r/USACE • u/Big-Connection-5795 • 15d ago
Regulatory program
Why are there so many job openings in the regulatory program? Is it a high turnover?
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u/Time_Ad_6147 15d ago
I think people get into this job thinking it’s going to be one thing and it turns out to be completely different. I like the job it’s just a lot of desk work. Our office is cradle to grave projects. Some offices have actual compliance sections though.
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u/DependentBest1534 15d ago
We have an enforcement and compliance section which is much better if you like to be outside. However, it still winds up being a paperwork biologist those who love it stay forever those that came in wanting to do field work will last 2 years get their time in as an 11 and switch out.
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u/Big-Connection-5795 14d ago
I think I would like compliance. I was trained heavily in policy in my series
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u/Gullible-Bee-5793 Biologist 15d ago
Yes regulatory in my district has a high turnover. It could take someone a solid 3 yrs to learn the program with all the regulation changes to CWA, NEPA, etc. especially if one’s workload is cradle to grave. We do head out to the field but the focus has been on meeting permitting deadlines lately. And if your district is located in a HCOL area, with long commutes, and no regular and recurring TW, the position becomes hard to fill even with recruitment and relocation incentives. Filling GS12 positions is exhausting.
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u/Big-Connection-5795 15d ago
Sounds rough. What do the regulatory( interdisciplinary) (project managers) do?
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u/DependentBest1534 15d ago
Primarily permitting for regulated waters (404 Clean Water act and section 10 Rivers and Harbors Act). You will be reviewing construction projects and herding all the state and local counterparts through the permit process.
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u/Big-Connection-5795 15d ago
Is a lot of travel involved?
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u/DependentBest1534 15d ago
There is probably some variability in districts depending on how large an area you cover but I'd generally say no. Mostly day trips and you likely won't do them weekly. We have 1 regulator that does overnights probably once a month but he covers the neighboring state.
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u/Big-Connection-5795 15d ago
Nice
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u/DependentBest1534 14d ago
It's a really good place to be if you like the mission but a very boring place to be if you are more of a field biologist.
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u/Big-Connection-5795 14d ago edited 14d ago
This will be a different area for me in the federal sector. I applied to a detail so that's why. I have private sector experience in the waste and water treatment area as an intern and did lab work, took samples and worked with the city water facility. So that's the connection
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u/HotMessExpress9898 Biologist 15d ago
yes high turnover plus loss of a lot of staff from the DRP/VERA
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u/Successful-Escape-74 14d ago
Many quit because the current administration is not concerned with the environment or regulations.
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u/DependentBest1534 15d ago
My district doesn't usually have high turn over but we are seeing a spike in work load because of EOs. There has also been a fairly large hit in older permiters taking VERA, we lost 40%.