This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Must be a U.S. citizen. Potential applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).
Duties
The following are typical duties, performed at various grade levels, in the course of a career as a Construction Engineer (CE).
OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENTS
Although specific assignments vary, most overseas assignments will involve the following major responsibility areas and example tasks:
Project Direction and Coordination
- Establishes and manages field office.
- Administers contracts.
- Negotiates and liaise with host country.
- Oversees regional operations.
- Coordinates visitors and neighbors.
- Acts as liaison between post management and senior management.
Project Management
- Manages project activities and schedules.
- Ensures proper inventory control.
- Manages claims.
- Manages records.
- Learns and uses information technology.
- Replaces contractors when necessary.
- Manages risk and balance competing priorities.
Quality Assurance
- Approves quality programs.
- Ensures quality inspection.
- Ensures contractor’s work off-site is properly inspected.
- Hires and manages quality assurance staff.
- Approves testing laboratories.
- Ensures corrective actions take place.
- Ensures trades qualifications.
- Ensures material compliance with contract requirements.
Financial Management
- Plans resource requirements.
- Manages budgets and financial controls.
- Approves contractor schedule of values.
- Approves progress payment requests.
- Prepares estimates.
- Evaluates impact of proposed project changes.
- Ensures financial controls.
- Controls costs.
Safety
- Approves safety program.
- Ensures safety training and equipment.
- Monitors safety.
Security
- Ensures security awareness and protection.
- Coordinates the management of security staff.
- Ensures document security.
Preconstruction
- Performs design review.
- Performs constructability review.
- Evaluates host-country conditions.
Commissioning and Close-Out
- Coordinates commissioning of systems.
- Coordinates close outs.
- Coordinates final inspections.
- Provides warranty support.
- Coordinates with the commissioning agent.
- Ensures hand-over of spare parts and materials.
- Coordinates schedule of other installation tasks.
- Ensures commissioning training.
- Supports transition from construction to operations.
- Participates in relocation.
- Ensures proper demobilization.
- Provides contractor performance ratings.
DOMESTIC ASSIGNMENTS
Although specific assignments vary, most overseas assignments will involve the following major responsibility areas and example tasks:
Project Development
- Participates in design of new construction.
- Develops construction general requirements.
- Participates in planning.
- Recommends procurement and execution strategies.
- Informs project schedule and support requirements.
- Advocates for operability concerns.
- Ensures security management plans developed.
- Participates in technical evaluation panels to evaluate bids.
- Assists in prequalifying bidders.
- Provides guidance to contractors.
- Serves as construction subject matter expert.
Project Support
- Coordinates construction projects team mobilization.
- Coordinates procurement.
- Coordinates with security.
- Travels to project sites.
- Makes recommendations to contracting officer.
- Prepares progress information.
- Provides temporary supervision of projects when needed.
Administrative Support
- Performs administrative tasks to support overseas projects.
- Supports data management.
- Participates in recruiting and hiring.
- Receives training.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Some of the essential functions of the job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, Construction Engineers MUST have the ability to:
- Work in confined areas such as crawl spaces, attics, utility pits, tunnels, utility access holes, and other confined spaces;
- Work from heights such as rooftops, ledges, scaffolding, including climbing extension ladders and scaffolding;
- Move and handle heavy objects (up to 50 pounds of weight) such as equipment, tools, and other building materials;
- See objects that are near, far, in color, or at night, possibly including depth perception; and
- Hear speech or other sounds, possibly including sufficient sensitivity to hear sounds of low volume or in noisy environments;
- Manage periodic work that requires regular and recurring periods of prolonged standing, bending, and stretching.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.
- Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
- Be able to meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
- Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.*
- Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
- Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).**
The Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ (OBO) Office of Construction Management is responsible for managing the Department of State’s multi-billion-dollar portfolio of construction projects overseas. A Construction Engineer (CE) is a member of a U.S. government (USG) team that ensures construction is professionally performed according to applicable plans, specifications, schedules, and standards. The CE must adhere to the highest standards of integrity, dependability, attention to detail, teamwork and cooperation while accepting the need to travel, to live overseas, and when necessary, to live away from family.
In addition to Education requirements, applicants MUST possess a minimum of:
• Three years of Specialized Experience for consideration at FP-04 level
• Five years of Specialized Experience for consideration at FP-03 level
Qualifications
Specialized Experience:
Specialized experience demonstrates that the applicant has acquired, and is able to apply, a combination of specific knowledge, skills, and abilities appropriate to a Foreign Service Construction Engineer position. Specialized Experience MUST show that applicants have an in-depth knowledge of their field and can perform engineering or architectural duties related to construction at Department of State projects in varying locations and conditions. Applicants MUST demonstrate that their job-related experience has been at progressively increasing levels of performance and responsibility through such indicators as promotions, raises, increases in duties and responsibilities, and organizational and employee impact.
Specialized experience MUST have been obtained through assignments to field sites on vertical construction projects. Vertical construction projects include, but are not limited to:
Multi-story buildings;
Large-scale residential and commercial developments; and
Warehouses.
At the time of application, applicants MUST possess at least three years’ Specialized Experience in the last 10 years, working in the field on major vertical construction projects, to be considered for this position.
