Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew) (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Technical Services Branch, Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD), Federal Highway Administration in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Serve as a member of the EFLHD subsurface exploration crew.

To 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-07 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-05 it must include: Knowledge in subsurface exploration including drilling, field testing, material sampling and identification, geophysical testing, and/or set-up and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation.

To qualify for the GS-07 on Education alone, you must have at least 1 year of graduate-level education OR superior academic achievement.

**Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. 1.

Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

2.

Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate level education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the GS-09 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07 it must include: Experience in subsurface exploration including drilling, field testing, material sampling and identification, geophysical testing, and/or set-up and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation.

To qualify for the GS-09 on Education alone, you must have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or have been awarded a master's or equivalent graduate degree.

You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

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: Geotechnical Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to the investigation and evaluation of subsurface soil or geologic conditions and properties for the purpose of designing stable foundation systems, earthen structures, or the remediation of subsurface conditions.

Technology Application - Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.

Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.

Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

For all types of consideration, 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/ Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement.

Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

As an Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew), you will: Perform non-routine subsurface explorations. Obtain soil and rock samples using split-barrel sampler.

thin-wall tube sampler, double tube core barrel and other equipment and techniques. Operate government owned commercial motor vehicles and drilling equipment.

Selectively clears brush and small trees and provides access to boring sites using brush axes, chain saws, light excavation equipment and other tools and equipment as required.

Perform mechanical troubleshooting of all subsurface exploration equipment, motor vehicles, tools, and sampling and field testing equipment to include isolating and evaluating mechanical problems and fabricating temporary or permanent repairs or improvements as required.

The ideal candidate for this position will have basic knowledge and some experience with the various techniques and equipment required for sampling, identification, and field testing of soil and rock samples for highway and bridge projects.

The candidate should possess a valid state driver's license and possess a Commercial Driver's License.

The candidate is able to work for extended periods of time in diverse, remote locations and be able to walk and climb in areas with extreme terrain and weather conditions.

The candidate will possess good communication skills to work with both internal and external customers in order to accomplish field subsurface exploration tasks.