Summary
Serves as SSA's Mechanical Engineer responsible for planning, developing and conducting complex comprehensive agency-wide facilities planning and engineering. Provides coordination of stakeholders, planning and design consultation on sophisticated requirements for facilities with state-of-the-art technology, as well as electrical and mechanical equipment for commercial office buildings in spaces occupied by SSA personnel.
See QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES for more information.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Vacancy is open to All US Citizens. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA-HQ Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework you must reside within a 2-hour commute to this ODS by the time of your appointment.
Duties
- Serves as authoritative source for all mechanical guidance and consultation for SSA facilities nationwide. Expertise covers a wide range of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and other engineering services.
- Serves as project engineer on the mechanical aspects of building design, planning, modifications and upgrades.
- Keeps up with state-of-the-art of building technologies and mechanical and electrical engineering requirements.
- Reviews requests for proposals to assure compatibility with building capabilities and provides data for the preparation of Request for Proposals (RFP), which are issued to potential bidders.
- Serves as resource expert to component task forces and consulting firms performing studies of approaches and methods used to accomplish specific processes such as modernization retrofitting, troubleshooting and changes.
- Formulates strategy in planning for new and retrofitted space to meet new program equipment needs for general office space, computer areas and other special areas; taking into account reliability, energy conservation, security and health and safety.
- Prepares standard and technical reports, administrative memos, letters, and other forms of correspondence.
- Serves as agency wide expert on mechanical engineering techniques to SSA components and assists in and/or provides solutions to complex facility planning and engineering problems as they relate to program needs.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship required. Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
- Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
- See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for other important information.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To qualify for this GS-13 Mechanical Engineer position you must demonstrate:
(1) the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the federal GS-0800 series -- AND --
(2) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience.
(1) INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR)
A. Degree in Engineering from a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET (see www.abet.org for information on engineering programs that have received accreditation) OR
B. Degree in Engineering that includes differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (1) statics, dynamics; (2) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (3) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (4) thermodynamics; (5) electrical fields and circuits; (6) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (7) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics or electronics ( highlight those courses on your transcript to ensure they receive consideration) OR
C. Combination of education and experience comprised of college-level education, training AND technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering AND (2) a theoretical and practical understanding of engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. This claim must be based on one of the following and supporting documents must be submitted:
(1) Professional registration or licensure -- current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT) or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, District of Columbia, Guam or Puerto Rico.
(2) Written Test -- evidence of successfully passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico.
(3) Specific academic courses -- successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences that included the courses specified in (2)(a)-(g) above. Courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program and must be highlighted on your transcript(s).
(4) Related curriculum -- successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field (e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology or geology) may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided you have at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
ONLY APPLICANTS WHO DEMONSTRATE THIS IOR WILL BE EVALUATED.
(2) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-12 OR (if your position/experience is in another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level equivalent to GS-12.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of planning, developing and conducting complex large-scale facilities planning and engineering projects and applying engineering theories, principles and practices to solve difficult and/or unique problems affecting large-scale facilities operations.
If you have this experience, you must describe, in your own words, the specific duties you perform that demonstrate it.
Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
An affirmative response to the online questionnaire is not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
Your resume must show complete dates (month/day/year) for each position described (and if your position is or was federal, your grade at the time experience was gained). Resumes that don't include this information may not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing specific work at the required level.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (IOR and Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
CONDITIONS OF POSITION
The work in this position is mostly sedentary; however, some walking, bending and climbing is required to inspect buildings at various stages of construction.
Will occasionally visit and investigate onsite operations, repair and improvement or construction activities and be subject to related construction hazards, in particular, those associated with high voltage and electrical switch gear.
Some travel is required to conduct studies and meet with regional and other field facilities.
Education
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met and demonstrated by all applicants (see QUALIFICATIONS).
To satisfy the IOR, submit a copy of your full transcript(s) and other applicable supporting documents, even if you already hold a federal 0800 series position.
TRANSCRIPTS -- submit a copy of your full transcript showing your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and your degree in Engineering OR (if your degree isfrom a school of engineering that does not have at least one program accredited by ABET) completion of *creditable courses. If you attended more than one college or university, submit transcripts for all schools attended.
