Civil (Earthquake) Engineer Position at USGS Earthquake Science Center

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Jamie Steidl

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Feb 13, 2026, 2:35:20 PM (4 days ago) Feb 13

to jo...@earthscope.org

Civil (Earthquake) Engineer position at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Science Center (ESC)

The U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center (ESC) is hiring a Civil Engineer for its National Strong Motion Project (NSMP). The NSMP has the primary Federal responsibility for acquiring strong motion records of significant earthquakes in the United States recorded by sensors placed in man-made structures. This permanent position is offered at the GS-13 level in Moffett Field, CA (salary ranges $122,857 to $171,268 Per year). This position provides an opportunity for an engineer interested in public service and in the earthquake response of structures.

The Earthquake Science Center (ESC) has been a flagship research center for the USGS for over 50 years. The mission of ESC is to: collect a wide range of data on earthquakes, faults, and crustal deformation; to conduct research to increase our understanding of earthquake source processes, occurrence, and effects; and to synthesize this knowledge into seismic hazard assessment products. Additional products include aftershock forecasts, ground-shaking scenarios for anticipated major earthquakes affecting the whole nation, and Earthquake Early Warning ShakeAlerts. Partnering with universities and State organizations, the Center operates the California Integrated Seismic Network and the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, as well as geodetic networks throughout the western United States, and the National Strong Motion Project (NSMP). The NSMP has the primary Federal responsibility for acquiring strong motion records of significant earthquakes in the United States recorded by sensors placed in man-made structures. To fulfill its mission, the ESC engages in symbiotic partnerships that leverage complementary capabilities and resources with other USGS Science Centers, Federal and State agencies, private foundations, and public and private utilities and corporations. The ESC operates primarily out of three offices strategically located in the San Francisco Bay, Seattle, and Los Angeles areas.

As a Civil Engineer for the National Strong Motion Project (NSMP) within the Earthquake Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:

Managing seismic instrumentation and analysis projects, from beginning to completion, including the development of proposals and their technical, administrative, and financial scopes.
Designing and implement modern seismic instrumentation arrays to measure dynamic earthquake performance of buildings, bridges, dams, and other lifeline systems that are meant to be operational 24/7/365.
Using knowledge of electronics systems and systems interactions sufficient to manage the installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of seismic recording systems by skilled technicians.
Providing technical direction, leadership, mentorship, guidance, training, and advice to engineers and technicians and other internal and external stakeholders.
Using proven programming and software skills (coding, scripting, spreadsheet, database, graphics, visualization, and statistical applications) to analyze and display engineering and seismic data, including ground motions and site response effects.
Write and apply computer programs, scripts, and algorithms for engineering applications.
Apply professional knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of geology, geophysics, engineering and seismology as they relate to structural dynamics and earthquake engineering.
Collaborating with others as an effective team member to accomplish broad goals of multi-project research programs.
Giving clear, logical and effective presentations or briefings before technical and non-technical audiences.
Develop and perform reviews of technical documents and reports, design plans/drawings, engineering analyses, specifications, and contract correspondence.
Advising senior leadership, program officials, and colleagues on engineering analysis, recommendations, and study conclusions.

Application Process:

Apply online at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/857665900

The advertisement for this permanent, full-time position will be posted on USAJOBS on February 16, 2026 and close on March 9 (please don’t wait to apply as there is a cap on the number of allowed applicants and the opportunity may close early).

Job Announcement (single announcement for the general public and current federal employees): USGS-RES-26-12845852-DE-SA

Contact Samantha Albino, sal...@usgs.gov with questions about the application process or Christine Goulet with questions about the anticipated role (cgo...@usgs.gov).

Please make sure to follow all steps outlined on the USAJobs website in submitting your application. More info here: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to. For example, the resume is capped at 2 pages and if you use your own resume, describe your job-related qualifications, including: beginning and ending dates with month and year for paid and non-paid work experience; hours worked per week; annual salary; and description of job duties for each job title listed. Please also be sure to include copies of all transcripts (undergraduate and graduate, unofficial is fine), SF-50s if applicable, professional licenses, and other requested documents. ALL applicants regardless of whether they are current USGS or federal employees in the series MUST follow the application requirements. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. ALL required documentation must be submitted prior to the close of the announcement. All documents must be legible.