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ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
DETROIT OPERATIONS DIVISION, Grand Haven Project Office

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Position serves as hydrographic survey expert for the Area Office survey operations. Plans, directs, and technically supervises the work of employee(s) engaged in various survey activities.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/07/2026 to 04/21/2026
Salary
$55,658 - $107,090 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Grand Haven, MI
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - The duties of this position may require occasional temporary duty (TDY) travel up to 25% of the time.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You MAY qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
RECE 26-12920904-DHA
Control number
863910600

Duties

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  • Serve as a hydrographic surveyor for the Project Office survey operations.
  • Plan, direct and technically supervise the work engaged in various survey activities.
  • Serve as system operator onboard the survey vessel conducting bathymetric data collection and advise on appropriate and efficient use of various systems on board.
  • Serve as an operator and technician on hardware and software systems with respect to multi-beam, side scan sonar and single/dual frequency hydrographic survey platforms such as Motion and Heading Sensors, Digital Velocity Profiles, and computers.
  • Plan, organize, coordinate, and develop methods and procedures for performing and conducting work of the survey team.
  • Process survey data using specialized hydrographic surveying software such HYPACK, to include editing, and reviewing for accuracy and completeness, the completed products.
  • Perform survey vessel (boats) operations of up to 26' in length, to include the safe preparation, trailering, launching, operating, and assisting in maintenance.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Position may require a pre-employment physical exam due to the physical requirements for the position.
  • Position may require a valid state driver's license based on job-related, site-specific requirements.
  • Position may require Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) at least 25% or more of the time.
  • Required to lift up to 50 lbs, traverse uneven or rocky terrain, periods of long standing, slippery surfaces, crouching, stooping, climbing, etc.
  • Must wear protective gear as required due to exposure to dust, rain, chemicals, noise, vibration, grease, electrical hazards, water hazards, moving machinery, etc. All protective gear will be provided.
  • Crew 8 hour days, Monday-Friday with occasional overtime. Occasional telework authorized depending on work assignments.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Specialized Experience GS-07: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting in field operations in the collection of technical data; supporting senior technicians using data processing software in editing, and reviewing for accuracy and completeness, the collected data; familiarity in developing and completing technical and design assignments using Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)and Building Information Modeling (BIM) using MicroStation, AutoCAD, and/or Revit; Assisting with creating drawings and making modifications to features for various projects. Maintains interest in, or has familiarity in, trailering, operating, and maintaining small crafts or vessels (boats.)

Specialized Experience GS-08: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting in surveying field operations (land or hydrographic) in the collection of surveying data; supporting senior surveyors using survey data processing software such as HYPACK in editing, and reviewing for accuracy and completeness, the collected data; Assisting in developing and completing technical and design assignments using Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)and Building Information Modeling (BIM) using MicroStation, AutoCAD, and/or Revit; Assisting with creating drawings and making modifications to features for various projects: familiarity in, trailering, operating, and maintaining small crafts or vessels (boats.)

Specialized Experience GS-09: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in executing hydrographic surveying field operations in the collection of hydrographic surveying data; processing survey data using HYPACK, in editing, and reviewing for accuracy and completeness, the collected data; assisting with calculating dredging volumes and utilizing engineering techniques to include arithmetic, geometric, algebraic formulas when performing surveying computations; assisting and setting up Single/Dual and Multi-beam frequency hydrographic surveys; assisting with operating the survey vessel and perform launching and loading of the vessel; assisting with pre-survey calibration and equipment checks; assisting with producing survey plots, channel tabulations, and metadata from survey soundings using specialized software; inputting post-process survey data utilizing specialized software such as EHYDRO and Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) for the plotting of data; assisting with topographic surveys; assisting with the preventative maintenance and repairs on survey equipment, survey vessel, and towing equipment. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).

Specialized Experience GS-10: One year of specialized which includes experience in planning and executing hydrographic surveying field operations in the collection of hydrographic surveying data; processing survey data using software such as HYPACK, in editing, and reviewing for accuracy and completeness, the collected data, and reviewing lower graded employees processing for accuracy; calculating dredging volumes and utilizing engineering techniques to include arithmetic, geometric, algebraic formulas when performing surveying computations, and reviewing lower graded employees calculations for accuracy; performing Single/Dual and Multi-beam frequency hydrographic surveys; operating survey vessel and perform launching and loading of the vessel; performing appropriate pre-survey calibration and equipment checks; produce survey plots, channel tabulations, and metadata from survey soundings using specialized software; post-processing survey data utilizing specialized software such as EHYDRO and Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) for the plotting of data; conducting topographic surveys; implementing quality control standards and perform quality assurance on collected survey data; completing preventative maintenance and repairs on survey equipment, survey vessel, and towing equipment.

Specialized Experience GS-11: One year of specialized experience which includes experience in planning and execution of the hydrographic survey program for multiple projects across a geographic area; planning, coordinating, executing, and assigning work to lower graded employees, to complete hydrographic surveying field data collection, and hydrographic surveying data processing using software such as HYPACK. v Verifying accuracy of calculations that are both self-performed and performed by those of lower graded employees, of dredging volumes and utilizing engineering techniques to include arithmetic, geometric, algebraic formulas when performing surveying computations; planning and leading program-wide Single/Dual and Multi-beam frequency hydrographic surveys; operating survey vessel and perform launching and loading of the boat; self-performing, and ensuring lower graded employees have performed, appropriate pre-survey calibration and equipment checks; reviewing lower-graded employees work in producing survey plots, channel tabulations, and metadata from survey soundings using specialized software; post-processing survey data utilizing specialized software such as EHYDRO and Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) for the plotting of data; conducting topographic surveys; leading a team in quality control and quality assurance on collected survey data; completing preventative maintenance and repairs on survey equipment, survey vessel, and towing equipment; providing liaison support to government agencies and public interest groups.

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) CF-18 Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances MAY be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RE-W2SM07 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-DETROIT
DO NOT MAIL
Detroit, MI 48231
US

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