Civil Engineer (Geotechnical), GS-0810-13 (58139)

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for a Civil Engineer (Geotechnical), GS-0810-13, in the South Atlantic Division, Jacksonville District, Engineering Division, Geosystems Branch, Geotechnical Design Section.

Position Title: Civil Engineer (Geotechnical)

Open Period: 20 August-6 September 2026

Duty Location: West Palm Beach, FL.

Duties:

• Serve as Geotechnical Engineer technical expert for evaluation of complex embankment and subsurface conditions for dams, levees, spillways, pump stations, bulkheads, cutoff walls, and other hydraulic structures.
• Specialize in advanced seepage analysis through embankments and foundations, including under/through seepage in soil and rock masses and characterization of geohydraulic properties for design and remediation.
• Applies advanced soil and rock mechanics and embankment stability principles to the analysis and design of large, complex hydraulic systems (large pump stations, levee systems, earth/rockfill and concrete dams, large gated spillways, culverts, and seepage barriers).
• Develops, adapts, and implements criteria, standards, and procedures for embankment stability and seepage/underseepage analysis when existing COE/industry guidance is insufficient, including contribution to modification of standards.
• Performs 2D and 3D numerical modeling of embankment stability and seepage/underseepage using finite element and limit-equilibrium programs (e.g., Slope/W, Seep/W, Sigma/W, Seep2D, UTEXAS4, PLAXIS, FLAC), including constitutive model development.
• Conducts complex foundation underseepage evaluations in porous soils and rock masses, including 3D seepage flow modeling through foundations and assessment of subsurface parameters affecting stability and performance.
• Provides expert guidance on geotechnical field investigations, data interpretation, and presentation related to embankment stability and seepage, ensuring appropriate characterization of complex soil and rock conditions.
• Leads and facilitates multidisciplinary technical teams (District staff and A E firms) to diagnose unique geotechnical/seepage problems, develop solutions, resolve conflicting technical positions, and disseminate preferred practices.
• Serves as technical authority and District representative in meetings, conferences, and interagency forums with other USACE Districts, HQUSACE, Federal and state agencies, A E firms, contractors, and academic institutions on embankment and seepage issues.
• Acts as primary point of contact for soils/subsurface mechanics relating to embankments and seepage; coordinates with Project Managers, sponsors, and external stakeholders to ensure delivery of high quality, technically sound products.
• Develops and implements training, mentoring, and technical support to enhance District capabilities in embankment stability, seepage analysis, and soil mechanics, and secures external expertise when required.
• Communicates complex technical concepts effectively in writing and orally, preparing reports, technical papers, and graphical presentations, and presenting to both technical and non technical audiences, including professional societies.

Other Essential Information:

This position will initially be based at the West Palm Beach project site as a Field Engineer. Upon completion of construction, the role will transition to the Jacksonville district office.

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:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level performing senior level geotechnical engineering on complex embankments and major hydraulic structures to include independently planning, directing, and executing slope stability and seepage/underseepage analyses in soil and rock using 2D and/or 3D numerical modeling tools (e.g., SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, PLAXIS, FLAC or equivalent), and applying advanced soil and rock mechanics principles to assess stability, performance, and risk for projects with complex subsurface and loading conditions. Leading the preparation, presentation, and critical evaluation of technical designs; modifying and developing technical criteria and procedures for embankment stability and seepage. Experience advising leadership on conflicting technical, customer, and policy requirements; serving as an authoritative technical point of contact on embankment stability and seepage modeling and design; and providing expert consultation and clear written and oral communication of complex geotechnical issues to senior management, interagency partners, and both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Other Requirements:

• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 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.
• Professional Engineer: The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess and maintain license/registration as a Professional Engineer. This license/registration must be in good standing and issued by any one of the 50 states or its territories.
• 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.
• This position may be eligible for situational telework.