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Civil Engineer

Department of Energy
Department of Energy - Agency Wide
Department of Energy
This job announcement has closed

Summary

These positions are to be filled under the OPM Government-Wide Direct Hire Authority Certain STEM Positions for grades GS 11-15. This serves as a public notice for the use of the Direct Hire Authority in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3327 and 3330 and 5 CFR 330. Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted for each location/ installation identified in this Public Notice. There may or may not be actual/projected vacancies at the time you submit your application.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
04/01/2022 to 01/15/2023
Salary
$66,214 to - $176,300 per year

Salary is determined by geographic location and grade level.

Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 15
Locations
FEW vacancies in the following locations:
Anchorage, AK
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Menlo Park, CA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Multiple
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CY-22-OCDH-0810-11427530-DH
Control number
646294300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens This direct hire public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

Duties

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This series covers positions managing, supervising, leading, and/or performing professional engineering and scientific work involving:

  • construction, renovation, inspection, decommissioning, and/or demolition of structures, infrastructures, and their environmental systems above or under the earth's surface;
  • investigation and evaluation of the earth's physical, natural, and man-made features; and/or
  • transportation, utilities, building and construction industries.

Civil engineering work involves the generation and/or application of theories, principles, practical concepts, and processes related to:

  • The science of civil engineering (including its materials, methods, systems, industry codes, and procedures) and the other traditional engineering science disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, chemical);
  • The art, techniques, and engineering design standards for the building, transportation, public works, and construction industries;
  • Physical science disciplines (e.g., physics, chemistry, and materials science), advanced mathematics, and social science disciplines (e.g., economics and community planning); and/or
  • Critical inquiry and scientific methodology.

As a Civil Engineer, at minimum you will:

  • Provide advisory services in the planning and design process, and engineering management services for design, construction, sustainment, and decommissioning projects.
  • Interpret design documents and oversee the proper execution of construction work.
  • Participate in original and applied research activities conducted in laboratory settings or for organizations primarily concerned with testing, technology transfer activities, materials and instrumentation development, and modeling and computational analysis.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Subject to satisfactory security and suitability requirements.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Positions are located agency-wide and may be filled as permanent, term, or temporary with a full-time or part-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location.
  • Appointments made with this authority may be processed as a new appointment into the Civil Service.
  • The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to?a Top Secret -?DOE "Q" clearance.
  • This vacancy announcement will be used to fill STEM positions.
  • Applicants will be limited to selecting their top 4 duty location preferences. If selected, Location Negotiable does count as one of the 4 duty location preferences of the applicant.
  • All applications will expire every 120 days. In order to continue receiving consideration for these positions, it is necessary to ensure your application remains active by re-applying/updating every 120 days.

Qualifications

You must meet the Basic Requirement listed in the "Education Requirements" section and the "Specialized Experience" to qualify for this series as described below.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The specialized experience listed are the minimum requirements for the series, each particular vacancy may have additional experience necessary to meet the applicable grade level.

A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for these positions are defined as:

GS-11: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-09) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience performing such duties as:

  • Assisting and/or participating in design work for new construction, renovations, and improvements to real property facilities, including utility systems, small, routine projects or portions of large, complex projects.
  • Participating in technical review of design calculations, analyses, drawings, and specifications
  • Participating in the preparation of information using computer/computer aided software, etc., to solve engineering problems, statements of work.
  • Reviewing system design calculations, costs estimates, analyses, drawings and specifications to ensure compliance with project requirements.
OR
  • 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree.
OR
  • A combination of education and experience that together meets the requirement for the position.
GS-12: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-11) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience such as:
  • Applying engineering theories, concepts, principles, standards and methods.
  • Assisting in preparing specifications and guides related to technical program data; preparing technical reports as it relates to engineering sites, facilities, equipment, and components.
  • Performing duties as providing project management services for infrastructure maintenance, construction, and improvements for diverse projects (.i.e. irrigation system, animal waste management system, runoff water control measures, sediment control structures, irrigation water reservoirs and distribution system, bioengineering work, and land grading jobs) .
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-12 level.

GS-13: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-12) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience is defined as:
  • Performing duties that demonstrate ability applying comprehensive engineering theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methods.
  • Producing detailed designs and provide advice on concrete and reinforcing designs (e.g. hydraulic designs, and soil and foundation mechanics).
  • Negotiating cost of minor changes with contractor representatives.
  • Anticipate, evaluate, and resolve problems and issues affecting the quality, scheduling, budgeting, or progress of work performed in completing projects; etc.
NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-13 level.

GS-14: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-13) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience is defined as:

  • Providing on-site assistance in resolving engineering problems such as difficult foundation conditions, challenging waste management systems, complex drainage and irrigation systems, etc.
  • Interpreting technical policy, procedures, design criteria, payment schedules, standards and specifications for field office personnel and engineers of a lower grade.
  • Leading engineering surveys and soil mechanics investigations required for the planning, design, and construction of very complex engineering structures and systems implemented for natural resources programs.
  • Advising program management personnel involved in the development of the project requirements for complex services, construction and supplies.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-14 level.

GS-15: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-14) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience is defined as:

  • Applying new developments and experienced judgement to solve novel or obscure problems; ability to extend and modify existing techniques.
  • Developing new approaches for use by other technical experts in providing structurally sound an secure facilities and infrastructure.
  • Performing technical review of design calculations, analyses, drawings, and specifications.
  • Preparing project time schedules and costs estimates; and reviewing system design calculations, costs estimates, analyses, drawings and specifications to ensure compliance with project requirements.

NOTE: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the GS-15 level.


Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-0810 series can be found at the following website: OPM Qualification Standards for the GS-0810 series.

Education

Basic Requirement

Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR

Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

  1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
  2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
  4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

This position has a positive education requirement. Therefore, you MUST provide documentation supporting any education claims in your application. This documentation can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. For specific education requirements, please see the Education Requirements.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

If selected, official transcripts may be requested.

Additional information

The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • Status and Non-Status applicants from outside DOE selected under this authority are required to serve a mandatory one (1) year probationary period. A DOE career status employee selected for this position may be required to serve a new one (1) year probationary period, pursuant to 5 CFR 315.802.
  • Positions may be designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) and subject to testing for illegal drug use. A negative drug test must be obtained prior to being appointed into these positions and will be subject to random testing thereafter.
  • If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
  • This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.
  • More than one selection may be made under this hiring authority.
  • Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • Positions may be filled at varying levels of leadership, ie Team Lead, Manager, Supervisor.
  • Supervisory positions may require a 1-year probationary period, if not yet completed.
  • New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
  • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
  • Position may require you to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report upon entering the position and annually (5CFR Part 2634, Subpart I USOGE, 6/08). For additional information and to obtain the form, please visit the Office of Government Ethics.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Reasonable_Accommodation_Policy_Statement
Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Veterans_Information
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for General Engineering positions in the GS-0801 series. Under this Direct-Hire authority, applicants are required to meet minimum qualification requirements at the grade level(s) of interest. Veteran's Preference, Schedule A, Category Rating, and other methods of consideration DO NOT APPLY under Direct-Hire Authority regulations.

Appointments made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Civil Service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the Civil Service. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b).

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.

Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • General Engineering
  • Problem Solving
  • Project Management
  • Technical Competence


You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (01/15/2023) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, clickhttps://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11427530.

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