Natural Resources Program Manager - Operations Project Manager, GS-0401-13 (33991)

US Army Corps of Engineers; Clarks Hill (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a Natural Resources Program Manager - Operations Project Manager at J. Strom Thurmond Lake in Clarks Hill, SC.

The role leads a diverse team across recreation, environmental stewardship, and water supply, with responsibility for dam safety, emergency planning, and public engagement. The position requires a Biology & Physical Science degree and GS-0401-13 experience, with strong leadership and budget-management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology & Physical Science with major field
• Eligibility: U.S. citizenship
• Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) recruitment process used for this announcement

Responsibilities

• Leads operations and maintenance for a large multipurpose water-resource project across Recreation, Environmental Stewardship, and Water Supply lines
• Directs project staff and subordinate supervisors; sets goals, allocates resources, and ensures fair employment practices
• Oversees recreation areas, natural resource management, shoreline and property management, and environmental compliance
• Manages roadways, water treatment and distribution, and dam-safety programs; participates in emergency preparedness
• Develops and executes annual O&M budgets and ensures expenditures align with funding
• Serves as COR for maintenance and service contracts and ensures contractor performance
• Represents the project publicly and builds partnerships with agencies and private organizations

Education

Biology & Physical Science degree

Job description

Announcement Type

Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Savannah District

Locations (City, State)

J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill, SC)

Position Overview/Duties

Position Title: Natural Resources Program Manager - Operations Project Manager, GS-0401-13 (33991)

Series/Grade: GS-0401-13

Open Period: 5 October – 12 October 2026

Duty Location(s): J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill, SC)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as the Operations Project Manager responsible for the overall management, operation, and maintenance of a large multipurpose water-resource project. Provides leadership and oversight for the Recreation, Environmental Stewardship, and Water Supply business lines while ensuring effective integration of flood-risk management and related project missions.
• Directs the work of the project through subordinate supervisors, providing supervision to a diverse staff of NRM professionals and administrative employees. Sets program goals and priorities, allocates resources, makes or approves selections, and ensures fair and consistent application of personnel policies, labor-management relations, and equal-employment opportunity principles.
• Plans, develops, renovates, constructs, maintains, closes, and consolidates recreation areas and facilities. Manages and conserves natural and cultural resources on public lands and waters, including shoreline management, real‑estate outgrants, range and forest management, erosion control, pollution abatement, water‑quality surveillance, wildlife habitat improvement, fire protection, and prevention of encroachments.
• Oversees the operation and maintenance of the roadways, shoreline protection features, water treatment and distribution systems, sewage treatment systems, outbuildings, and vehicle/equipment fleet. Develops and executes an effective dam‑safety program, participates in emergency‑preparedness activities, and implements the Emergency Contingency Plan to protect life and property.
• Develops, prioritizes, and executes the project’s annual performance‑based O&M budget, obligations, expenditure schedules, and cost estimates. Ensures all expenditures remain within approved funding levels and supports the current program. Implements internal controls that protect financial and property resources.
• Serves as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for maintenance, service, and law‑enforcement contracts covering facility maintenance, mowing, refuse collection, janitorial services, and related work. Ensures contractor performance meets quality, safety, environmental, and contractual standards.
• Serves as the primary public face of the project. Develops partnership initiatives with city, county, state, and Federal agencies as well as private organizations. Represents the Corps at public meetings, economic‑development forums, media interviews, and other venues; provides authoritative information on project facilities, operations, and policies; and builds coalitions that support efficient and cost‑effective project management.

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. Veterans' preference does not apply to this announcement.

WHO MAY APPLY

US Citizens.

Minimum Education Requirement

Biology & Physical Science: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that includes a major field of study or specific course requirements.

Minimum Experience Requirement

1 year equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Other Requirements, Conditions Of Employment And Information

• 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.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
• Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education ( https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation ).
• 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/ .
• A supervisory probationary period may be required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
• 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 possessions to operate vehicles.
• 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.