Civil Engineer (Geotechnical), GS-0810-7/9/11/12, (07928)
- WELCOME!The information seen below is a vacant job opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).Please carefully review the information and click the "Apply" button below if you would like to apply and be considered for this position.Additional USACE Career Opportunities can be explored at the USACE Job Board (<- click here).
- Position Title:
- Civil Engineer (Geotechnical)
- Pay Plan:
- GS
- Occupational Series:
- 0810
- Grade:
- Multiple Grades
- Hourly vs Salary:
- Salary
- Job Posting Open Date:
- 08/27/2026
- Job Posting Close Date:
- 09/10/2026
- Announcement Type:
- Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)
- Position Type:
- Permanent
- High Salary:
- 127,443
- Low Salary :
- 71,846
- USACE Organization :
- South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Savannah District
- Locations (City, State):
- Savannah, GA
- Position Overview/Duties:
This is a developmental career ladder position with promotion potential from GS-07 to the full performance GS-12 level. Employees receive structured training, mentoring, and progressively more complex assignments while developing the knowledge and skills required to independently perform as a Geotechnical Civil Engineer.
At the GS-07 level, serve as a junior engineer providing technical support on military and civil works construction projects while working under the guidance of the Lead Civil Engineer, Dam Safety Program Manager, and Lead Drilling Geologist. Regular field work is required to support investigations, inspections, and construction activities.
At the GS-09 level, assume increasingly responsible engineering assignments as experience and training are gained. Applicants are expected to have taken the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, as passing the FE is required for promotion to the GS-11 level and progression toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure at the GS-12 level.
Assist with planning and conducting geotechnical investigations, including drilling programs, soil and rock sampling, laboratory testing, and groundwater evaluations to support engineering design and construction.
Analyze and interpret geotechnical data to support foundation design, slope stability, seepage, settlement, pile foundation, and earthwork analyses using engineering principles and computer-based analytical tools.
Prepare and progressively develop engineering reports, design analyses, plans, specifications, and quantity estimates for dams, levees, flood risk management projects, foundations, and other civil works infrastructure while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Conduct field visits to construction sites and project locations to verify site conditions, provide engineering support during construction, resolve technical issues, and participate in dam and levee safety inspections and assessments.
At the full performance GS-12 level, independently manage complex geotechnical engineering projects from investigation through design and construction support, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, provide technical recommendations, and mentor junior engineers and technicians.
- Other Conditions and Requirements:
Other Essential Information:
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering. The program must: lead to a degree in a school with at least one program accredited by ABET. Degree must be documented on a transcript.
OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards — GS-0800 Series - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#0800
Specialized Experience:
GS-07: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service which includes assisting with the design of civil engineering projects, reviewing engineering reports for compliance with applicable requirements, and supporting engineering analyses and project documentation.
GS-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which includes working on civil engineering projects under the guidance of senior engineers, collecting and analyzing field data, and assisting with the preparation of technical reports, plans, specifications, and other project documentation.
GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service which includes performing field geotechnical investigations, preparing geotechnical reports, assisting with Dam Safety inspections, preparing annual instrumentation reports, and supporting the Dam Safety Program under the guidance of the Senior Geotechnical Engineer and Dam Safety Program Manager.
GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service which includes independently planning and performing field geotechnical investigations, developing and executing geotechnical investigation programs, preparing geotechnical reports, conducting periodic assessments and inspections in support of the Dam Safety Program, and providing technical recommendations while relying on senior technical leads primarily for quality assurance and technical review.
Other Requirements:Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
A trial or probationary period may be required.
Direct deposit of pay is required.
This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 35% of the time.
Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget). Before the payment of a Relocation Incentive, an employee must provide residence documentation and maintain a residence in the new geographic location for the duration of the service agreement.
PCS expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or its possessions to operate vehicles.
There are Physical Requirements associated with this position. Wearing of protective equipment, e.g., safety shoes, safety glasses, etc. are required on project sites. Other protective equipment, such as respirators, may be periodically required.
The incumbent must pass a pre-employment physical and submit to annual physicals thereafter - Physical Examination required.
Must be willing and able to participate in the medical surveillance program and attend 40-hours of HTRW training and updates.
Pay: 50,460 - 116,362
- Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements:
- GS Standards: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor:
- To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).
- Reasonable Accommodation:
- Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
