About this role
Job SummaryThe Claims Engineer is located in the Construction Branch of Central Federal Lands Highway Division's (CFLHD's) and leads the Claims Review Team. The ideal candidate is a technical expert in highway construction contract administration, Federal highway and bridge construction specifications, and Federal contract law with a strong technical background in all aspects of highway design and construction, and experience resolving contractor claims and requests for equitable adjustments.
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 either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. 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 analyzing highway construction related contract administration or engineering problems, developing solutions, reporting facts, presenting information and communicating with management and employees. Experience planning, organizing, and developing detailed contracting officer decisions for large, complex claims including the ability to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical, informed decisions. Experience with quality management associated with process reviews, problem solving, and performance measurement processes. 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: Civil Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods required to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain facilities such as buildings, transportation systems, water and sanitary systems, and other public works systems. Quality Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance, quality control, and reliability used to ensure that a project, system, or product fulfills requirements and standards. 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. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. 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 Civil Engineer (Highway) (Claims), you will: Provides contract administration advice to the Construction Branch, Supervisory Procurement Analyst and Acquisitions, and the Construction Branch Chief. Provides engineering expertise to the Acquisition Contract Specialist in reviewing and evaluating contractor requests for equitable adjustment. Provides Legal Counsel and the Acquisition Contracting Officers with highway engineering and contract administration expertise and is a technical expert on construction means and methods in the defense of claims and trial appeals. The ideal candidate should be a technical expert in highway construction engineering and contract administration. The ideal candidate should also possess a strong technical background in the field of highway engineering and construction, including a broad understanding of roadway design, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, hydraulics, material quality requirements and heavy highway construction practices for the design and construction of highways and bridges.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. 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 and a service agreement may be required. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).