Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for Engineering and Architecture position.
BASIC
REQUIREMENT
OR
INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving applying a practical knowledge of the:
- methods and techniques of engineering or architecture; and
- construction, application, properties, operations, and limitations of engineering systems, processes, structures, machinery, devices, and materials.
Basic Requirements:
Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 or equivalent and above):
Examples of qualifying specialized experience include technical work in drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems.
Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as:
- Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes.
- Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated.
Certification:
Engineering technicians may be certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, an organization sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Certification by the Institute will be helpful as a measure of the technician's quality of experience.
Additional Requirements for Positions with Parenthetical Titles:
In addition to the basic requirements, some positions have additional requirements related to one or more of the following parenthetical titles that must be defined by the employing agency: Mechanical
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:
1. Knowledge of standard accepted mechanical and industrial engineering practices to include reading of engineering and architectural plans/specifications.
2. Knowledge of mathematics and statistical analysis techniques.
3. Knowledge of the operations services, needs, and goals of management and their program(s) and the organizations studies or served, and related customers, functions, resources, and users and the ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and procedures.
4. Knowledge of mechanics and construction maintenance and repair facility work processes and methods.
5. Knowledge of safety and occupational health requirements as outlined in applicable standards, regulations and/or technical orders.
6. Skilled at utilizing computer aided design systems for developing plant layout grid/drawings and knowledge of current automation technology design, and operating characteristics as well as the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of its use and provide assistance to others.
7. Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing and establish and maintain good working relationships.
8. Ability to independently plan, coordinate, and organize work to identify problems and develop innovative solutions.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.