay
  • âś“Health and Life Insurance options
  • âś“Federal Retirement System (FERS) participation
  • âś“Paid vacation and sick leave
  • âś“Career development and training programs
  • âś“Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
  • âś“Telework opportunities

đź’ˇ How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job

  1. Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
  2. Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly detailing your engineering experience.
  3. Obtain and upload official academic transcripts if qualifying via education.
  4. Complete the online application questionnaire through the USA Staffing portal.
  5. Review your application package for accuracy and ensure all mandatory documents are attached.
  6. Submit your application before the closing date of October 28, 2026.

đź’ˇ General Tips

  • Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
  • Use plain language and avoid jargon; be specific about your duties and how they meet the requirements.
  • Include hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume.
  • Submit all required documents early to account for potential technical issues or virus scans.
  • Verify your status regularly via the USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position is filled at the GS-09/11/12 level with non-competitive promotion potential up to the GS-12 grade.

Can I use foreign education for this role?

Yes, but you must provide an evaluation from a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials to prove equivalence to U.S. standards.

Is a security clearance required?

No security clearance is required for this position; however, you must undergo a suitability and fitness determination.

What is the closing date for this application?

*A: The deadline for submission is October 28, 2026.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to government interest and agency approval.*

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a premier public engineering agency, consistently ranked among the best in the federal government. Our mission is to provide effective, innovative, and sustainable solutions to complex civil works challenges. From dredging massive navigation channels to designing robust coastal infrastructure, we provide the technical expertise necessary to keep America's maritime industry thriving.