Civil Engineer; Geotechnical), GS

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Mobile District

TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Permanent

Mobile, AL

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for a Civil Engineer (Geotechnical) in the South Atlantic Division, Mobile District, Engineering Division.

Civil Engineer (Geotechnical)

14–29 July 2026

Mobile, AL

• This is a developmental career ladder position with promotion potential from GS‑07 to the full performance GS‑12 level. Employees receive structured training, mentoring, and progressively more complex assignments while developing the knowledge and skills required to independently perform as a Geotechnical Civil Engineer.
• At the GS‑07 level, serve as a junior engineer providing technical support on military and civil works construction projects while working under the guidance of the Lead Civil Engineer, Dam Safety Program Manager, and Lead Drilling Geologist. Regular field work is required to support investigations, inspections, and construction activities. At the GS‑09 level, assume increasingly responsible engineering assignments as experience and training are gained.
  
  Applicants are expected to have taken the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, as passing the FE is required for promotion to the GS‑11 level and progression toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure at the GS‑12 level.
• Assist with planning and conducting geotechnical investigations, including drilling programs, soil and rock sampling, laboratory testing, and groundwater evaluations to support engineering design and construction.
• Analyze and interpret geotechnical data to support foundation design, slope stability, seepage, settlement, pile foundation, and earthwork analyses using engineering principles and computer-based analytical tools.
• Prepare and progressively develop engineering reports, design analyses, plans, specifications, and quantity estimates for dams, levees, flood risk management projects, foundations, and other civil works infrastructure while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Conduct field visits to construction sites and project locations to verify site conditions, provide engineering support during construction, resolve technical issues, and participate in dam and levee safety inspections and assessments.
• At the full performance GS‑12 level, independently manage complex geotechnical engineering projects from investigation through design and construction support, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, provide technical recommendations, and mentor junior engineers and technicians.

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.

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.

GS‑0800 Series - https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).#0800

• GS‑07:
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑06 grade level in the Federal service which includes assisting with the design of civil engineering projects, reviewing engineering reports for compliance with applicable requirements, and supporting engineering analysis and project documentation.
• GS‑09:
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑07 grade level in the Federal service which includes working on civil engineering projects under the guidance of senior engineers, collecting and analyzing field data, and assisting with the preparation of technical reports, plans, specifications, and other project documentation.
• GS‑11:
  One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑09 grade level in the Federal service which includes performing field geotechnical investigations, preparing geotechnical…