Civil Engineer

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Rock Island (IL)

On-site

USD 45,000 - 118,000

Full time

2 days ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Don’t send a generic resume — generate a resume and cover letter tailored to this exact role.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a soil design specialist to work on levee and earth dam projects in the Rock Island area. The position involves subsurface investigations, soil testing, and interpretation to support design decisions.

Responsibilities include scoping investigations, performing engineering analyses, and writing specifications to establish materials and quality thresholds. A Master's degree or higher or a Ph.D. can meet the qualification requirements.

Qualifications

Specialized experience in scoping subsurface site investigations, performing engineering analysis and design related to soils selection, slope stability, and under-seepage impacts on earth and masonry structures.
Education options include Master’s degree or Ph.D. or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Combination of education and experience to total 100% qualification is acceptable.

Responsibilities

Assist with scoping subsurface site investigations and engineering analyses.
Develop specifications to establish materials, methods, and quality control thresholds.
Independently scope subsurface investigations and contribute to design of earth structures and foundations.

Skills

Soil design

Subsurface investigations

Geotechnical engineering

Engineering analysis

Writing specifications

Education

Master's degree or higher in engineering or related field

Ph.D.

Job description

Hiring Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

About the Position: Responsible for soil design problems, subsurface investigations, soil testing, and interpretation for levee and earth dam projects. This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Key Responsibilities

Duties are listed at full performance grade level, GS-12:

Requirements & Education

Specialized Experience GS-09: One year of specialized experience which includes learning and assisting with scoping subsurface site investigations, performing engineering analysis and design related to soils selection, slope stability, and/or under-seepage impacts on earth and masonry structures. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).

Or Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates that knowledge , skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as : Engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Specialized Experience GS-11: One year of specialized experience which includes scoping subsurface site investigations, performing engineering analysis and design related to soils selection, slope stability, and under-seepage impacts on earth and masonry structures, including the selection of engineering characteristics of soils for the design of earth structures and foundations, as well as writing specifications to establish materials, methods, and quality control thresholds.

This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09). OR Education: Ph.D.

or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering.

OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Specialized Experience GS-12: One year of specialized experience which includes independently scoping subsurface site investigations, performing engineering analysis and design related to soils selection, slope stability, and under-seepage impacts on earth and masonry structures, including the selection of engineering characteristics of soils for the design of earth structures and foundations, as well as writing specifications to establish materials, methods, and quality control thresholds.

This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.

Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement.

To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $45239 – $118221/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-21.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.