If you’re a skilled civil engineer with expertise in dam inspections, hydroelectric projects, or infrastructure safety, a rewarding career with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) could be your next step. Ranked among the top mid-size agencies in the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government, FERC offers an exciting GS-13 Civil Engineer position focused on dam safety and inspections in the San Francisco Region.
This Direct Hire Authority job (Announcement Number: SFRO-DHA-2026-0001) is open now through January 30, 2026, with a salary range of $133,060 to $172,980 per year. It’s a permanent, full-time role with telework eligibility and a mobile work setup—ideal for engineers who thrive in fieldwork and regional travel.
Why Work as a Civil Engineer at FERC?
FERC regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, while ensuring the safety of non-federal hydroelectric projects across the U.S. In the Office of Energy Projects, Division of Dam Safety and Inspections, you’ll play a critical role in protecting public safety by evaluating and inspecting complex hydroelectric dams.
Employees praise FERC for its strong leadership, exceptional work-life balance, and flexible policies—including telework and mobile work arrangements.
Key Job Duties and Responsibilities
As a GS-13 Civil Engineer, your typical assignments include:
- Performing detailed inspections of licensed hydroelectric projects, including those with difficult, complex, or controversial features.
- Preparing comprehensive engineering reports to document dam safety and compliance.
- Assessing design adequacy, constructability, and adherence to current engineering standards and practices.
- Applying disciplines such as structural, hydrologic, hydraulic, geotechnical, or engineering geology to ensure infrastructure integrity.
This role involves up to 50% travel (including overnight stays) for inspections, meetings, conferences, and training—perfect for professionals who enjoy on-site work.
Who Qualifies? Specialized Experience and Education Requirements
To be eligible for this Civil Engineer (Series 0810) position at GS-13, you need:
- One full year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 level.
- Demonstrated experience applying civil engineering principles (in structural, hydrologic, hydraulic, geotechnical, or engineering geology) to the investigation, design, construction, operation, or maintenance of infrastructure facilities—plus conducting inspections of dams.
Education Requirement: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in civil engineering or a related field is mandatory. You must submit transcripts with your application—unofficial copies are acceptable initially, but official ones are required if selected. Review full qualification details at the OPM Civil Engineer GS-0810 standards.
Volunteer experience (e.g., Peace Corps, professional organizations) counts toward qualifications.
Location and Work Arrangement
- Primary Location: San Francisco, CA
- Mobile Duty Station: You must live within commuting distance (drivable) of one of these cities: Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; Sacramento, CA; or San Francisco, CA.
- Telework: Eligible per agency policy.
- Relocation Expenses: Not reimbursed.
This mobile position emphasizes routine travel to worksites rather than a fixed office—aligning with FERC’s mission-critical fieldwork in dam safety.
Benefits and Additional Perks
Federal employment with FERC includes competitive pay, health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and more. Check full details on federal benefits here.
Other highlights:
- Bargaining unit position (AFGE Local 421).
- No security clearance required (but background investigation needed).
- Potential requirement to divest certain energy-related securities for ethics compliance.
How to Apply Before the Deadline
Applications are accepted through USAJOBS.gov—search for job announcement 854987900 or visit the direct link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854987900.
Required Documents:
- Resume (max 2 pages—focus on specialized experience, duties, and competencies like Civil Engineering, Written Communication, and Verbal Communication).
- Transcripts (mandatory).
- Completed online vacancy questionnaire.
Tips for success:
- Tailor your resume to highlight dam inspection and hydroelectric project experience.
- Submit everything by 11:59 PM ET on January 30, 2026.
- Only the first two pages of your resume will be reviewed if longer.
This is a Direct Hire announcement—no veterans’ preference or category rating applies, but strong qualifications get you considered quickly.
Job Source – https://civil.usajobs.gov/job/854987900