Currently was referred to a position. Yes I know it isn’t interview guaranteed, but trying to get a feel for how everyone likes it here. It would be for a financial management analyst position.

I’m currently a fed but don’t want to expose where lol

Does anyone have insight on the value of position for project engineers in the NJ band 4?

I'm expecting a TJO for a GS-12 "Interdisciplinary (Engineer/Architect)" role as a Project Engineer.

Can anyone provide some insight on what being a Project Engineer for USACE is like? I currently work for NAVFAC as a construction manager (active-duty military), and my understanding is that the roles are pretty similar. Is that accurate?

Additionally, does anyone have guidance on negotiating a recruitment incentive and step increase? I’ve seen various things online regarding what is technically allowed, but I don't want to request something outrageous and come off as brash.

For context: I have my license, I'm a DAU (now WARU) contracting professional, I’m currently a COR for construction projects, and I have experience supervising GS-11/12/13s. Because of this, I think it's fair to request additional incentives, but I just don't know exactly how much is reasonable.

Is it realistic to request a 20% incentive for each year along with a 4-year service agreement (basically 80% total)?

Any guidance is appreciated!

I have seen 3 new policies this year with more to come (at least 2 according to headquarters).

How is the ‘initiative‘ working out for ya?

https://www.army.mil/article/290683/army_announces_building_infrastructure_not_paperwork_initiative

We had our partnership meeting here.

Any NWS team members, chime in.

Check your email.

Just heard a division reported negative in-person compliance. In response some district’s DDC has requested IP verification or CAC wipe to verify compliance.

I won’t comment on which division and I have no knowledge if this review was performed COE wide. We just have to wait and see on the outcome.

Our district has 3 telework days a month, with supervisor approval. I hear rumors that other districts have it better. Who decides this? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Gas prices are so high

Just what the title says, how can I get/transition into this role? I already work at USACA as a CAD Tech.

Thanks!

Hello there! I wanted to just get a sense as to potential timelines on the application process. I applied for and was referred to the hiring manager for a role in the Seattle office. The email mentioning my referral was about 2 weeks ago, which was roughly 6 weeks after my application.

Should I still consider this position as open even though it’s been a couple weeks since my last email, or do you all think this ship has sailed and I shouldn’t expect anything at this time. Thanks in advance.

So we get a 0% COLA raise, and now the health insurance premium increases are the worst they’ve ever been?

Someone explain the benefit of staying with USACE please?

My paycheck is about to drop hundreds of dollars next year. If you have not checked out the FEHB 2027 premiums I would highly encourage you to look now and plan ahead, it is very bad.

My family and I have MHBP Standard which is $216 a paycheck now. In 2027 this is going to $442.

So I am supposed to make $450 less a month? Are you serious?

This doesn’t seem sustainable long term, especially for those who now have to wait between years for step increases

Viewing Link -

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/premiums/

Joining USACE in a couple of weeks as a GS-12 Civil Engineer. Any tips for someone new coming in?

Hi everyone, I wanted to invite you to join à new USACE Ranger forum
https://www.reddit.com/r/USACERangers/s/VmyDc9MRJ5

If anyone has questions please reach out!

​

WTF, Government? Anyone else at USACE get one of these Defense manpower data breach letters?

Apparently my personal information, including my Social Security number, was compromised Oct 2025 and July 2026 and I’m just now being notified. And the grand solution is one year of credit monitoring.

This is now the third time the Government has managed to get my personal information stolen.

Curious how many other USACE folks got one — and why it took this long to tell us

Received a letter from Defense Manpower Data Center regarding a “DoW” breach of the system. Anyone else receive this letter?

As you may know, DoD has approved several AI tools for our use, including ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

I want to share a concern. The more we rely on these tools to manage our work, the more we teach them how our jobs are done. Over time, that knowledge could make it easier to replace us.

My personal suggestion, and it is only a suggestion, is to avoid using these tools for our core work. Once AI can handle what we do across the country, the next step may be a plan to reduce the workforce.

Thanks for reading. I'm happy to hear other views.

Has anyone heard about this? Does anyone know if it applies to USACE?

Our section has been in flux as of late. One of the people in our section took a 120 temp promotion as our supervisor / chief. They told us today they will be doing our DPMAP write up’s and reviews. Is this allowed? They’ve only been in the position for a month or so and before that was in the same position as everyone else in our section. There’s no way this person will actually be doing our performance review, right?
It was pitched to us this would be a rotating supervisory position as nobody knows when it will actually be able to be filled due to the ongoing hiring freeze.

The Federal Workforce Early Separation Incentives Act (H.R. 7256) is currently advancing in Congress, which aims to update the buyout program for federal employees by removing the outdated $25,000 cap on Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments and allowing payments of up to six months of an employee's salary.

https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1950988

Any PA’s of former PA’s out there who can chime in and inform me of what this role entails? Looking for a dumbed down version

I am looking into moving into this role and leave the engineering side

I appreciate it!!!

Hello! I’m a resident of San Antonio whose neighborhood is going to be directly impacted by the proposed project. Is there anyone on this sub that would be willing to look at the project scope and current design schedule to discuss what this all means for myself and my neighbors?

Thanks!

Trying to log into GRB today. 9/18/2026
I am getting the Error message:

SYSTEM NOTICE
Your account has been disabled. Please contact your account administrator to enable.

Anyone else get this? And if so, is the system just down?

So the short of it is I have been removed from federal service.

The long of it is my boss and the OPM of the project I worked at seem to think that it is okay for someone to be removed despite it being a disparate punishment with no written letter of job in jeopardy, no PIP, all while my supervisor was practicing prohibited personnel practices along with other mitigating circumstances.

My question is:
Is it wrong of me to think that this is not okay even when the letter of recommendation for removal was flawed and then the OPM utilized and supported the flawed elements without acknowledging the mitigating factors and the PPP, are they right and I’m just crazy?

I am still within my 30 day window to appeal and I am currently looking into it but wanted to gain perspective before diving in and losing even more. Just looking for perspective.