This position is organizationally assigned to the Technical Services Branch of the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Vancouver, Washington. The incumbent serves as an instrument operator and rodman on a survey crew. The incumbent uses electronic total stations, levels, global positioning system (GPS), and other modern survey equipment. The WFLHD projects are located in the Northwestern United States and Alaska.
Summary
This position is organizationally assigned to the Technical Services Branch of the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Vancouver, Washington. The incumbent serves as an instrument operator and rodman on a survey crew. The incumbent uses electronic total stations, levels, global positioning system (GPS), and other modern survey equipment. The WFLHD projects are located in the Northwestern United States and Alaska.
Yes—The position is eligible for telework. This is not a full-time telework position or approved as a remote work position.
Travel Required
76% or greater - Frequent travel to work sites is required and there is no guarantee that you will return to the office every week. The majority of the work is performed conducting field surveys outside and in diverse locations. You will drive personal, rental, and Government-owned vehicles from the office to job sites, and between job sites. Drives often consist of more than 300 miles in a day, but not more than 400. You will take commercial flights to projects when needed.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation expenses are authorized for this position.
Advise on and resolve difficult and complex, but well-precedented and recurring, issues involved in survey work, evaluating, and analyzing issues or problems that may impact broader issues or problems.
Serve under the survey party chief in scoping, planning, and conducting activities of a survey party consisting of several technicians and surveyors.
Operate modern survey instruments to conduct topographic surveys, bridge site surveys, cadastral and right-of-way surveys, and establish geodetic control networks.
Operate survey instruments and associated survey equipment as needed for the assignment; identify and correct deficiencies; resolve operational problems that may occur; and ensure appropriate interaction between components.
Collect data electronically or in field books; make on-site determinations based on data; and take action or make recommendations based on preliminary data interpretation or analysis.
Utilize and maintain a system using modern survey equipment including Total Stations, Scanners, GPS equipment, digital levels, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, bathymetric equipment, data collectors, personal computers, and related software packages to fully automate collection and transmission of survey data into and out of CADD systems.
The ideal candidate has experience in the Geomatics/Land Surveying field working with modern survey equipment to complete topographic-location surveys, construction surveys, route surveys, cadastral surveys, geodetic surveys and control network surveys. Candidate has performed survey work in a team setting. Desired values in the candidate include self-motivation, versatility, integrity, resourcefulness, a sound work ethic, positive attitude, teamwork, and a strong commitment to provide internal and external service. This ideal candidate would be able to travel up to approximately 75% of the total time and work in remote areas in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE MAY BE OFFERED TO SELECTEE(S) OF THIS POSITION.
You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify.
Applicable documents are required for the Mandatory Education requirements.
Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You will be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Current Federal employees and non-competitive selectees may need to complete a probationary period (unless already completed).
DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
PHYSICAL AND WORK CONDITIONS: The work requires extensive considerable and strenuous physical exertion and much time is spent walking, climbing, carrying up to 60 pounds, and performing work sequences in terrain that may be extremely rugged, where footing can be treacherous and difficult to navigate. In addition, you will be exposed to fluctuating weather conditions.
DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must have a valid state driver’s license, a safe driving record, and be fully qualified to operate a government-owned vehicle.
TRAVEL: The position involves a significant amount of travel away from your duty station for extended periods of time. Travel may often be to remote locations. You must be willing to travel for extended periods of time, often to remote locations.
TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: This position is approved for occasional telework. The number of telework days approved is determined by the agency policy, emergency situations, the approval of your immediate supervisor, and if applicable, approval of additional officials. You are required to report to the office on a regular basis since this is not a full-time telework position, or approved as a remote work position.
RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE: If a recruitment incentive is offered, selectee will be required to sign a service agreement.
Qualifications
Individual Occupational Requirements for series 0817 (for positions at GS-4 or equivalent and above): Specialized experience is technical work which provided the knowledge and skills needed for work in the type of surveying involved. It must have required the use of the pertinent instruments and techniques of surveying. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to, work as an engineering technician, soil conservation technician, or construction inspector.
