ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN (CIVIL)

Department of the Army

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION DIVISION, TECHNICAL SERVICES BRANCH, COST ENGINEERING SECTION

Summary

About the position: Serves as cost estimator responsible for the preparation of budget, control and detailed final estimates of cost pertaining to the planning and construction of various civil and military projects. This is a developmental position being filled at the GS-5/6/7/8/9/10/or 11 level with non-competitive promotion potential up to the GS-11. The position is listed as an Engineering Technician, but Engineers are also able to fill this position

Pay ranges by grade can be found here

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

See "Who May Apply" in the "Qualifications" section for more information on who is eligible to apply for this position.

Duties

Prepares or directs the preparation of an itemized breakdown of the cost of each phase of the project for labor, materials, equipment, rentals, etc.
Conducts research and investigation on cost data, labor requirements, terrain conditions, etc., prior to the preparation of budget estimates.
Visits proposed projects sites when necessary to determine field conditions which may affect costs, i.e., location and condition of site, accessibility with respect to shipment of materials, character and scope of work, etc.
Prepares estimates for feasibility studies, budget estimates and design memoranda for civil works and military projects based on ideas, sketches, preliminary plans and very limited information.
Develops and updates cost estimates, project cost histories, and risk analysis based cost estimates during all phases of a project survey reports
Serves in a consulting capacity with planning and operation personnel on matters affecting job costs and makes recommendations as to the need for or feasibility of suggested changes

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
May be required to serve a one year probationary period, if not already completed.
Incumbent is required to obtain and keep current a valid driver's license.
May be required to travel up to 10% of the time.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Specialized Experience at the GS-05 level: One year of specialized experience which includes (1) Assisting with the review of technical drawings or documents. AND/OR Performing basic data entry into a database or spreadsheet. AND/OR Gathering or compiling technical or pricing information from various sources. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04).

OR

Education: Four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education beyond two years (total semester hours minus 60) by 60. Add the two percentages.

Specialized Experience at the GS-06 level: One year of specialized experience which includes Performing basic quantity take-offs from contract drawings. AND/OR Entering data into cost estimating software (such as MCACES). AND/OR Obtaining price quotes from vendors to support cost estimates. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).

OR

Education: A half year (i.e., 9 semester hours) of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 9. Add the two percentages.

Specialized Experience at the GS-07 level: One year of specialized experience which includes Completing quantity take-offs by determining materials required for projects. AND/OR Utilizing cost estimating software (such as MCACES) to prepare simple cost estimates. AND/OR Reviewing cost estimates to identify and report potential errors. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-06)

OR

Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages.

Specialized Experience at the GS-08 level: One year of specialized experience which includes Performing quantity take-offs for multi-disciplined projects. AND/OR Developing and analyzing cost estimates using cost estimating software (such as MCACES). AND/OR Reviewing plans and specifications to identify potential discrepancies for cost estimates. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07)

OR

Education: One and a half years of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total semester hours minus 18) by 9. Add the two percentages.

Specialized Experience at the GS-09 level: One year of specialized experience which includes Preparing budgetary and control estimates by quantifying all work items and considering indirect costs. AND/OR Reviewing project plans and specifications to recommend changes for biddability and design. AND/OR Assisting in the preparation of cost estimates for projects to be advertised. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-08)

OR

Education: 2 years progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a relevant field, such as engineering, engineering or industrial technology, construction, physics, drafting, surveying, physical science, or mathematics.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total semester hours minus 18) by 9. Add the two percentages.

Specialized Experience at the GS-10 level: One year of specialized experience which includes Preparing concept, preliminary, and final cost estimates for budgetary purposes. AND/OR Reviewing plans and specifications and recommending changes to design engineers. AND/OR Preparing cost estimates for change orders or value engineering studies. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09)

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. At this level, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted

Specialized Experience at the GS-11 level: One year of specialized experience which includes Preparing and summarizing total project estimates, including civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines. AND/OR Preparing cost estimates for complex projects (such as bridges, dams, or military facilities) with little to no precedent. AND/OR Evaluating alternate designs proposed by contractors and reviewing estimates prepared by Architect-Engineering (A-E) firms. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-10).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. At this level, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted

Education

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.

Additional information

This announcement uses the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 direct hire authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to certain positions in the competitive service.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
This is an Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) Career Program position aligned under the Construction, Analysis, Science, Infrastructure & Engineers (CASIE) Career Management Directorate.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
Recruitment, relocation or student loan repayment incentive may be authorized pending management and district approval and interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

As vacancies occur, the Human Resources Office will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this flyer. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume, along with your supporting documentation.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

If selected, you may be required to provide additional supporting documentation.

Required Documents

Your complete application includes your resume and other documents which prove your qualifications and eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume:

Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.

2. Other supporting documents:

Cover Letter, optional
This position has an individual occupational requirement and/or allows for substitution of education for experience. If you meet this requirement based on education you MUST submit a copy of your transcript with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/19/2026 to receive consideration

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13079910).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

Website: https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq

Address: RD-W2SF04 US ARMY ENGINEER DIST-PHILADELPHIA
DO NOT MAIL
Philadelphia, PA 19103
US

Next steps

Eligible applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Acknowledgement and Notice of Results letters will be sent by the hiring office.

The evaluation will be based on the information you provide. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information and take that information into account in making employment offers.

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN (CIVIL) Job in Philadelphia, PA