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Engineering Technician (Drafting)

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
California Great Basin

Summary

You will serve as an Engineering Technician for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, supporting professional engineering and architecture staff across a variety of technical disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, materials, drafting, and architecture. Located in Redding, CA.

This position is also open to public under announcement 13048461. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Situational telework may be allowed with supervisor approval.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$45,409 - $80,243 per year

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate. Pay will vary based on grade level for which you're selected.

Pay scale & grade
GS 6 - 9
Promotion potential
9
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel overnight away from home for training. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBVH-26-ST-13048462-BLO
Control number
883949700

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Duties

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In this role, you will collect, analyze, and validate technical data; prepare and review drawings, plans, specifications, and reports; and apply established engineering methods to support design, construction, testing, and project evaluation activities. You will assist with records and database management, and may participate in project coordination, and contract administration consistent with grade-level complexity. This position requires effective problem-solving, clear technical communication, collaborative work with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders, and the ability to adapt procedures based on field conditions and project needs.

The primary duties of this position are:

  • Prepares original drawings and preliminary layouts, as well as updates and revisions to drawings, including final as-built drawings.
  • Reviews drawings, the basis for the design, and the design analysis for conformance with established engineering standards and criteria and the project requirements.
  • Performs difficult but precedented technical engineering evaluation and analysis assignments or analyzes segments of broader issues or problems.
  • Analyzes the issues and project objectives and makes adjustments to standard procedures or operations based on situations and conditions encountered in the field or during the study.
  • Installs, tests, calibrates, troubleshoots, operates, and maintains instrumentation and equipment associated with engineering projects and activities, including scientific data collection.
  • Interprets and analyzes data and test results for specific performance characteristics, failures in materials, and for equipment or instrumentation deficiencies; presents conclusions and recommendations.
  • Conducts difficult but precedented or recurring inspections and assessments, including condition assessments of civil works facilities, buildings, hydraulic systems, mechanical and electrical systems, transportation infrastructure, and construction site conditions.
  • Drafts technical documentation for assigned technical engineering work assignments and reviews documentation of lower graded technicians.
  • Prepares reports to present findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on evaluation, analysis, inspection, and/or assessments.
  • Uses databases to maintain engineering data and records.
  • Participates in the development, maintenance, and/or operation of engineering data collection and storage systems.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary, although there is some walking in offices, production areas, utility plants, maintenance, and work areas. Work may involve carrying lightweight items, such as briefcases, notebooks, test equipment, and work papers or may involve operating a motor vehicle. The work does not require any special physical effort or ability.
The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, rocky, or slippery surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, climbing, or similar activities; recurring lifting of light to moderately heavy items weighing less than 50 pounds (i.e., 23 kilograms), such as testing or measuring equipment; and/or regular visits to construction, industrial, marine, or other outdoor sites.
The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion, such as: frequent climbing of tall ladders, staging, or scaffolding in dry-dock and vessel areas; working in areas where footing can be treacherous (e.g., on rocky banks of bodies of fast-water, slippery docks, or steep hillsides); lifting heavy objects weighing 50 pounds (i.e., 23 kilograms) or more; and frequent crouching or crawling in restricted areas.

Work Environment: The work area is usually an office setting adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts requiring normal safety precautions.
Work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks and discomforts, such as the following: dust, strong odors, or fumes from fuels, chemicals, or engine exhaust; high levels of noise and vibration, dust, grease, electrical hazards, uncovered moving parts of machinery, moving machinery; or outdoor conditions involving moderate exposure to rain, cold/hot weather, icy streams, and rivers.
The work environment requires the employee to stay alert continually and to take special safety precautions including wearing special protective items of clothing. The work environment involves high risks of exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress requiring a range of safety and other precautions where conditions cannot be controlled (e.g., working at great heights under extreme outdoor weather conditions).

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Direct Deposit participation required.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • You cannot hold an active real estate license, nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with purchase authority.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age or older to operate government vehicles.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/24/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.

For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-06: have at least one (1) year of specialized experience to at least the GS-05 level in Federal service. Examples of specialized experience could include working under guidance of engineers to modify and update design drawings utilizing Computer Automated Drafting (CAD) software in accordance with industry practices or experience applying practical engineering knowledge, concepts and techniques to assist with standard inspections and assessments; operating measuring devices and preparing field reports using computer software. These examples are not all inclusive.
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of a half year or 9 semester hours of graduate-level education in the fields of engineering, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: combination of experience and education as described above that together the total percentage equals at least 100.

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-07: have at least one (1) year of specialized experience to at least the GS-06 level in Federal service. Examples of specialized experience could include working under guidance of engineers to create, modify and update design drawings or 3D models utilizing Computer Automated Drafting (CAD) software in accordance with industry practices or experience applying practical engineering knowledge, concepts and techniques to conduct standard inspections and assessments; operating measuring devices, and preparing field reports using computer software. These examples are not all inclusive.
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of one year or 18 semester hours of graduate-level education in the fields of engineering, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: combination of experience and education as described above that together the total percentage equals at least 100.

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-08: have at least one (1) year of specialized experience to at least the GS-07 level in Federal service. Examples of specialized experience could include working with engineers to create original or modify and update design drawings or 3D models utilizing Computer Automated Drafting (CAD) software in accordance with industry practices or experience applying practical engineering knowledge, concepts and techniques to conduct structural safety inspections and monitoring; operating measuring devices, making on-site determinations and recommendations for improvements, and preparing field reports using computer software. Knowledge of mathematical processes and civil, electrical and mechanical engineering fundamentals. These examples are not all inclusive.
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of two (2) full years (36 semester hours) of graduate-level education or master's degree of coursework in the fields of engineering, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: combination of experience and education as described above that together the total percentage equals at least 100.

TO QUALIFY AT THE GS-09: have at least one (1) year of specialized experience to at least the GS-08 level in Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience could include: working with engineers to independently to create original or modify and update existing design drawings or 3D models utilizing Computer Automated Drafting (CAD) software in accordance with industry practices or experience applying practical engineering knowledge, concepts and techniques to conduct difficult but precedented structural safety inspections and assessments; operating measuring devices, making on-site
determinations and recommendations for improvements and preparing field reports using computer software. Reviews CAD drawings prepared by other technicians. Knowledge of mathematical processes and civil, electrical and mechanical engineering fundamentals. These examples are not all inclusive.
OR
EDUCATION: Successful completion of two (2) full years (36 semester hours) of graduate-level education or master's degree of coursework in the fields of engineering, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: combination of experience and education as described above that together the total percentage equals at least 100.

Volunteer Experience: 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.

Education

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications

Additional information

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive. A continued service agreement may be required if it is determined you are eligible for a permanent change in duty station (PCS), recruitment, or relocation incentive.

All DOI employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, DOI Ethics Prohibitions | U.S. Department of the Interior.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessment(s) required for this position. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the USA Hire Assessment, if required.

The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

All qualified non-competitive applicants and the best-qualified Merit Promotion applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.

DUE WEIGHT: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, you must submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration or your score may be lowered. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.

Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.

Bureau of Reclamation

The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. Click here to learn more about the Department of the Interior and its bureaus.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. Click here to learn more about the Bureau of Reclamation.

Agency contact information

Becky Olson
Phone
218-853-5937
Email
becky_olson@ios.doi.gov
Address
NCAO
Bureau of Reclamation
16349 Shasta Dam Blvd
Shasta Lake, CA 96019
US

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