Launch Your Federal Career as an Administrative Support Specialist with USACE
Are you an organized, detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful impact within the federal government? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently seeking a highly motivated Administrative Support Specialist to join their Regulatory Division in Seattle, Washington. This role offers a unique opportunity to provide essential support to a mission-driven team that works to strengthen our nation's infrastructure and protect our resources.
About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a world-class engineering agency that delivers vital public and military engineering services. From managing waterways and ecosystem restoration to supporting national security and disaster response, USACE plays a critical role in the lives of Americans every day. Joining this team means contributing to projects that have a lasting, positive impact on our communities.
Job Responsibilities
The Administrative Support Specialist is a versatile role that requires a blend of analytical skills and administrative expertise. You will serve as a key point of contact for the office, performing functions such as:
- Program Support: Assisting supervisors with administrative studies, statistical reporting, and personnel action preparation.
- Financial Management: Monitoring office budgets, managing Government Purchase Cards (GPC), and overseeing expenditures related to labor, travel, and training.
- Operational Efficiency: Interpreting complex regulations and policies to provide guidance to staff, ensuring the office adheres to federal standards.
- Daily Administration: Coordinating travel orders, processing time and attendance records, and managing meeting preparations.
Comparison: Experience vs. Education Qualifications
| Qualification Path | Requirement Details |
|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 1 year at the GS-07 level; includes reports, budget, and policy work. |
| Education | Master's degree or 2 years of graduate study in Business/Public Admin or HR. |
| Combination | Both experience and education can be combined to reach 100% eligibility. |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements. Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience that demonstrates the ability to manage budgets and interpret regulations. Furthermore, because this is a federal role, you must be a U.S. citizen and successfully navigate a probationary period.
Salary and Benefits
This position is structured within the General Schedule (GS) framework, offering a competitive salary range of $69,373 to $90,190 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy an industry-leading benefits package:
- Health and Wellness: Access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement Planning: Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including annual vacation time and sick leave.
Application Tips for Success
- Keep it Brief: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
- Be Explicit: Clearly define your duties in previous roles to prove you have the required "specialized experience."
- Use Plain Language: Avoid government jargon or confusing acronyms; the HR team needs to understand your experience clearly.
- Complete All Assessments: If prompted, ensure you take your USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours of closing.
The role of an Administrative Support Specialist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is vital to the success of their regulatory programs. If you are a proactive problem-solver who enjoys variety and administrative challenges, this position could be the next step in your career. Review the official job announcement, ensure your resume is polished, and submit your application by the October 28 deadline to be considered.
Why This Administrative Support Specialist Job Matters
Launch your federal career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and play a vital role in the administrative backbone of our regulatory operations in Seattle.
Administrative Support Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is seeking a detail-oriented Administrative Support Specialist to join the Regulatory Division in Seattle, WA. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth daily operation of the office, acting as a bridge between management and administrative functions. You will handle critical tasks ranging from budget monitoring and travel coordination to preparing high-level reports and tracking personnel actions. If you thrive in an environment where precision and organizational efficiency are paramount, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to engineering excellence.
Requirements for Administrative Support Specialist
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the federal service.
- Experience in providing administrative support, including report preparation, policy interpretation, and correspondence composition.
- Experience in maintaining office supply budgets.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements if currently or recently employed in a GS position.
- Ability to provide documentation proving eligibility under specific hiring authorities (e.g., VEOA, Military Spouse, ICTAP).
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Successful completion of USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Support Specialist
- Master's degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Human Resources Management.
- Demonstrated ability to perform quality assurance reviews on time and attendance records.
- Experience with Government Purchase Card (GPC) execution and regulatory compliance.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide expert advice to management on personnel procedures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave policies.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- ✓Situational telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Administrative Support Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Administrative Support Specialist Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less and clearly details relevant work experience.
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Click the Apply Online button and complete the required application questionnaire.
- Upload all supporting documents, including transcripts and proof of hiring authority eligibility.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline of 11:59 PM (ET) on October 28, 2026.
- Monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if prompted, and complete them within 48 hours.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Avoid using acronyms in your resume; describe your experience using plain, clear language.
- The hiring team will not assume your capabilities; ensure your resume explicitly links your experience to the duties mentioned in the announcement.
- Set aside at least two hours to complete the USA Hire assessments; you can save your progress and return if needed.
- Double-check your eligibility documentation; missing items will cause your application to be marked incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use education to qualify instead of experience?
Yes, you may qualify through a Master's degree (or two years of graduate study) in a related field, or a combination of graduate education and relevant work experience.
Is this position remote?
No, this position is located in Seattle, Washington, and is eligible for situational telework only, such as in emergency situations.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
Per the announcement instructions, resumes exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration.
What is the closing date for this application?
The application period closes on October 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET).
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
Yes, please check the "Who May Apply" section of the official announcement to see if you qualify under categories like Veterans or Military Spouses.
Is telework an option?
This position is eligible for situational telework only, including during emergencies or as prescribed by OPM.