Chief, Planning and Environmental Branch, GS-XXXX

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Charleston District

TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Permanent

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for the Chief, Planning and Environmental Branch, GS-XXXX-14, in the South Atlantic Division, Charleston District, Programs, Planning and Project Management Division.

Interdisciplinary (Chief, Planning and Environmental Branch)

GS-XXXX-14, (0193 Archaeologist, 0401 Biologist, 0807 Landscape Architect, 0808 Architect, 0810 Civil Engineering, 1301 Physical Scientist)

3-12 March 2026

Charleston, SC (1 vacancy)

Serves as Chief, Planning and Environmental Branch, exercising delegated authority and responsibility from the DPM to supervise and manage all planning and environmental compliance functions for the Charleston District. Directs and oversees interdisciplinary planning studies including flood risk management, navigation, hurricane and storm damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, and floodplain management studies. Serves as District subject matter expert on Corps Planning Policy and NEPA compliance;

advises Commander and DPM on policy interpretation, environmental risk, and programmatic decisions.

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.

Engineering: 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.

Architecture: 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 included a major field of study or specific course requirements.

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards – All Series: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-standards

One year of specialized experience at the GS‑13 level (or equivalent) leading complex water resources planning and environmental compliance programs. Experience includes supervising interdisciplinary planning teams; directing feasibility studies and post‑authorization efforts for flood risk management, coastal storm risk reduction, navigation, and ecosystem restoration projects; ensuring compliance with NEPA and Corps planning policy; managing multi‑million‑dollar study portfolios; advising senior leaders and stakeholders on policy, budget, and program strategy;

and representing the organization in high‑level engagements with Federal, state, and local officials. Experience also includes supervising professional staff, managing performance and merit principles, allocating resources, and making decisions on in‑house versus contracted work to ensure effective program execution.

• 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.
• A supervisory 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.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget). 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.