Deputy Chief, Construction Division (Interdisciplinary), GS-08XX-14 (78876)

TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)

Position Type

Permanent

USACE Organization

South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Caribbean District

Locations (City, State)

Jacksonville, FL

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Position Overview/Duties

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for the Deputy Chief, Construction Division (Interdisciplinary) in the South Atlantic Division, Caribbean District, Construction Division.

Position Title(s): Deputy Chief, Construction Division (Interdisciplinary)

Series/Grade: GS-08XX-14, (0808 Architect, 0810 Civil Engineer, 0830 Mechanical Engineer, 0850 Electrical Engineer)

Open Period: 13-19 May 2026

Duty Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico or Jacksonville, FL.

Duties & Responsibilities

Serves as the Deputy Chief of the Construction Division, responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing a large, complex construction program supporting civil works, military construction, and interagency projects across a broad geographic area. Provides executive leadership and technical oversight to multidisciplinary teams and subordinate offices engaged in construction management, contract administration, quality assurance, and engineering support. Ensures projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational priorities, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations.

Duties

• Directs and manages a multi-billion-dollar construction program, including civil works, military construction, and international and interagency support (IIS) projects, ensuring effective planning, execution, and delivery.
• Provides leadership and supervision to multidisciplinary staff and subordinate organizational elements, including field offices responsible for construction execution and contract administration.
• Establishes priorities, allocates resources, and monitors project schedules and performance to meet critical deadlines and program objectives.
• Serves as senior technical authority on construction management, contract administration, and quality assurance, providing guidance on complex technical issues, claims, and disputes.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and process improvements to enhance organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance.
• Oversees budget planning and execution, workforce management, and organizational performance, ensuring alignment with mission goals.
• Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies, industry partners, and senior leadership, to resolve issues and support program delivery.
• Represents the organization in high-level meetings, briefings, and external engagements, providing expert advice on construction-related matters.

Speaking and understanding Spanish is required as this position supports work located in Puerto Rico. This position requires interfacing with the public, to include participating public meetings in remote areas where English may not always be spoken.

Other Conditions And Requirements

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.

Minimum Education Requirement

Engineering: 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.

Architecture: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements.

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards — GS-0800 Series - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#0800

Specialized Experience

Experience managing and overseeing large, complex construction programs involving multiple projects, stakeholders, and funding sources. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and subordinate supervisors in construction management, contract administration, and quality assurance activities. Experience providing technical oversight and resolving complex construction issues, including contractor claims, scheduling challenges, and project performance concerns. Proven ability to plan and execute programs, allocate resources, monitor progress, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope. Experience developing policies, improving processes, and coordinating with senior leadership and external stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives.

Time in Grade Requirement: 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-13).

Other Requirements

• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:59 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• A supervisory probationary period may be required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
• This position requires DAWIA Contracting Professional acquisition certification.
• Professional Architect or Engineer: The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess and maintain license/registration as a Professional Architect or Engineer. This license/registration must be in good standing and issued by any one of the 50 states or its territories.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget). Before the payment of Relocation Incentive, an employee must provide residence documentation and maintain a residence in the new geographic location for the duration of the service agreement.
• PCS expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or its possessions to operate vehicles.
• This position may be eligible for situational telework.

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements

GS Standards: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.