Civil Engineer Job

Vacancy No. R7-25-12657578-RR-SDHA Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Salary $83,603.00 to $130,271.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/9/2025 Close Date 1/23/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Anchorage, AKFairbanks, AKSoldotna, AK


Summary

This position is expected to be filled within the Anchorage location of the Southern Alaska Fish and Wildlife Field Office; however duty station may be negotiable to include the satellite Soldotna office or the Northern Alaska Fish and Wildlife Field Office in Fairbanks.

Cost of Living Allowance: In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a 1.49% (COLA rate] cost-of-living allowance (COLA) (see additional information for details)

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position will be filled under the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority and is open to all United States citizens and U.S. nationals. Veteran's preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications do not apply. All qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration for this position.

Duties

As a Civil Engineer, your duties will include but are not limited to the following, as applied to fish passage and aquatic habitat improvement projects:

Engineering Analysis:

Perform engineering analyses to include performing and coordinating technical planning activities; data collection, validation, and management including surveying; modeling and data analysis; analyze site location and/or conditions; and risk evaluation. Make engineering recommendations and/or decisions based on engineering analysis. Specialty area analyses will include:

Construction Management: Oversight of on-site construction work including inspection and acceptance of work performed by a contractor. Duties may include reviewing designs for constructability, drafting specifications, preparing or reviewing cost estimates through all phases of planning and design.

Hydrologic: Apply the science of of hydrology including analyzing and calculating flow characteristics and designing drainage structures (e.g. culverts, bridges, and channels). Plans, performs, coordinates, and directs hydrologic civil engineering studies of river systems and infrastructure. Develops, utilizes, and maintains models to conduct and simulate engineering analysis.

Hydraulic: Apply engineering concepts and practices in hydraulics and sediment transport, erosion, and deposition. Analyze waterway response to management actions and environmental disturbances such as climate change, floods, fires, landslides, and earthquakes.

Reviewing and Mentoring:

Provide technical reviews and peer reviews of engineering work completed by others. Check designs, drawings, engineering analyses, technical documents, specifications, and contract correspondence to ensure documents are accurate and applicable quality assurance processes are followed. Provide technical mentorship, guidance, training, and advice to engineers and other internal and external stakeholders. May sign documents for technical approval.

Design:

Complete and/or review engineering designs to include: 1) planning and conducting engineering studies or evaluations such as preliminary, feasibility, final design, and value engineering; 2) creating, performing, reviewing, checking and/or modeling engineering designs; 3) developing design criteria, procedures, and instructions 4) providing technical approval as the engineer in responsible charge of design activities and engineering decisions; 5) contributing to the design and modifications of new and existing civil infrastructure at waterways to mitigate static, dynamic, and hydrologic/hydraulic loadings.

Project Management:

Develops, monitors, and manages project plans that outline the scope, schedule, and budget of assigned projects. This includes: coordinating and communicating with other groups throughout the organization such as program and project managers, engineering, finance, maintenance, and environmental compliance; managing changes to project plans with partners, external stakeholders, tribes, and regulatory authorities; identifying and addressing issues prior to adverse impacts to the schedule and budget; and participating on and/or leading technical teams. Assignments may include serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and participating on or leading technical work groups or teams.

Investigations, Assessments, and/or Inspections:

Plans, schedules, coordinates, and conducts waterway infrastructure examinations, reviews, and/or inspections which include conducting condition assessments, construction, and maintenance responsibility transfer inspections; identifying deficiencies relative to contract documents, design criteria, applicable codes and standards, or state or federal statues or regulations; calculating preliminary estimates for repairs; coordinating with internal and external partners; documenting and presenting results; identifying future needs for the asset investment such as extraordinary and rehabilitation; and project management planning. Assignments may include conducting and/or peer reviewing hydrologic analyses and investigations such as flow studies and statistical hydraulic studies.

Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-12. At lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-12. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. The selectee may be promoted without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Driver’s License: This position requires the incumbent to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of their official duties. Selectee must hold and maintain a valid state driver’s license throughout their employment in this position.
  • Probationary Period: Selectees may be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Individuals assigned male at birth after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service. To verify registration visit SSS.gov.

Qualifications

Only experience and education obtained by 01/23/2025 will be considered.

In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.

Basic Requirement:
  1. Degree in Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include 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: (a) statistics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR
  2. A combination of education and experience that includes college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
    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, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions;
    2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico;
    3. Specified Academic Courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable towards meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A;
    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 the applicant has had at least one year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision or 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).
Note: An applicant who meets the basic requirements specified in A or B, except as noted under B.1., may qualify for positions in any branch of engineering unless selective factors indicate otherwise.

