/r/USACE

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Anything related to the US Army Corps of Engineers. Projects, policies, careers, etc. are all welcome topics.

/r/USACE

2,239 Subscribers

4

What's a good subreddit to ask government engineers who made it to GS14 what their path was like and what their advice is?

How often is it someone goes from working in acquisition to the USACE? What states do they tend to end up in?

7 Comments
2024/11/03
19:14 UTC

2

Question about a job posting

I applied for an entry level engineering position that was only open for like 8 days or something. Is this one of those situations where they technically had to advertise, but had someone in mind already?

5 Comments
2024/11/01
11:15 UTC

1

Some application questions (0810 series, USACE and FHWA)

0 Comments
2024/11/01
02:33 UTC

3

Gs-13 supervisory

I am a gs-12 808 series architect at a non DoD agency…any chance in hell I would be selected for a “supervisory interdisciplinary” gs-13 role at usace that’s otherwise open to the public with no prior experience there? How rare is it for architects to be hired as gs-12 “ interdisciplinary” anyway? I’m a licensed architect and am very interested in moving to the corps of engineers. Thank you!

7 Comments
2024/10/30
21:31 UTC

14

How does fitness leave work?

I interviewed with USACE, and the hiring manager reached out to me asking what my salary ask was to begin the process of making an offer.

One thing I didn't ask about in the interview was fitness leave. I've never heard of such a thing so it wasn't on my radar, but I was combing through the pamphlet they gave me and noticed it was identified as a benefit without much description.

I have a well stocked home gym and work out every day after work. With fitness leave, could I, like... leave 30 minutes early a few days a week to hit the gym? Is that literally what it is and what it's intended for?

32 Comments
2024/10/30
21:26 UTC

0

Pipe dream?

Hello everyone,

I have a Business Administration/marketing, Bachelors of Science but nothing enginnering related except 10 years in the commercial construction industry as a consultant and east coast regional manager for 2 large corporations. Iam 34 and regretting not joining the military. I work with engineers and architects all the time, as a materials/building envelope solutions.

Is this a pipe dream or should I just continue in the private sector?

THANKS FOR YOUR INSIGHT AND EXPERTISE

21 Comments
2024/10/30
20:14 UTC

8

Engineer GS 12 and 13

I interviewed for two different positions at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels and felt confident that both interviews went really well. However, I received a standard rejection email from USA Staffing after a week saying, "We regret to inform you that you were not selected for the position." I'm uncertain about what went wrong. Any thoughts?

31 Comments
2024/10/29
17:26 UTC

6

San Francisco Branch?

Just applied for a job with USACE as an Interdisciplinary Biologist (GS-07). Was wondering if anyone knew what the hiring process was like for the SF branch? Curious if the hiring process is long or pretty fast. If anyone has any experience working in this branch — any information would be great :)

9 Comments
2024/10/28
00:00 UTC

3

FY25 Budgets

What are budgets in your office this FY like compared to previous years?

5 Comments
2024/10/27
01:56 UTC

3

Reasserting interest in a position?

Posted yesterday about an appropriate time to follow up post-interview. Received an email today thanking me for my patience, as they are still considering applicants.

  1. Is this a good sign, a bad sign, or neither?

  2. Should I follow up and reassert my interest in the position or do anything else to make my case?

The last question during my panel interview was, “Would you accept this position if offered?” I was honest and said that the position sounds ideal, but I’d have to make sure my wife and dog would be able to relocate with me. We now know that she should be able to relocate, but I’m afraid I wasn’t enthusiastic about enough in my response. Should I let the hiring manager know I really want the position?

8 Comments
2024/10/24
16:56 UTC

6

Area Engineers

Just curious if there are any Area Engineers out there? I recently applied for a GS-14 Area Engineer position and would love to get some insight as to what the duties look like prior to interviewing.

Thank you!

5 Comments
2024/10/24
15:52 UTC

3

Following up post-interview

I recently applied and got referred for a GS-9 position. I had a panel interview on 10/7, which I believe went really well. I also shared my updated short-form and federal resumes, including references, through the DOD portal. I know Fed processes can be slow, and, depending on how many candidates they are screening, they have to do a fair amount of due diligence (I can’t find any info on the application portal regarding the number of applicants).

I was wondering when I should expect to hear back, and if it is helpful and/or appropriate to follow up with the hiring manager regarding the status or my application.

4 Comments
2024/10/23
16:57 UTC

14

Should I look for another job?

I am curious, I just had a 1 on 1 with my supervisor today (back story I have been there for 2 years) I asked him if I could step up and lead a project, I feel I am totally ready to do that. He said, no I don’t want you to do that. I am a GS-12.

I feel like if I can’t lead a project after 2 year maybe I should just move on with my life and find another job.

16 Comments
2024/10/18
03:39 UTC

4

After interviewing?

I interviewed last week, I’m wondering how long it will take for me to know whether I got the job or not? Is it usually also a call or email that I get notified?

