Launch Your Career: Engineering Technician (Civil) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Are you a technical professional looking to make a tangible impact on the nation’s infrastructure? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently hiring an Engineering Technician (Civil) for the Houston Resident Office. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a premier engineering agency and contribute to high-stakes dredging and construction projects.
Job Responsibilities
As an Engineering Technician, your daily tasks will be diverse and highly technical. Key responsibilities include:
- Operations Management: Directing and participating in the preparation of plans and data for dredging operations.
- Quality Assurance: Reviewing plans and specifications for technical accuracy, feasibility, and budget adherence.
- Data Analysis: Managing and processing complex survey data using both land and hydrographic electronic systems.
- Administrative Oversight: Maintaining detailed records, preparing contract reports, and evaluating performance data.
- Team Leadership: Guiding a team of 2-4 technicians, assigning tasks, and ensuring technical adequacy.
Comparison: Internal vs. External Candidate Qualifications
| Feature | Internal Candidate Requirement | External Candidate Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Core Skill | Complex topographic/hydrographic survey processing | Electronic system survey data processing |
| Equipment | Analyzing GPS survey data | Utilizing equipment capabilities |
| Objective | Evaluating data for project specifications | Evaluating general survey data |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Citizens. You must demonstrate specialized experience in technical civil engineering functions. Please note that education cannot be substituted for experience for this specific position. Your resume must be two pages or less and explicitly detail your work history, including hours worked per week and exact dates of employment.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $86,123 to $111,966 per year, depending on qualifications and locality pay. As a federal position, you will also benefit from a stable pay structure and the potential for yearly adjustments.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Exceptional health insurance options.
- Retirement savings programs (FERS).
- Paid annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional development.
Application Tips
Success in your application begins with meticulous preparation. Ensure your resume highlights the specific technical tasks mentioned in the requirements. Use plain language—avoid internal jargon that may confuse the HR screening process. Most importantly, double-check your resume page count before clicking submit.
If you are an experienced technician ready to take the next step in your career, the Houston Resident Office of the USACE provides the perfect environment for growth. Build your future while building our nation’s infrastructure. Apply today.
Why This Engineering Technician (Civil) Job Matters
Shape the future of America's infrastructure! Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Houston as a Civil Engineering Technician and deliver critical solutions for our nation's waterways.
Engineering Technician (Civil) Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston District, is seeking a skilled Engineering Technician (Civil) to join the Engineering and Construction Division. This role is instrumental in maintaining the integrity of dredging operations, survey systems, and contract management in the Houston area. You will play a vital role in ensuring that engineering projects meet rigorous national standards, directly impacting infrastructure reliability and safety.
Requirements for Engineering Technician (Civil)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet specialized experience requirements without educational substitution
- For GS-11 internal applicants: One year of experience in processing complex topographic/hydrographic surveys, analyzing GPS survey data, and evaluating survey data for specifications.
- For GS-11 external applicants: One year of experience in processing survey data via electronic systems, utilizing survey equipment capabilities, and evaluating data.
- Submission of a resume limited to two pages or less.
- Completion of online questionnaire and submission of required supporting documentation by the closing date.
Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Technician (Civil)
- Experience with CADD software for preliminary and final drawing preparation.
- Strong technical leadership capabilities to guide and coordinate the work of 2-4 junior technicians.
- Proven history of managing contract performance reports and payment estimates.
- Ability to coordinate maintenance for land and hydrographic survey systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Comprehensive retirement planning, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- ✓Flexible telework arrangements where eligible
đź’ˇ How to Apply Engineering Technician (Civil) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Engineering Technician (Civil) Job
- Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
- Review the full job announcement details carefully.
- Prepare your resume to be strictly two pages or less.
- Click the 'Apply' button to access the online assessment questionnaire.
- Complete the questionnaire and attach your resume and necessary supporting documentation.
- Verify your application status in your dashboard after submission.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will disqualify your application.
- Clearly define your work history, including hours per week and specific months/years for every position.
- Avoid acronyms; ensure your technical experience is explained in plain, understandable language.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties; be explicit about your technical skills.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for system virus scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the work experience requirement?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience alone.
What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?
Your application will be removed from consideration. It is strictly enforced.
Is travel required for this position?
The position has a travel code of 0, meaning regular travel is not expected, though local site visits related to construction or surveys may occur.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's leading public engineering and construction management agencies. With a mission that spans from strengthening national security to supporting economic growth and environmental restoration, USACE offers more than just a job—it offers a career with purpose. Working in the Southwestern Division, you will be part of a collaborative environment that values innovation, technical expertise, and public service.
