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, or education if applicable, for each grade you are applying to. Please review the following information before proceeding with the application process:
For the GS-11:
On Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level, which includes:
- Experience in various geotechnical aspects of transportation projects including the planning and implementation of subsurface field investigation programs, planning laboratory testing for soil and rock, familiarity and performance of geotechnical design analysis, and preparation of observations, methods employed, and findings in geotechnical memos and reports; AND
- Experience providing recommendations with senior level oversight for structure foundations, slope stability, and retaining wall systems to include cost considerations and constructability.
Or on Education, you must have 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
For the GS-12:
On Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, which includes:
- Experience in all geotechnical aspects of transportation projects which include independent planning and implementation of subsurface field investigation programs, planning laboratory testing for soils and rock, performance of geotechnical design analysis, and preparation of observations, methods employed, and findings in geotechnical memos and reports; AND
- Experience in independently evaluating and determining structure foundations, slope stability, and retaining walls systems to include cost considerations and constructability while providing guidance in preliminary design decisions and construction support.
Although you must first meet the mandatory education requirement, you cannot qualify for the GS-12 grade based on education, you must meet the specialized experience, which is cited above.
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.
- Oral Communications - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
- Written Communications - 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).
Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply to the GS-11 grade based on education if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of the closing date of this announcement. If selected, the final transcript must be received before your start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date.