Planning Associates

The Planning Associates (PA) Program is an advanced training opportunity in water resources planning offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The goals of the Planning Associates Program are to broaden planners’ competencies in solving complex water resources problems and challenges, and to strengthen their leadership talents.  The Program curriculum is rich in team building, leadership training, experiential training in the Corps’ Civil Works business programs, case studies, individual and group projects, instructional training and experiences, and many networking opportunities with leaders from the public and private sectors.

The Planning Associates Program is targeted to journeyman-level professionals in the field of water resources, which is generally at the GS-11 and GS-12 level of Federal service.  The program consists of approximately 20 weeks of rigorous training scheduled in 1-3 week blocks.

2013 Course Schedule

About the 2013 Class

About the Program

Structure

The PA Program is intended to provide the quality training that is inherent in an effective learning organization. The curriculum is rich in team building and team leadership training; experiential training in USACE Civil Works business programs; case studies, individual and group projects and activities; communications and presentation techniques; and networking opportunities with leaders in Districts, MSCs, HQUSACE, and other Army, Administration, Congressional, and public and private water resource interest groups. There are approximately 20 courses delivered in 1-3 week TDY periods spread over 11 months. A preliminary schedule of activities, which is subject to change, is at Exhibit 1.

Challenges

This is a challenging program requiring stamina and flexibility by the participants, their families, and their home office staff. The PA TDY periods are long and rigorous, often going more than 12 hours a day, and require weekend work during the multiple week sessions. In addition to the course workload, the PAs are also working on their required individual and team products.

Opportunities

We understand the challenges you in the home office face during the PA program, but you can turn this management challenge into a developmental bonus, A number of supervisors and Commanders in the last 14 classes have supported the PAs with able backups, using the PA’s absence as a developmental assignment opportunity for less experienced employees. We expect this practice will be the norm in this and future years.

Eligibility

The typical PA class is a demographically diverse, multi-disciplinary team of high potential GS-11 and GS-12 District employees with 5-10 years of current planning experience who would most benefit from participating in the program. Individuals with more than 10 years may be considered by exception. Successful applicants must demonstrate a passion for planning, a record of accomplishment in the planning function, and a desire to use what they will learn in future career challenges. The PAs’ home offices will, as well, receive immediate benefit from the PAs’ experiences by way of home office back briefs following each course session. These briefings will transmit the latest information on policies and procedures employed in other offices Corps-wide.

Contacts

Institute for Water Resources
POC

Awards Program

The Planning Associates Program curriculum is rich in team building and team leadership training; experiential training in USACE Civil Works business programs; case studies, individual and group projects and activities; communications and presentation techniques; and networking opportunities with leaders. More