Advance Your Career as a Contract Specialist with the USACE
Are you a seasoned contracting professional looking to leverage your expertise for national impact? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hiring a Contract Specialist in Seattle, Washington. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead procurement operations for a premier agency dedicated to engineering excellence.
Job Responsibilities
As a lead Contract Specialist, your role will be instrumental in the success of the Seattle District. Key duties include:
- Serving as a high-level advisor to the District Chief of Contracting.
- Leading complex contract negotiations and overseeing post-award administration.
- Developing and executing office performance plans aligned with Army and USACE goals.
- Managing contract claims and disputes under the Contract Disputes Act.
- Providing authoritative guidance on small business utilization and program resources.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Education: A Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or equivalent) in pre-award, post-award, and price analysis for construction or service-based projects.
- Documentation: You must provide a resume (maximum 2 pages) and applicable transcripts.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $119,630 - $155,521 |
| Grade Level | GS-13 |
| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Security Level | Noncritical-Sensitive / Moderate Risk |
Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including comprehensive healthcare options, a retirement pension, and potential incentives such as student loan repayment or relocation assistance, subject to agency approval.
Application Tips
Success in your application starts with precision. Because this is a competitive Direct Hire process, follow these guidelines:
- Respect the Limit: If your resume exceeds two pages, it will be automatically removed from consideration.
- Be Explicit: Clearly define your hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year) for your past roles.
- Sanitize Data: If submitting personal documents that contain another person's information, feel free to sanitize those entries while keeping your own eligibility data visible.
This position is more than a job—it is a responsibility to uphold the integrity of federal procurement. If you possess the leadership skills and technical background to manage the USACE's complex contracting needs, we encourage you to apply. Build your future with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today.
Why This Contract Specialist Job Matters
Shape the future of infrastructure as a Contract Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Seattle—a pivotal role for high-level experts ready to lead.
Contract Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a seasoned Contract Specialist for a senior-level position in Seattle, Washington. Operating under Direct Hire Authority, this role involves serving as a team lead and subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance to the District Chief of Contracting. You will manage high-stakes negotiations, complex contract claims, and essential agency operational planning, ensuring excellence in federal procurement for a premier engineering agency.
Requirements for Contract Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Completion of a Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited educational institution.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
- Proficiency in performing pre-award, post-award, and complex contract price/cost analysis.
- Experience in managing contracts for Construction, O&M, Services, Supplies, or Architect-Engineering projects.
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period.
- Ability to undergo and maintain a Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Contract Specialist
- Expertise in interpreting the Contract Disputes Act.
- Proven experience in high-level operational planning and executive-level advisory roles.
- Experience developing small business utilization strategies and programs.
- Strong negotiation skills involving complex contract modifications outside of the original scope.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with Locality Pay
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance programs
- ✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Potential for Student Loan Repayment programs
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
💡 How to Apply Contract Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contract Specialist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing relevant experience with hours worked per week.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts if using education to qualify.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be disqualified.
- Use plain language and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists the employer name, job title, start/end dates, and average hours worked per week for every experience block.
- Sanitize sensitive documents, like marriage certificates, of private third-party information before uploading.
- Verify that your application status shows as submitted on your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the required experience?
No, for this specific GS-13 position, you must meet the qualification requirements through specialized experience alone.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be two pages or less. Applications exceeding this length will be excluded from consideration.
Is a security clearance required?
This position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk, requiring a background investigation to determine suitability and fitness.
Can I use education to substitute for the specialized experience?
*A: No, this position requires professional experience in contracting.*
Is telework available?
*A: Telework is not indicated as an option for this position at this time.*
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s leading agency for engineering, design, and construction management. From fortifying national security to managing complex environmental projects, the work performed at USACE is foundational to the stability and growth of our communities. When you join our team, you become part of a collaborative workforce that values innovation, technical precision, and public service.