About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located in an Area or State Office in Iowa, USDA, Rural Development (RD). The incumbent performs a variety of assignments requiring professional experience and technical competence in civil engineering activities, procedures, principles, techniques and evaluations utilized in the performance of supervised rural credit and development programs. This position is filled through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority for this occupation.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. In addition to meeting the basic requirement listed below in Education, qualified applicants must possess: For the GS-12 level: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience may be earned as a general, civil, agricultural, environmental, or mechanical engineer. Examples of specialized experience include but is not limited to: preparing and reviewing preliminary engineering reports with analysis of design options and detailed costs estimate for water and sewer projects; reviewing detailed project plans, and specifications; participation in construction bidding process, analysis of bid proposals, and reviews of construction contracts documents; field knowledge of construction methods, sequence of construction, construction inspection and problem resolution; and knowledge and analysis of water distribution 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Major DutiesAdvises and consults with private groups, public bodies and state and/or Federal agencies on the civil engineering aspects of projects financed by Rural Development loan and grant programs.Provides technical guidance for project eligibility and priority. Reviews planning documents/Preliminary Engineering Reports (PER) and completed analyses and recommendations regarding the technical merit of applications for funding.Reviews and concurs with Agreements for Engineering Services, construction project preliminary plans, drawings, designs, specifications and cost estimates.Assists staff in any technical or construction-related matters. Works with staff, applicant and consultants on the suitability of proposed PERs and other documents for application for funding/projects approved.Prepares State Office procedures for use by staff to carry out engineering and related program activities.RequirementsYou must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable. During this time your employment will be evaluated, and we may 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. 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.