Park ranger hat sitting on top of the dam at Philpott Lake.  Ranger to the Corps is name of Podcast.

Check out the "Rangers to the Corps" Podcast episode called "Ranger Career Life."

Exciting Careers in Natural Resources Management

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is one of the world's premier public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. USACE included more than 37,000 dedicated civilians and over 550 soldiers who deliver timely and quality engineering, technical, and management services to customers in more than 90 countries.  We have a board ranger of missions in support of the Department of Defense and the nation to include design and construction of military facilities, engineering research and development, water and natural resource management, and support to other government agencies. We provide the opportunities to work in major cities, small communities, and at offices throughout the world.

Natural Resources Management

As the nation’s largest Federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation.  UACE provides employees with the opportunity to join a diverse team of skilled professionals who work every day to preserve, manage and improve nearly 12 million acres of our nation’s public lands and water.

We also offer challenging career opportunities in these fields and more:

  • Park Rangers manage Federal lands, water, and park resources at Corps operated and maintained water resources projects.  They are leaders in both emergency response and community outreach.
  • Natural Resources Specialists manage and conserve hose natural resources consistent with ecosystem management principles.  They also provide quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations.

In addition to offering a challenging, and rewarding work environment, we offer competitive salaries, training, and outstanding benefits.

Working for the Corps of Engineers

FAQs

1. What types of Jobs are available at Wilmington District Lakes?

Park Rangers - Series 025 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualificationstandards/0000/park-ranger-series-0025/

Natural Resource Specialists - Series 0401 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualificationstandards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/

2. What do Park Rangers and Natural Resource Management Specialists do?

Recreation 1.6 million visitors on average enjoy the five lakes in the Wilmington District each year. Oversee recreation areas including campgrounds, boat ramps, hiking and biking trails, and bank fishing. Provide interpretative programming to educate visitors on a wide range of topics from promoting water safety, USACE missions, to wildlife programs, etc... Patrol public lands and waters to ensure the safety of visitors and protection of property and natural resources.

Environmental Stewardship Lake projects include over 120,000 acres of land and 80,000 acres of water with around 1300 miles of shoreline. Actively manage these public resources for forestry, game and non-game fish and wildlife species, and special status species. Oversee approximately 5000 dock permits and hundreds of miles of property boundary. Use GIS and GPS for data collection and analysis, assist with fisheries management, identify, and map invasive species, monitor special status species such as bald eagles and threatened and endangered plants.

3. How do I apply for jobs?

Information on how to apply for jobs with the US Army Corps of Engineers is available at this link  - https://www.usace.army.mil/Careers/How-to-Apply/

4. Pay? 

GS Pay Scale – Pay range is based job duties, level of education, and experience.  Job announcement will specify the possible pay range. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule

5. Where are Job opportunities with the US Army Corps of Engineers posted? www.usajobs.gov

6. Where are the jobs located?

Falls Lake and B Everett Jordan Lake near Raleigh North Carolina

Philpott Lake near Bassett Virginia

W Kerr Scott Lake near Wilkesboro North Carolina

John H Kerr Lake on the border of North Carolina and Virginia

7. Where can I find more information?

USACE Wilmington District Lakes  - https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation.aspx

Wilmington District Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/USACE.

Wilmington John H Kerr Dam & Reservoir Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/JohnHKerrReservoirBuggsIslandLake/

Philpott Lake Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Philpott-Lake-740241476003294

W Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/W-Kerr-Scott-Reservoir-USACEWilmington-District-159942874077118

B. Everett Jordan Dam & Reservoir Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/JordanLakeNC

Falls Lake Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/FallsLakeNC

8. Information for Veterans With veterans’ preference, you may receive preference over non-veteran applicants in the hiring process. Veterans' preference can be used when applying to permanent and temporary positions in both the competitive and excepted service (of the executive branch).  To find out more visit this link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/

9. Students and Recent Graduates

The Pathways Program offers federal internship and employment opportunities for current students and recent graduates Internship Program This Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. Additional information about the Internship Program can be found a t USAJOBS.  https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/ 

Recent Graduates The recent graduate program is for those who have graduated, within the past two years, from a qualifying educational institution or certificate program. The recent graduate program offers career development with training and mentorship. You must apply within two years of getting your degree or certificate (veterans have up to six years to apply due to their military service obligation). Additional information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/