11 Comments
2024/10/08
21:00 UTC

11

Civil engineer duties

Has anyone worked as a civil engineer for USACE? They told me I’d report to a construction site every day, and I think I’d be doing construction management/inspection. Can anyone clarify what the day-to-day duties might look like?

7 Comments
2024/10/08
06:52 UTC

7

USACE Mobile district question

Recently was hired for a Natural resource specialist (ranger) position at a large lake in the mobile district, was curious if anyone could comment on how it is in the south generally with the corps? Was a seasonal ranger in New England this past summer, and a lot of people alluded to the fact that it's a bit different down there with the much larger projects. Thanks!

1 Comment
2024/10/07
15:46 UTC

2

Appropriate amount of time to wait to follow up on an application?

Hi all, I’m a graduating master’s student in civil engineering (water resources) and I really want to work for the corps. I applied to the St. Paul district recently. I know that federal application processes can take longer, so in your experience, what is the appropriate amount of time to wait to follow up on an application? Thanks in advance!

3 Comments
2024/10/02
11:35 UTC

2

DHA and AWF Difference

Hello, I’m currently employed with USACE, and over the past few years, I’ve held several positions through Direct Hire Authority (DHA). Recently, I received an offer under the Defense Acquisition Workforce (AWF), and I’m curious to know if there are any differences between the two in terms of permanent employment or any other key aspects I should be aware of before accepting the offer. Thank you!

0 Comments
2024/10/02
09:08 UTC

7

I received a job offer for high voltage electrical apprentice. Can anyone give me some insight on what life’s like in the usace? I will be relocating for this job to Massachusetts

Hey everyone. I received an attractive job offer for high voltage electrical apprentice for the corp of engineers. Just wondering if anyone had some information on the job itself or working for the corp of engineers. This is my first federal job offer. Thanks so much

10 Comments
2024/09/30
23:22 UTC

7

Active Duty Interviews

Any Green Suiters on here interview for Active Duty USACE positions under the new(ish) marketplace rules? Currently in Company Command. I interviewed for my current job, but I had a much clearer idea of what a Battalion Commander would want because of my LT time. Have a few interviews coming up with Deputy District Commanders, so hoping some of ya'll may have some tips.

2 Comments
2024/09/30
17:54 UTC

5

Construction Control Rep interview questions

If there are any Construction Control Representatives here can you tell me what your interview was like and any interview questions you had?

5 Comments
2024/09/27
23:54 UTC

6

Regulatory

What is office morale like these days?

11 Comments
2024/09/27
01:08 UTC

6

OCONUS Extension

Rumor mill here. Is it true that it’s easier to get beyond the 5 year extension(Dod civ) in Germany versus in Japan?

3 Comments
2024/09/26
00:25 UTC

2

Negotiate salary?

So I'm curious how you negotiate salary as a graduate student especially in an engineering field.

  • Do you bring up conferences and journal publications, especially the top ones?

  • Should you bring up number of citations you have?

  • Can u negotiate for signing bonus or student loan remove (if u have some)

7 Comments
2024/09/23
21:28 UTC

2

PSI-CoE – PSIP Request Requirements Completed

Anyone know for engineering position, What does it mean and how long should I wait? It was SF85 low risk.

11 Comments
2024/09/21
15:47 UTC

9

What makes for a great resume?

What do you think stands out to the hiring team at USACE?

I’m currently a senior for civil engineering. I have had tons of internships, undergraduate research projects, and I’m currently in the Air Force reserve (used to be in the army as well). I want to fit all my relevant experience, my military background, and my applicable skills into my resume, but I find it hard to fit all that I want into one neat page. Any advice on organization, length, or “key items” would be greatly appreciated!

12 Comments
2024/09/21
03:12 UTC

6

SSR for Architects

Recently announced that USACE is going to add 0808's to an Special Salary Rate (SSR).

It's not clear what strings are going to be attached but the grapevine mentions that it might require architects to stay put in design only roles?

If that's the case, I fear that it will only go up to GS-12, rather than 13, 14 that All Districts and all Engineers took for themselves under the Hydrodam Special Salary Rates.

I also fear architects won't be invited to the table of interdiscinary roles which is something they exel at much more than engineers by the nature of their training and licensure. Work under interdisciplinary roles that engineers struggle with greatly (Aquisition, Brooks Act A-E procurement, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Design and Construction Law, Negotiations, amd taking plans to the people/being a people person ). :)

23 Comments
2024/09/21
00:20 UTC

8

Read Ahead Resume

Hi!! I applied for many positions. But specifically, for this post I applied to an Interdisciplinary listing that had multiple locations. I then, received an email to apply for a specific DHA position and they said they sent my resume as read ahead. The posting closes soon. But, is it likely that I will be selected for an interview? It's been a little over a year of applying on and off (mostly on - but periods of discouragement). Now I'm rambling! Thanks for any insight offered!

11 Comments
2024/09/20
15:00 UTC

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