Are you ready to put your education to the test? Eager to tackle a new and challenging job that allows you to grow professionally and personally? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Institute for Water Resources (IWR) invites you to apply for the SMART Scholarship Program and become part of one of the world’s premier public engineering, design and construction management agencies.
What is the SMART Scholarship Program?
The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students. SMART Scholars receive full tuition, annual stipends, internships and guaranteed employment with the DoD after graduation.
Selecting SMART Scholars
IWR is seeking multidisciplinary scholars who are passionate about solving complex water resources planning and management challenges. Self-starters from diverse backgrounds who are eager to pursue innovative and collaborative solutions will thrive at the Institute.
We rely on those with vision, creativity, knowledge and technical expertise to lead us into the future. Applicants should be confident in working independently or in group settings, effective communicators, and willing to learn and apply their skills across a variety of projects.
The primary location for most SMART scholars is the IWR Water Resources Center (WRC) in Alexandria, Virginia or the Risk Management Center in Lakewood, Colo. and Pittsburgh, Pa. IWR also includes the Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) in Davis, Calif., the Civil Work Navigation and Decision Support Center and Waterborne Commerce Center in Alexandria, Va., and New Orleans, La.
The Life of a SMART Scholar at IWR
SMART Scholars at IWR have the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful, real-world projects addressing critical water-related challenges. Tasks assigned to scholars are dependent on the scholar’s education, experience and interests. Each scholar is assigned a mentor and joins at least one small team with whom they interact frequently for a specific project, training, or goal.
For example, a geographer might contribute to the development of GIS models for flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, navigation, or more. An engineer could model a water resources system within a community to assess various risks and opportunities. Those with programming and computers science skills could help create software or cloud-based applications or work with artificial intelligence and big data to enhance emergency management capabilities. A recent SMART scholar used GIS to highlight USACE projects by overlaying the path of totality of a solar eclipse with project locations, then developed campground visitation estimates for USACE recreation sites in the path.
While most work is domestic based, some projects may include international or domestic travel depending on the scholar’s skills and ongoing projects at a given time.
“By joining IWR, you are going to work on the biggest and coolest projects in the country right out of school.”
- Bryant Robbins, Division Chief at USACE Risk Management Center and former SMART Scholar
“Working at IWR has been a great experience. I’ve already learned and grown so much and there are always so many opportunities available to me that I couldn’t really get anywhere else, from international travel to hands-on training courses and collaborating with expert peers at IWR and around the world at UNESCO, the Netherlands, and more.”
- Chloe Cooper, Geographer and 2022 SMART Scholar
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Competitive Benefits
SMART Scholars receive full tuition, annual stipends, internships, and guaranteed employment with IWR after graduation. Upon graduation, employees enjoy competitive benefits including:
- An inclusive and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for professional development, collaboration with experts and career advancement.
- Flexible work schedules including options for telework and remote work.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision coverage, paid parental leave, and generous vacation and sick leave.
- Impressive retirement packages with employer matching contributions.
- Federal and DoD benefits such as childcare subsidies, student loan repayment, employee assistance programs, and more.
Join Us
If you are ready to embark on a journey that encompasses your passion for STEM with a purpose that truly matters, apply for the SMART Scholarship Program today. Applications are open annually from August 1-December 1. We look forward to welcoming you to IWR!
For more information on the SMART Program and how to apply, visit: www.smartscholarship.org
For more information on the Institute for Water Resources, visit: https://www.iwr.usace.army.mil