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: This Survey Technician position is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Southwestern Division, Galveston District, Engineering & Construction Division with a duty station location of Port Arthur, TX.
*This is a developmental position. Please see additional information section.*
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: This Survey Technician position is with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Southwestern Division, Galveston District, Engineering & Construction Division with a duty station location of Port Arthur, TX.
*This is a developmental position. Please see additional information section.*
Conduct hydrographic surveys and independently performs a variety of duties required to survey one or more major navigation channels in support of planning, design, construction, and maintenance of navigation projects.
Use electronic data gathering equipment including, but not limited to, single beam, sidescan, and multibeam sonars, and LiDAR equipment.
Check and analyze details and drawings of ship channels and/or areas surveyed to determine whether the design and drawings are complete and correct and if specifications conform to requirements.
Manages and/or performs all operators’ maintenance on vehicles, and surveying and depth sounding equipment.
Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Must pass a pre-employment physical.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Motorboat Operator’s License issued by the US. Coast Guard Marine Inspection Service.
This is a Mission Essential Position and is not subject to administrative dismissal in states of emergencies due to inclement weather conditions, or other emergency situations, as directed.
This position is covered by the civilian drug abuse testing program. Must complete pre-employment and random drug testing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL within 12 months.
Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315.
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or 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.
This position is being filled as a one-grade interval. For most one-grade interval occupational series, the qualification standard calls for at least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade. However, there is no position in the normal line of progression that is one grade lower than the position being filled. Therefore, 1 year of specialized experience at the second lower level is creditable for in-service (current or former) applicants. However, for outside applicants (i.e., those without current or prior Federal competitive or excepted service), 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower level is required. Please see statements below for qualifications and time in grade requirements.
For In-service Applicants (Current or Former federal employees) ~
Specialized Experience GS-07: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting in the collection and processing of hydrographic survey data on a boat. OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position. Transcripts must be provided. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. Time in Grade Requirement GS-07
Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal
service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-05).
Specialized Experience GS-09: One year of specialized experience which includes collecting hydrographic survey data to be used for navigational charts, dredging operations, determining shoal areas, and locating dangers to vessels and calibrating hydrographic survey systems and equipment such as single beam and multi-transducer systems. OR
Education: One and a half years of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as surveying, engineering, construction, or industrial technology. Transcripts must be provided. OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total semester hours minus 18) by 9. Add the two percentages. Time in Grade Requirement GS-09
Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal
service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-07).
For Outside Applicants (non-Federal)~
Specialized Experience GS-07: One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level which includes assisting in the collection and processing of hydrographic survey data on a boat and operating computerized/electronic equipment for surveys such as a single beam, multibeam, or sidescan sonars, or equivalent. OR Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position. Transcripts must be provided. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.
Specialized Experience GS-09: One year of specialized experience at the GS-08 level which includes collecting hydrographic survey data to be used for navigational charts, dredging operations, determining shoal areas, and locating dangers to vessels; calibrating hydrographic survey systems and equipment such as single beam and multi-transducer systems; and calculating dredge quantities using a variety of methods and programs such as average end area or surface to surface. OR
Education: One and a half years of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as surveying, engineering, construction, or industrial technology. Transcripts must be provided. OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total semester hours minus 18) by 9. Add the two percentages.
This is a developmental position. You may be selected at the GS-07 or the GS-09 only. If selected at the GS-07, you will
be promoted to 08 then to 09 target grade based on time-in-grade requirements, satisfactory or higher performance rating and demonstrated ability to perform the higher graded duties.
Education
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/
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) Engineers & Scientists (Construction) Career Field position.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
A RECRUITMENT/RELOCATION INCENTIVE MAY BE OFFERED, DEPENDING ON FUNDING AVAILABILITY AND MANAGEMENT DISCRETION. AN INCENTIVE MUST BE REQUESTED BY SELECTED APPLICANT AT TIME OF THE TENTATIVE JOB OFFER AND APPROVED PRIOR TO HIRE. AN INCENTIVE REQUIRES A SIGNED SERVICE AGREEMENT.
This is a developmental position. You may be selected at the GS-07 or the GS-09 only. If selected at the GS-07, you will
be promoted to 08 then to 09 target grade based on time-in-grade requirements, satisfactory or higher performance rating and demonstrated ability to perform the higher graded duties.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/20/2026 to receive consideration
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13082100).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
RK-W2SU03 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT GALVESTON
DO NOT MAIL
Galveston, TX 77553
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/20/2026 to receive consideration
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13082100).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
RK-W2SU03 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT GALVESTON
DO NOT MAIL
Galveston, TX 77553
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
