Engineering Technician (Cost Engineer), GS-0802-12 (06317)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Army Corps of Engineers invites applications for an Engineering Technician (Cost Engineer) in the South Atlantic Division, Charleston District, Engineering Division. The role focuses on preparing current and independent government estimates for Civil Works, Military Construction and IIS projects, and reviewing cost data for accuracy and completeness.

Duty locations include Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville, SC.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience including cost estimates for engineering projects.
• Ability to develop and apply engineering solutions and provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience reviewing estimates and coordinating with AE firms for deficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Prepares Current Working Estimates and Independent Government Estimates for Civil Works, Military Construction, and IIS projects.
• Prepares estimates for budget purposes and construction contract modifications.
• Performs cost estimating assignments from engineering sketches and rough quantities for dredging, beach re-nourishments, disposal areas, shore based stabilization, pumping stations, and similar projects for economic comparisons in connection with design and feasibility levels to the District's proposed Civil Works.
• Review cost data and estimates prepared by others for inconsistencies, extensions, errors, and omissions, and develop completed and final cost estimates.
• Reviews estimates completed by AE firms, and consults and coordinates with AE firms regarding any deficiencies and discrepancies.

Skills

Cost estimation

Engineering analysis

Contract coordination

Job description

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Charleston District

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

Locations (City, State)

Charleston, SC

Columbia, SC

Greenville, SC

Position Overview/Duties

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for an Engineering Technician (Cost Engineer) in the South Atlantic Division, Charleston District, Engineering Division.

Position Title

Engineering Technician (Cost Engineer)

Open Period

18 September-2 Novenber 2026

Duty Location

Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville, SC.

Position Overview And Duties

The position serves as a Cost Engineer Technician for the General Engineering Branch at the Charleston District.

Duties

• Prepares Current Working Estimates and Independent Government Estimates for Civil Works, Military Construction, and IIS projects.
• Prepares estimates for budget purposes and construction contract modifications.
• Performs cost estimating assignments from engineering sketches and rough quantities for dredging, beach re-nourishments, disposal areas, shore based stabilization, pumping stations, and similar projects for economic comparisons in connection with design and feasibility levels to the District's proposed Civil Works.
• Review cost data and estimates prepared by others for inconsistencies, extensions, errors, and omissions, and develop completed and final cost estimates.
• Reviews estimates completed by AE firms, and consults and coordinates with AE firms regarding any deficiencies and discrepancies.

Other Essential Information

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, has a rich history and a diverse mission that includes managing navigation, flood risk, and ecosystem restoration throughout South Carolina; and military and IIS projects throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Our district headquarters is located in the historic city of Charleston, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment.

The Charleston District's robust Interagency and International Services (IIS) program provides technical assistance to a wide range of federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Other Conditions And Requirements

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.

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 which includes conducting technical evaluations, developing and applying innovative engineering solutions, completing cost estimates for engineering projects, and providing expert guidance to internal and external stakeholders. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).

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 25% of the time.
• The duties of this position require the incumbent to become a Certified Cost Engineering Technician (CCET) within 12 months of occupying this position.
• 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 may be eligible for situational telework.

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).

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/

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.