To determine which grade(s) you are eligible for, review the following grade specific details. You will be asked questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet this experience in your resume, and/or upload the applicable education documents, or you may be deemed ineligible.
For the GS-07:
On Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-06 grade level, which included:
Experience assisting others in performing surveys, collecting data, and developing maps.
Or on Education, you must have at least one (1) year of graduate-level education (above a Bachelor's) leading to a master's degree or equivalent with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology.
You can also have a combination of the graduate education (above a Bachelor's) and specialized experience listed above. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.
For the GS-08:
To qualify on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, which included:
Experience assisting others in applying standardized rules and operations, methods, and practices to perform surveys, collect data, and develop maps.
Or on Education, at least one and a half (1.5) years of graduate level education leading to a master's degree or equivalent with the major study in an appropriate field of surveying, engineering, construction, or industrial technology.
You can also have a combination of some graduate (above a Bachelor's) classes, leading to a master's degree or equivalent with major study in an appropriate field of surveying, engineering, construction, or industrial technology, and have some specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement that combined qualify you for this position. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.
For the GS-09:
On Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, which included:
Experience creating mapping from field survey data; AND
Experience in assisting in the creation of survey data from Plans and Specifications.
Or on Education, you must have at least two (2) full years of graduate education (above a Bachelor's) or a master's degree or equivalent with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology.
You can also have a combination of the graduate education (above a Bachelor's) and specialized experience listed above. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will also be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
Knowledge of highway survey and mapping principles and their application to conceptual, preliminary and final designs, and construction projects using ground or aerial survey methods.
Skill in the operation of modern survey instruments, such as Total Stations and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with co-workers, partner agency personnel, the public, and other government officials. Ability to work effectively in a team oriented environment.
For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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
Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply based on education if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of the closing date of this announcement. If selected, the final transcript must be received before your start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
NOTE: Graduate education (above a Bachelor's) or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position.
One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-7. Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree meets the requirements for GS-9. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.
To compete with U.S. Citizens: If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of two categories: Qualified and Well Qualified which is based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference that have provided supporting documents will receive selection priority over non-veterans. The top rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position.
To compete with other competitive status government employees: If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be scored based upon your responses to the vacancy questions. The top rated applications will be reviewed for the quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. If referred, all relevant documents including performance appraisals and awards submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the hiring official for review.
Eligible Federal employees also seeking consideration for noncompetitive reassignment for this position must indicate interest in the assessment. Noncompetitive federal candidates must have competitive status on a SF-50, meet minimum qualifications, have served at the same grade or higher, and held or exceeded the promotion potential of this position.
All applicants: Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the position. The answers you select in the on-line process must be substantiated in your application package. If upon review, it is determined that your described work history, competencies, and/or supporting documents do not support your answer choices, your application may be updated on your behalf or you may not be referred to the selecting official. Please ensure that your work history provides enough details to support your answers. The Automated Staffing Office is ultimately responsible for determining your final rating.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
RESUME - All applicants must provide a resume created within USA Jobs Resume Builder, that shows relevant experience, education and support the required specialized experience. Formatted resumes can by uploaded later in the application process.
Transcripts are REQUIRED if you are applying based on education. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Provide proof the education credentials meet U.S. education program requirements.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS/INCENTIVE AWARDS: If applicable, performance appraisals and/or Incentive award documentation may be submitted and forwarded to the selecting official in consideration of your application. To receive credit, submit a recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable (do not submit a performance plan) and/or incentive award documentation dated within the last 18 months (i.e. performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increases, etc.).
VETERANS: Your last DD214 (member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, that shows the type of discharge and all dates of active duty is required to verify your eligibility.
If applying to a vacancy opened to all US Citizens under category rating and wish to be considered as a preference eligible, you need to submit a copy of your DD214 (member-4 copy).
If claiming preference eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must submit proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally a valid letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. An SF-15 is desired, but not required.
If applying to a vacancy opened Status and you are requesting consideration under Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) (https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/#veoa), you need to provide a copy of your last DD214 (member-4 copy), which verifies your military service dates, reason for separation, OR certification of separation that shows a discharge date within 120 days of the closing of this announcement, and eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act.
