Launch Your Career as a Facility Operations Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a background in facility maintenance? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a motivated Facility Operations Specialist to join our team in Appleton, Wisconsin. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to the operation and maintenance of critical multipurpose water infrastructure that supports flood control, navigation, and environmental stewardship across the region.

Job Responsibilities

As a Facility Operations Specialist, your work directly impacts the reliability of our facilities. Key responsibilities include:

Analyzing maintenance history to optimize facility performance.
Serving as the subject matter expert (SME) for the Facilities Equipment Maintenance System (FEM).
Coordinating and scheduling corrective, preventative, and emergency maintenance work orders.
Ensuring data integrity for all equipment records.
Assisting management in preparing periodic program reports.

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive service position, you must demonstrate the following:

Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of experience performing maintenance program support for navigation or flood control structures.
Education/Experience Combination: A mix of graduate-level education and experience may satisfy the requirements if the combined total equals 100% of the qualification standard.
Documentation: Your resume must be two pages or less and clearly detail your work history, including hours worked per week and specific dates.

Comparison: GS-7 vs GS-9 Requirements

Requirement	GS-7 Level	GS-9 Level
Education Substitution	1 year graduate study	Master's degree or 2 years graduate study
Experience Focus	General maintenance program support	Advanced maintenance scheduling & report generation
Performance Standard	Performing maintenance work	Assisting in complex maintenance management

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $50,460 to $80,243 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level. The salary includes applicable locality pay and local market supplements typical of federal positions in the region.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance programs.
Generous federal retirement pension plans and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Use plain, descriptive language.
Check Your Eligibility: Confirm you have the necessary documentation (e.g., SF-50, transcripts, military spouse letters) ready before you begin.
Assessments: Be prepared to complete the USA Hire assessment within 48 hours of notification. Block out two hours in your schedule to ensure you are not rushed.

Serving as a Facility Operations Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is more than just a job; it is a commitment to maintaining the nation's essential infrastructure. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to apply your skills in a mission-driven environment, we encourage you to review the full vacancy announcement and apply today.

Why This Facility Operations Specialist Job Matters

Launch your federal career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and play a vital role in managing the infrastructure that powers our nation's water resources.

Facility Operations Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago Operations Division, is seeking a diligent Facility Operations Specialist to support critical multipurpose water resource projects. Based in Appleton, Wisconsin, this role serves as a Maintenance Control Specialist, overseeing the infrastructure for power generation, navigation locks, flood control, and public recreation facilities. You will act as a subject matter expert for the Facilities Equipment Maintenance System (FEM), ensuring the integrity of maintenance data and the efficient scheduling of repairs across multiple sites.

Requirements for Facility Operations Specialist

One year of specialized experience in a maintenance program for multipurpose navigation or flood control facilities.
Experience utilizing computerized management systems to schedule, analyze, and record facility data.
Successful completion of GS-5/7 level equivalent federal service if currently holding a General Schedule position (Time-in-Grade requirement).
U.S. Citizenship.
Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
Ability to register for Selective Service (if born after Dec 31, 1959).

Preferred Qualifications for Facility Operations Specialist

Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement in engineering, industrial arts, property management, or business administration.
Master's degree or two full years of graduate-level education in relevant fields of study.
Expertise in power plant maintenance scheduling techniques.
Proficiency in troubleshooting and customizing computer-based maintenance management reports.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
✓Health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Telework eligibility options
✓Professional development and growth opportunities

💡 How to Apply Facility Operations Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Facility Operations Specialist Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Review all eligibility documentation requirements to prove your hiring path.
Apply online through the USAJOBS portal by the deadline.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Monitor your email for a unique link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if requested.
Complete assessments within the required 48-hour timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
Use plain language and avoid overly technical acronyms.
Clearly state your hours worked per week for every position listed.
Submit your transcript immediately if using education to qualify.
Use the 'Track this application' feature to stay updated on assessment completion status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I qualify for this position with education alone?

Yes, you can qualify via a relevant bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement or graduate-level education, depending on the specific grade level (GS-7 or GS-9).

What happens if I forget to submit my transcripts?

Failure to submit required transcripts for positions allowing substitution of education for experience will result in an ineligible rating.

Is travel required for this role?

The position includes a travel code, suggesting occasional travel may be necessary to support different facility locations within the geographic area.

Can I update my application after I have submitted it?

*A: Yes, you can update your application materials while the job announcement is still open by logging into your USAJOBS account.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized; however, recruitment or relocation incentives may be available.*

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. We deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to some of the nation's toughest engineering challenges. When you join the USACE, you become part of a legacy of excellence, working in collaborative environments that prioritize national security, economic growth, and community resilience.