Program Specialist

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Duck, NC

10d

About The Position

This position is with the U.S. Army Research and Development Center (ERDC), Coastal & Hydraulic Laboratory (CHL), and is part of the Comptroller Career Program under the Human Capital & Resource Management Directorate. It is a Program Specialist position in the DJ-0301-02 pay band, equivalent to GS 05–10, with a target grade of DJ-03 (GS 11/12). Management may select at any announced grade level, and promotion to the target grade may be available without further competition when the employee is eligible and recommended by management. Multiple positions may be filled. The position is eligible for situation-based telework only, including emergency and OPM-prescribed unscheduled telework. TDY or business travel is required 10% of the time. The position requires a one-year probationary period and is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Salary depends on grade and includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement; listed ranges are GS 05: $41,341–$53,744; GS 06: $46,084–$59,908; GS 07: $51,210–$66,574; GS 08: $56,713–$73,724; GS 09: $62,640–$81,436; and GS 10: $68,980–$89,669. Permanent Change of Station costs are not authorized.

Requirements

• Three years of progressively responsible general experience, including at least one year equivalent to GS-04, involving analysis of problems, gathering relevant data and recognizing solutions, planning and organizing work, and effective oral and written communication; OR a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree; OR a qualifying combination of education and experience totaling at least 100% of the requirements.
• Applicants who held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (DJ-01, GS-04).
• All qualification requirements, including time after competitive appointment, must be met within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Applicants using foreign education must provide an evaluation showing it is equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program or documentation of full credit for the courses at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• A background investigation may be required as part of a suitability or fitness determination.
• Applicants currently employed under a Laboratory Demonstration Project must have a current average performance score of at least 2.5 to be selected for promotion and include their most recent performance appraisal score in their electronic resume.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, the ideals of the American republic, the rule of law, and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Assist Principal Investigators by tracking project funds and labor, forecasting costs with sponsors, determining Work Item Codes (WICs), and aligning resources.
• Resolve WIC discrepancies and payroll-system issues to safeguard division overhead.
• Process and audit travel orders and vouchers to prevent burden rejects and address funding shortfalls.
• Define project scope, develop milestone schedules, track baselines, and maintain data reports to brief Principal Investigators on burn rates and financial health.
• Track project risks, assist with mitigation plans, and serve as the primary contact for troubleshooting operational roadblocks.
• Connect multidisciplinary technical teams with administrative divisions, manage stakeholder communications, and prepare project briefs and documentation.
• Analyze and interpret changing legislation and regulations, providing authoritative advice to staff.
• Prepare complex approval materials for foreign travel and conferences.
• Use advanced office automation technology to design and streamline division operating procedures.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level