FEDERAL APPLICANTS: You must submit SF-50(s) that verify your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant. DO NOT submit an award SF-50as these often do not verify grade or eligibility.For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. We recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50. Pay adjustment raise SF-50s for the current year will not support the 52 weeks’ time-in-grade requirements for a promotion.https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/service/SF-50/
NON COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS: If requesting concurrent consideration for Non-competitive (NC) appointment eligibility, you must provide the appropriate SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS, such as PCS orders (military spouse) describing move & marriage certificate; letter from VA or DD214 describing 100% disability of spouse; letter from State Vocational Office certifying disability (schedule A), etc. For more information, visit military spouse NC appointments or Persons with Disabilities NC appointments.
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
your most recent performance appraisal,
the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USAJobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
You may review your saved application(s) at https://my.usajobs.gov.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
DOT, FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com. (Select "My USAJOBS" and click "Applications"). Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Ratings will be determined based on the documents and information received by the closing date. Qualified candidates will be assigned a category, not including points that may be assigned for veterans' preference. If the vacancy is advertised under status, your application will be scored on a scale between 70 - 100. The most highly qualified candidates are then referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. If the vacancy was advertised under category rating, then the appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status..
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
RESUME - All applicants must provide a resume created within USA Jobs Resume Builder, that shows relevant experience, education and support the required specialized experience. Formatted resumes can by uploaded later in the application process.
Transcripts are REQUIRED if you are applying based on education. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Provide proof the education credentials meet U.S. education program requirements.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISALS/INCENTIVE AWARDS: If applicable, performance appraisals and/or Incentive award documentation may be submitted and forwarded to the selecting official in consideration of your application. To receive credit, submit a recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable (do not submit a performance plan) and/or incentive award documentation dated within the last 18 months (i.e. performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increases, etc.).
VETERANS: Your last DD214 (member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, that shows the type of discharge and all dates of active duty is required to verify your eligibility.
If applying to a vacancy opened to all US Citizens under category rating and wish to be considered as a preference eligible, you need to submit a copy of your DD214 (member-4 copy).
If claiming preference eligibility as a disabled veteran, you must submit proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally a valid letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. An SF-15 is desired, but not required.
If applying to a vacancy opened Status and you are requesting consideration under Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) (https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/#veoa), you need to provide a copy of your last DD214 (member-4 copy), which verifies your military service dates, reason for separation, OR certification of separation that shows a discharge date within 120 days of the closing of this announcement, and eligibility for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act.
FEDERAL APPLICANTS: You must submit SF-50(s) that verify your highest competitive grade, full performance level, and eligibility as a federal applicant. DO NOT submit an award SF-50as these often do not verify grade or eligibility.For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. We recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50. Pay adjustment raise SF-50s for the current year will not support the 52 weeks’ time-in-grade requirements for a promotion.https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/service/SF-50/
NON COMPETITIVE APPLICANTS: If requesting concurrent consideration for Non-competitive (NC) appointment eligibility, you must provide the appropriate SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY DOCUMENTS, such as PCS orders (military spouse) describing move & marriage certificate; letter from VA or DD214 describing 100% disability of spouse; letter from State Vocational Office certifying disability (schedule A), etc. For more information, visit military spouse NC appointments or Persons with Disabilities NC appointments.
DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the well qualified standards for this vacancy (meeting minimum requirements for position and scoring at least an 85) and provide all of the following documents:
your most recent performance appraisal,
the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and
your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USAJobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement.
To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
You may review your saved application(s) at https://my.usajobs.gov.
If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov
DOT, FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States
Next steps
You may check your application status by logging into USAJobs.com. (Select "My USAJOBS" and click "Applications"). Within two weeks of the closing date, a Human Resources Specialist will evaluate your application. Ratings will be determined based on the documents and information received by the closing date. Qualified candidates will be assigned a category, not including points that may be assigned for veterans' preference. If the vacancy is advertised under status, your application will be scored on a scale between 70 - 100. The most highly qualified candidates are then referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. If the vacancy was advertised under category rating, then the appropriate veteran's preference will be applied. If you are selected for an interview, the hiring agency will contact you directly. Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status..
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
