Advance Your Career: Interdisciplinary Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Are you an experienced professional looking to pivot your technical expertise toward national infrastructure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hiring an Interdisciplinary Specialist in Rock Island, Illinois. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and manage significant engineering projects.

Job Responsibilities

As an Interdisciplinary Specialist, you will act as a primary advisor for Government Architect-Engineer (A-E) contracting. Key duties include:

Contract Management: Executing and administering A-E contracts and task orders.
Proposal Analysis: Leading negotiations and analyzing proposals to ensure alignment with District goals.
Strategic Oversight: Serving as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to ensure technical quality in design and construction products.
Coordination: Collaborating with project managers and clients to define scopes of work and project estimates.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement Type	Focus Area
Architects	30 hours of design; 6 hours in structural/materials/environmental
Engineers	ABET-accredited degree or equivalent coursework in core sciences
Experience	1 year specialized at GS-12 level in A-E contract actions

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $90,937 to $118,221 annually, reflecting the high level of expertise required for the role. Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Excellent health insurance choices.
Federal retirement savings plans.
Paid vacation and federal holidays.
Professional training opportunities.

Application Tips

Success in the federal hiring process requires precision. Remember these key points:

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a hard requirement.
Detail Your Work: Ensure every job entry includes the employer, title, start/end dates, and hours worked.
Complete Assessments: After applying, you will likely need to take the USA Hire assessment. Don't delay—complete this within the 48-hour window.

If you have a passion for engineering or architecture and a desire to contribute to the country's most important public works projects, this role with the USACE is the perfect fit. Ensure your application is thorough, follow the instructions precisely, and take the first step toward building a legacy in public service.

Why This Interdisciplinary Job Matters

Shape the Nation's infrastructure while advancing your career as a Contracting Officer's Representative with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Interdisciplinary Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a motivated professional to join the Rock Island District as an Interdisciplinary Specialist. In this role, you will serve as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), managing complex Architect-Engineer (A-E) contracts. You will be instrumental in supporting vital civil works projects, including flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and navigation improvements. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend technical engineering or architectural expertise with high-level contract management.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary

U.S. Citizenship
Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Engineering (Civil, Environmental, General, Mechanical, or Electrical)
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level equivalent to executing A-E contract actions
Ability to pass required USA Hire assessments
Submission of transcripts if qualifying based on education
Adherence to a one-year probationary period

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary

Professional engineering licensure (PE) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification
Experience in contract negotiation and scope-of-work development
Proven background in managing high-complexity engineering studies
Strong interpersonal skills for multi-disciplinary team coordination

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth
✓Stable work-life balance
✓Incentive programs where authorized

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary Job

Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Click the Apply Online link to start your application via USAJOBS.
Complete the required questionnaire and upload all necessary documents, including transcripts and professional licenses.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on November 6, 2026.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments.
Complete all assessments within 48 hours of notification.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists months and years for all employment history.
Use plain language and avoid internal jargon that might not be understood by HR reviewers.
Check your USAJOBS account regularly to track the status of your application.
Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume, or you will be automatically disqualified.
Prepare for the USA Hire assessment by setting aside two hours of uninterrupted time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I don't have an engineering degree?

Yes, if you meet the specific educational requirements for Architecture or possess a combination of education and experience as defined in the job announcement.

Is travel required for this position?

The position is coded for travel, though specific requirements are determined by project needs within the District.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Your resume must be two pages or less. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s premier engineering and construction agency. From building critical navigation infrastructure to managing flood risk and restoring vital ecosystems, USACE works at the intersection of technical excellence and public service. Joining this team means working on high-impact projects that protect the environment and support the economic health of the United States.