About this role
Job SummaryThe employee serves as a structural engineer for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Division office with responsibility for managing and promoting the Federal highway programs applicable to bridges and other structures within the State. The employee coordinates and evaluates the structural programs and assists coworkers within the Division office in addressing technically complex or controversial issues on project specific applications related to structures.
QualificationsTo meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience developing and evaluating the quality of plans, specifications, and estimates for bridges related to transportation projects and inspecting bridges under construction; AND Experience inspecting in-service bridge conditions AND compliance of bridge condition inspections with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and/or National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS). KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Program Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques for establishing internal control activities (for example, authorizations, verifications, reconciliations), monitoring their use, and evaluating their performance (for example, identification of material weaknesses or significant deficiencies). Structural Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to the design and analysis of complex structures using a variety of materials. Structures may include aerospace systems or structures, and other determinate or indeterminate systems. 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Major DutiesAs a Bridge Engineer, you will: Evaluate and promote improvements in the State's administration of Federal programs for bridges and structures and encourage the use of enhanced planning, design, and construction, preservation, inspection and maintenance practices for structures. Provide oversight of State compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and the National Tunnel Inspection Standard (NTIS) and recommends improvements. Maintain and conduct an oversight program for bridges and structures under design and construction and ensure that there is full coordination with responsible Division staff and State representatives. Conducts engineering/special studies for evaluation of the State structures design and construction program and related matters; review and final acceptance of research proposals regarding structures, or structural materials; and process reviews with the State and/or Division office. The ideal candidate for this position is a seasoned mid-career structural engineering professional with project management experience in bridge design, bridge construction inspection, and bridge program management.RequirementsCONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. 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. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection. PUERTO RICO BILINGUAL PREFERENCE: Candidates able to speak, interpret, write English and Spanish is preferred, not required.