Civil Engineer (Highway) (Claims) - SME

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Construction Branch of Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) and provides consultation and guidance on complex issues pertaining to engineering contractor claims and disputes.

To meet the basic qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Mandatory Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of your transcripts or other applicable documentation for verification, AND (3) meet the specialized experience requirements.

For the GS-13 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, which included: Experience providing engineering advice on change requests for construction projects of contract modifications, differing site conditions, delay analysis, and evaluation of construction claims; AND Experience communicating verbally and in writing to cross-functional teams including technical experts and interagency personnel; AND Experience applying practical application in analyzing construction contract claims including the ability to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical, informed recommendations.

Although you must meet the mandatory education requirement, you cannot qualify for GS-12 and above grades based solely on education, you must meet the specialized experience, which is cited above.

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: Civil Engineering Technical Knowledge - Knowledge of the concepts, principles and methods required to provide technical assistance to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain facilities such as buildings, transportation systems, water and sanitary systems, and other public works systems.

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.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and production.

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 Duties:

As a Civil Engineer (Highway) (Claims), you will: Provide engineering expertise to Acquisition Contract Specialists in reviewing and evaluating contractor requests for equitable adjustment.

Provide 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.

Independently prepares Contracting Officer's decisions for the Contracting Officer as provided under FAR Part 33 by using engineering expertise and knowledge of contract administration to analyze contractor claims.

Participate in Construction Branch and WFL initiatives such as Quality Initiatives, Special Training Initiatives, Discipline Support Activities, Leadership Development and Partner Development Initiatives, in conjunction with the Contract Administration Engineer, Acquisitions and Legal Counsel to identify training topics.

Coordinate with the Contract Administration Engineer regarding technical presentations to private industry contractor groups.

Develop and deliver technical presentations to private industry contractor groups.

The ideal candidate for this position is a mid-career level engineer with experience designing highway improvements, developing plans and specifications, preparing construction cost estimates, inspecting highway construction, and administering federally funded highway construction contracts; who is organized; is a good communicator; and enjoys analyzing varied and complex construction contract changes and claims.