Transcripts that do not show that an Engineering Degree was conferred cannot be considered to have resulted in an Engineering Degree. Check your transcript to be sure this information is shown.
*Since course titles do not always indicate that a course pertains to a creditable curriculum:
-- Applicants claiming IOR Option B (differential and integral calculus and courses in five of the seven areas of engineering science or physics) should highlight qualifying courses to ensure they are given consideration.
-- Applicants claiming IOR Option C (combination of college-level education, training or technical experience) should also highlight relevant engineering courses to ensure that consideration is given to the college education portion of this requirement. NOTE that your experience under Option C must be in addition to the 52 weeks of Specialized Experience AND you must provide documentation that fully supports your claim. Read the information carefully.
Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. CHECK YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT TO CONFIRM IT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. You must upload your transcripts as part of your application. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail.
TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE or you may not receive credit for your degree or completed courses.
DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
(1) Eligible applicants will receive a score based on your responses to the experience questions in the online questionnaire.
Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12390703
(2) Using that score, you will be placed into one of three Category Rating groups:
-- Best Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities
-- Well Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge, skills, and abilities
-- Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities
Veterans' Preference is considered during this part of the evaluation.
(3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on your score, your transcript (and other IOR documents, if applicable) and resume will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the IOR and Specialized Experience required for this position.
Your resume must describe duties you perform that meet the Specialized Experience required for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS), as well as duties that demonstrate the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience. It must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Duties not clearly described cannot be credited.
-- Skill in facilities mechanical engineering
-- Ability to apply mechanical engineering requirements
-- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
-- Knowledge of advanced mechanical engineering concepts and principals
It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
Affirmative responses to the eligibility questions and experience in the online questionnaire are subject to verification.
(4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate the IOR and Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following *Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.
Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.
PRIORITY SELECTION:
Well-Qualified ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration. IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents below).
Veterans' Preference eligibles will be placed ahead of others in the category for which they are ranked.
See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.
Required Documents
Resume - all applicants (SSA employees may use SSA-45)
Transcript - all applicants (and other document, if applicable, to support IOR)
SF-50 - recommended for applicants with federal status (current and former federal employees)
Veterans' documents - if claimed
ICTAP documents -- if claimed
Military Spouse documents - if claimed
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
RESUME must include:
-- your name and contact information
-- employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and
- a clear descriptions of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or
achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed.
Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate that experience from duties performed at the lower grades. Career-ladders described as a single position may not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing specific work at the required level.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
TRANSCRIPT and Other IOR Document - see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION sections for information on what you must demonstrate.
SF-50 - recommended for applicants with federal status (current or former federal employees)
VETERANS' DOCUMENTS - submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing Dates of Service and Character of Service. (*See below if still on active duty.) This information must be provided to establish veterans' preference.
For 10-point preference based on a service-connected disability, also submit completed SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference) and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
For derived preference submit completed SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
*Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010, is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
CTAP (Career Transition Assistance Plan) -- currently no is eligible for CTAP.
ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan) -- only applies to competitive service employees in the local commuting area displaced from other federal agencies.
ICTAP does not apply if:
-- you voluntarily separated from federal employment (e.g., resigned, retired or transferred out) OR
-- you were separated at the end of a term or temporary appointment OR
-- you were terminated for performance or conduct reasons OR
-- you have not received notice of separation OR
-- you have never held a federal position
ICTAP-eligibles must provide:
-- written notice of eligibility or copy of separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) and
-- most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent
For more information see Career Transition (opm.gov)
Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
MILITARY SPOUSES -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses -- submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable.
How to Apply
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct
(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents
(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process
(5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(6) Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional).
READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) May 3, 2024 and must include:
(1)responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume
(3) uploaded transcript (and other IOR documents, if applicable)
(4) uploaded eligibility documents, if applicable (DD-214, VA Letter, RIF Letter, marriage certificate, spouse's military orders, etc)
SEE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
HR cannot provide copies of announcements or application documents to you.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete, and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
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