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Posted: January 16, 2026 (0 days ago)

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General Engineer (Inspector) (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

Department of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Salary

$40,736 - $94,563

per year

Closes

March 16, 2026

GS-5 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $33,878 - $44,042

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience. Bachelor's degree.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level engineering role with the U.S.

Department of Transportation involves inspecting pipelines for safety compliance, investigating accidents, and working with federal and state officials to ensure safe operations.

It's ideal for recent engineering graduates or those with basic experience who are interested in public safety and regulatory work in Alaska.

The position starts at a junior level and offers opportunities to grow into more advanced responsibilities.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field (for GS-05 minimum)
  • One year of professional experience equivalent to GS-04 for GS-05 via experience
  • For GS-07: One year experience equivalent to GS-05, including assisting in engineering applications and participating in related discussions
  • For GS-07 via education: One year graduate education or superior academic achievement (e.g., GPA 3.0+, upper third class standing)
  • For GS-09: One year experience equivalent to GS-07, including engineering analyses of pipeline safety regulations
  • For GS-09 via education: Master's degree or two years graduate education
  • Ability to perform compliance inspections, investigate pipeline failures, and represent the agency in safety matters

Full Job Description

The primary purpose of this position is the performance of Federal pipeline safety compliance inspections; evaluate intrastate and interstate pipeline operators subject to Federal authority; investigate pipeline failures; and represent the Office of Pipeline Safety in all matter related to pipeline safety before Federal, state and industry authorities.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, click here to view education requirement (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or specialized experience requirements for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-05 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-04 it must include: Meeting or exceeding the education requirement listed in this vacancy announcement.

To qualify for the GS-05 on Education, you must meet or exceed the education requirement: Completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree to support 801 series requirement You can also have a combination of post high-school education and general experience.

This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

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: Experience participating in discussions and meetings relative to engineering assignments.

Experience assisting in the application of engineering principles, procedures, processes, regulations, and reference materials.

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 participating in discussions and meetings relative to engineering assignments.

Experience in engineering analyses and evaluations of pipeline safety regulatory activities.

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: Compliance Inspection: Ability to direct an enforcement program in order to determine probable violations, assess preliminary civil penalties, issue proposed compliance orders, issue corrective action order, act as a senior official at enforcement hearings, evaluate response material, recommend final enforcement actions and issue warning letters.

Technical Competence: Skill in assuring that field actions comply with national policies, objectives, and regulations, as well as ensuring those regional programs are compatible with environmental, social, and economic goals and needs.

General Engineering: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of engineering and their practical applications 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/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 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:

The General Engineer will: Conduct safety program reviews and provide engineering analyses and evaluations of potential pipeline safety regulatory deficiencies.

Interpret and apply Federal regulations and monitor the design, construction, operation and maintenance of gas and liquid pipeline systems.

Evaluate projects to determine compliance with existing Federal safety regulations.

Recognize discrepancies or inconsistencies between information reported or made available to the office of Pipeline safety and the true nature of the activity under review.

Participate in technical conferences, symposia and meetings as a technical expert and authority on safety issues related to the pipeline industry.

The ideal candidate is a General Engineer who is seeking a challenging assignment performing Federal pipeline safety compliance inspections; evaluating intrastate and interstate pipeline operators subject to Federal authority; investigating pipeline failures; and representing the Office of Pipeline Safety in all matters related to pipeline safety before Federal, state and industry authorities.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/16/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/17/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: PHMSA.PSRG-2026-0005