Launch Your Career: Program Specialist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a premier global organization known for its commitment to engineering, design, and environmental research. If you are an administrative professional with a passion for project support and operational efficiency, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) invites you to apply for the Program Specialist role located in the beautiful coastal town of Duck, North Carolina.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the backbone of laboratory project operations. Your primary duties will include:

Financial Oversight: Tracking project funds, forecasting labor costs, and maintaining financial health.
Operational Support: Managing travel orders, auditing vouchers, and resolving funding discrepancies.
Project Management: Coordinating milestone schedules and providing status updates to Principal Investigators (PIs).
Regulatory Guidance: Analyzing legislation to provide authoritative advice to your team.

Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Administrative Roles

Feature	Standard Private Sector Role	Federal Program Specialist
Hiring Process	Rapid/Direct	Structured (USAJobs)
Career Growth	Merit-based/Negotiable	Clear Promotion Potential
Benefits	Vary by Employer	Robust Federal Package
Stability	Variable	High Job Security

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

A minimum of three years of experience, with at least one year at a level equivalent to GS-04.
Ability to pass the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessment.
Citizenship and eligibility within federal hiring authorities (e.g., VEOA, Military Spouse).
Official transcripts if qualifying through education.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range starting at $41,341 up to $89,669 depending on the grade level attained (GS 05 through GS 10).

Benefits

Joining the federal workforce provides extensive benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, federal retirement planning, and generous paid time off policies.

Application Tips

Edit Your Resume: Ensure it is exactly two pages or less.
Use Plain Language: Avoid overly complex jargon that may obscure your accomplishments.
Submit Early: Don't wait until the final hour of the November 3, 2026 deadline.

This role is an ideal stepping stone for those looking to build a stable and impactful career in the federal government. With professional development and clear paths for growth, the ERDC provides a platform for you to reach your full potential.

Why This Program Specialist Job Matters

Advance your career as a Program Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and play a vital role in world-class environmental and engineering research.

Program Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to join the Coastal & Hydraulic Laboratory in Duck, North Carolina. This position offers an opportunity to support high-level technical teams by managing financial data, project workflows, and operational logistics. The role is designed for professionals who excel at problem-solving, financial forecasting, and cross-functional communication within a federal research environment.

Requirements for Program Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet the three-year progressively responsible experience requirement, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-04 level.
Applicants must pass the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments with the required cut score.
Must be able to provide proof of eligibility based on the specific hiring authority (e.g., Veteran, Military Spouse, Current Federal Employee).
If using education to qualify, must submit transcripts; foreign degrees require equivalency evaluation.
Must be able to pass a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist

Strong proficiency in financial data analysis and project resource management.
Experience in auditing travel vouchers and managing administrative project budgets.
Proven ability to streamline office automation procedures.
Demonstrated skill in briefing project leads on financial burn rates and milestone schedules.
Familiarity with federal administrative regulations and legislative compliance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Participation in federal retirement programs
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
✓Access to a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJobs.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, including specific hours worked and descriptive job tasks.
Click the 'Apply' button and complete the required online questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts, performance appraisals, and proof of eligibility.
Submit your application package before the closing date.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments within the requested timeframe if prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will be excluded from consideration.
Be specific about your work history—include employer names, titles, and dates (month/year) for every entry.
Avoid acronyms and internal jargon that an outside hiring official might not recognize.
Double-check your eligibility documents; missing proof of status is a common cause for disqualification.
Take the USA Hire assessment seriously; it is a critical gatekeeping measure for this position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the target grade for this position?

This position is filled as a DJ-0301-02 (equivalent to GS 05-10) with a target promotional potential of GS 11/12.

Is telework allowed for this role?

This position is eligible for situational telework only, including emergency or OPM-prescribed unscheduled telework.

What should I do if I am a Lab Demo employee?

Current Lab Demo employees must include their most recent performance appraisal score in their resume to be considered for promotion.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this role.*

What is the security level?

*A: This position is classified as Non-sensitive/Low Risk but requires a Confidential clearance.*

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

As a cornerstone of the U.S. Army, the ERDC Coastal & Hydraulic Laboratory (CHL) conducts world-class research to solve complex engineering and environmental challenges. Employees here enjoy a collaborative environment that values diversity and innovation, providing meaningful contributions to national security and economic growth.