Minimum Qualification [GS-11]: Possess registration as an Engineering Intern or Engineer-In-Training (may be satisfied with proof of passing Fundamentals of Engineering examination administered by NCEES) AND one of the following combinations of education and experience:
  1. Possess one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-09 in the Federal service. Experience must include at least four of the following: (1) reading or developing plans and specifications for stream restoration or transportation infrastructure projects; (2) developing cost estimates for various phases of civil engineering or stream restoration projects; (3) on-site experience with construction of civil infrastructure or stream restoration projects; (4) identifying or surveying geomorphic features of streams; (5) familiarity with riparian habitat restoration or streambank construction techniques; (7) using AutoCAD to develop construction bid drawings; (8) developing or reviewing contracting documents such as statements of work, requests for proposals, professional service agreements, cooperative agreements, and construction contract documents; (9) project management including scoping, cost estimating, scheduling, and resource tracking; and (10) managing professional service and/or construction contracts for civil infrastructure or habitat restoration projects. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified.
  2. Have 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or I have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in engineering or a related field which clearly provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to do the work of this position.
  3. Have a combination of experience and graduate level education beyond the second year which together equals 100% of the requirements. (When combining education with experience, first determine the total qualifying education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; then determine the experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level.)
Minimum Qualification [GS-12]: Possess registration as a Professional Engineer and have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the federal service. This specialized experience MUST include at least four of the following: (1) Serving as lead design engineer for stream restoration or fish passage improvement projects (2) serving as project consultant, project manager, or advisor on all aspects of civil infrastructure improvement projects, including related professional engineering and architectural management; (3) reviewing designs and proposals and recommendations of waivers of criteria based on engineering/architectural judgment and economic analyses; (4) participating in reviews of bids, contractor proposals, contract specifications and designs, as well as contract negotiations and technical and business discussions with contractor; (5) providing on-the-ground inspection or oversight services, documenting and monitoring construction activities, reviewing as-built drawings to assure accuracy before final acceptance and assure all warranty work is completed to applicable standards. NOTE: Your resume must contain sufficient information in these areas to be found qualified.

Education

PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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 an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).

Additional information

Qualifications: 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.

Cost of Living Allowance: In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a 1.49% COLA rate] cost-of-living allowance (COLA) https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/nonforeign-areas/#url=COLA-Rates .This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease.

PCS INFORMATION: No PCS entitlements authorized

Telework: This position is suitable for telework and may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

Additional Vacancies: One or more positions may be filled from applications received under this announcement in the advertised office or other U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices in the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Department of Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements) for the position with a score of 85 or above on the assessment questionnaire, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application.
For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Reasonable Accommodation: The USFWS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please visit USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy if you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process.

Alaska Return Rights (excludes Anchorage and Fairbanks): If you are a current U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee and you are transferring from a Region outside of Alaska, you will be eligible to return to a position in your home Region upon completion of a minimum 3-year tour of duty in Alaska. If you exercise this option, your home Region will place you in a position of equivalent grade in the same general occupational classification series that you occupied in Alaska. For the professional series at the GS-5 level or above.

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.

All applicants who submit a complete and legible application by the closing date of this vacancy announcement {or cut-off of 75 applicants} will have their qualifications reviewed to determine if they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the work of this position.

Required Documents

You must submit a complete application package. We will not make assumptions about your experience and/or education.

Required Documents:

1. Resume: Your resume must describe your job-related qualifications (paid and non-paid work experience) that includes job title, beginning and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and description of job duties. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form, you must ensure this information is provided. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Failure to provide ALL required information on your resume will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. Note: Current and former Federal employees should include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience.

  • Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
    • Classified or government sensitive information
    • Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Photos of yourself
    • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
    • Encrypted and digitally signed documents.


2. College Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A copy of your official transcripts may be required if you are selected.

3. Engineer Registration and/or Examination Documentation:

GS-11: Proof of having passed the Fundamentals of Engineering test administered by NCEES. Registration as a PE by any US State or Territory, or proof of acceptance by AELS board to take Professional Engineering examination may be accepted in lieu of Fundamentals of Engineering examination documentation.
GS-12: Proof of registration as a professional civil engineer in the State of Alaska or in a state or territory recognized by the Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors eligible for comity in accordance with AS 08.48.191(b).

Additional Documentation if applicable:

1. Cover Letter

2. CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

3. Current and former federal employees - It is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments/separations, promotions, within-grade increases.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Review the appointment eligibility criteria in the application preview linked below. The eligibility section of the application allows you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the eligibilities that you select "yes" to and submit the required supporting documentation, as listed in the Required Documents section or the application text. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria, you will not be considered for this position under this announcement.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents section.

Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12657578.
  2. Please ensure you check the acknowledgement checkbox then click the Submit Application button to submit your application.
  3. Applications must be received by 01/23/2025, 11:59pm ET to receive consideration.
  4. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, in Applications tab, click the position title you applied to for the status. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Office via email at fwshiring@fws.gov.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Staffing Division
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted by the hiring official.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account as we will not be responding to inquiries about the status of applications as long as the system has been updated.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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