Lead Civil Engineer: Shaping the Future of Infrastructure with the USACE

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking an experienced Lead Civil Engineer to oversee geotechnical operations within the New Orleans District. This is a vital role for professionals who are passionate about national infrastructure, flood risk reduction, and civil works. If you possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license and have a background in managing complex engineering projects, this position offers the chance to lead critical initiatives that protect communities and strengthen the national economy.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Civil Engineer, your primary responsibilities will include:

Technical Authority: Serving as the point of contact for geotechnical evaluations regarding Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) projects.
Regulatory Oversight: Managing the review and approval of technical documentation for Section 408 permissions and Letters of No Objection.
Leadership: Managing team workflows, monitoring project budgets, and keeping engineering milestones on track.
Emergency Management: Leading technical assessments during high-river events and flood emergencies.
Review: Conducting and coordinating independent engineering reviews of complex geotechnical analyses.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline standards:

Licensure: You must hold a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license from a U.S. state or territory.
Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 federal grade level.
Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen.

Salary Overview

Position Level	Salary Range
Lead Civil Engineer (GS-13)	$118,203 - $153,665

Benefits

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

Health and life insurance plans.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.

Application Tips

Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. Over-length resumes are automatically disqualified.
Documentation: Ensure your PE license and transcripts are clearly attached.
Clarity: Use plain language. Do not assume the hiring manager knows your industry-specific jargon.
Assessment: Be prepared to take the USA Hire assessment shortly after applying.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a senior-level civil engineer to make a lasting impact in New Orleans. By joining the USACE, you are not just taking a job; you are taking on a mission to secure and build the infrastructure that defines our nation's resilience.

Why This Lead Civil Engineer Job Matters

Shape the future of America's water infrastructure and join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Lead Civil Engineer in New Orleans.

Lead Civil Engineer Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a highly skilled Lead Civil Engineer to join the Geotechnical Branch in New Orleans, Louisiana. In this critical role, you will act as the primary technical authority for Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) projects, overseeing high-stakes geotechnical evaluations, Section 408 permissions, and Letters of No Objection. This position is central to the agency's mission of balancing public safety with economic growth through resilient water resource management.

Requirements for Lead Civil Engineer

U.S. Citizenship.
A Bachelor's or higher degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program or a combination of education and equivalent engineering experience.
Active licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or territory.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
Ability to provide documentation proving eligibility for merit promotion categories.
Successful completion of all required USA Hire online assessments.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Civil Engineer

Extensive experience managing geotechnical aspects of major flood control or civil works infrastructure.
Proven success in leading engineering teams through emergency flood responses and high-river scenarios.
Expertise in reviewing and approving complex technical documentation for regulatory permitting.
Demonstrated ability to manage project schedules, budgets, and contractor workloads effectively.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.
✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement savings plan (Thrift Savings Plan) with employer matching.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of the Army.
✓Meaningful work with a direct impact on national public safety and infrastructure.

💡 How to Apply Lead Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Civil Engineer Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully to verify your eligibility.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Gather your Professional Engineer (PE) license and academic transcripts.
Click the online application link to submit your profile and required documentation.
Complete the required USA Hire online assessments promptly upon receiving the link via email.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Use plain language and avoid excessive jargon or unexplained acronyms.
Ensure your resume details specific hours worked per week and clear start/end dates for each position.
Don't wait until the last minute to submit, as technical issues could delay your application past the deadline.
Double-check that your PE license is uploaded, as this is a mandatory requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

No, this position is not listed as eligible for telework.

What is the maximum page limit for the resume?

Your resume must be two pages or less. Applications with longer resumes will not be considered.

Can I substitute education for the specialized experience?

No. For this specific position, you must qualify through experience alone; education substitution is not permitted.

What is the closing date for this position?

*A: The position closes on November 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.*

Can I apply if I do not have a PE license?

*A: No, this position requires an active PE license as a selective placement factor.*

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. With a history of delivering innovative solutions, the USACE is responsible for managing the nation's water infrastructure, providing emergency response during disasters, and supporting environmental stewardship. Working here means being part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture where your technical expertise directly contributes to the security and prosperity of the United States.