Applicants who have a Master of Architecture or Master of Engineering in one of the disciplines listed under Education and from a program meeting the accreditation requirements, in addition to possessing a qualifying Bachelor of Science degree in the majors listed under Education, qualify to substitute the Master’s degree for one year of Specialized Experience toward satisfying the minimum requirement for Specialized Experience. Transcripts for both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees must be submitted with the application.
Examples of Specialized Experience include, but are not limited to:
- Reviewing, interpreting, and checking construction drawings, architectural plans, engineering drawings, and other specifications to ensure compliance, recognize errors, ambiguities, or omissions and provide corrective recommendations.
- Inspecting construction techniques, procedures, standards, and materials to ensure construction is performed in accordance with applicable plans and specifications.
- Applying quality control and quality assurance practices and procedures to construction projects and applying test procedures and equipment.
- Applying safety practices and procedures to construction projects.
- Developing and applying construction scheduling techniques, monitoring project progress, identifying causes for delays, and developing and taking corrective action.
- Managing financial elements of a construction project, such as monitoring construction project costs, reviewing and certifying contractor requests for progress payments, forecasting total construction costs, and managing budgets.
- Analyzing and negotiating pending contract change orders, potential or actual claims, and acceptable cost and time settlements.
- Applying computer software to construction project management and fiscal control.
- Recognizing impending problems, developing options for action, and recommending solutions.
- Preparing and delivering presentations and reports on project status and recommendations.
- Demonstrating effective verbal and written communications skills with technical and non-technical personnel.
- Displaying effective leadership, team building and consensus building skills with colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES (KSAs)
The applicant’s experience, education, and training MUST show that they have an in-depth knowledge of their field and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities appropriate to this Foreign Service position. The applicant MUST have the ability to:
Knowledge
- Knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
- Knowledge of building and construction.
- Knowledge of vertical construction.
- Knowledge of design.
- Knowledge of architectural and engineering drawings.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies and industry trends.
- Knowledge of construction tools and equipment.
- Knowledge of construction costs.
- Knowledge of construction safety practices and procedures.
- Knowledge of project management principles.
- Knowledge of scheduling.
- Knowledge of risk management.
- Knowledge of statements of work.
- Knowledge of commissioning.
- Knowledge of administration and management.
- Knowledge of budget management.
- Knowledge of computers.
- Knowledge of mathematics.
Skills
- Skill in writing statements of work.
- Skill in producing and reading architectural and engineering drawings.
- Skill in administering contracts.
- Skill in establishing procedures.
- Skill in project management.
- Skill in time management.
- Skill in resource management.
- Skill in risk analysis.
- Skill in leadership and staff supervision.
- Skill in motivating employees and others.
- Skill in managing laterally and upward.
- Skill in personnel evaluating and interviewing.
- Skill in interpersonal relationships.
- Skill in building relationships.
- Skill in providing customer service.
- Skill in working with others with diverse backgrounds.
- Skill in leading a multinational workgroup.
- Skill in running meetings.
- Skill in teamwork.
- Skill in coordination with external stakeholders.
- Skill in critical thinking.
- Skill in creative problem solving.
- Skill in decision making.
- Skill in written communication.
- Skill in reporting.
- Skill in oral communication.
- Skill in active listening.
- Skill in negotiation.
- Skill in computer technology.
- Skill in knowledge management.
- Skill in data analysis.
- Skill in research.
- Skill in being adaptable and resilient.
- Skill in self-development.
Other Requirements
- Cross-cultural interest.
- Tolerance for working overseas.
- Tolerance of varying work environments.
- Acceptance of assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service.
- Tolerance of living away from family.
- Continuous learning.
- Accountability.
- Attention to detail.
- Dependability.
- Integrity.
- Willingness to perform other duties.
Education
At the time of applications, applicants must possess one of the following:
- Bachelor of Science from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in one of the following:
Civil/Structural Engineering
Construction Engineering Technologies
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Architectural Engineering
- Bachelor of Architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB); or
- Master of Architecture from a program accredited by NAAB.
Applicants MUST submit a copy of their university transcript(s) with their application.
You must submit a copy of your university transcript(s) with your application. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, your candidacy will not continue. Please see the Required Documents section for additional required attachments.
Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application.
Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, the degree and date awarded, and have no missing pages. A transcript missing any of these elements will not pass the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level. PDF documents are required; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Foreign Education
- Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.
Applicants must also hold a current engineering license from a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Applicants must submit a copy of their current license to demonstrate this requirement for their candidacy to be considered. Expired licenses will not be accepted.
OR
- A foreign architectural degree must have been evaluated by the National Architectural Accrediting Board's Education Evaluation Services for Architects, and found to be legitimate and comparable to that expected of a candidate with U.S. credentials. Applicants must provide a copy of the letter issued by NAAB that indicates the education standards have been met. This documentation must be included in your application for your candidacy to be considered.
Applicants also must hold a current professional architecture or engineering license from a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Applicants must submit a copy of their current license to demonstrate this requirement for their candidacy to be considered. Expired licenses will not be accepted.
NACES: https://www.naces.org/index
AICE: https://aice-eval.org/
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
OPM: www.opm.gov
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov
Benefits
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
FS Construction Engineers are hired at the FP-4 or FP-3 grade based on education and experience. The salary range listed is from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by highest education level achieved and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/benefits/.
Review our benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated. You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will disqualify the application from further consideration.
- Resume from USAJobs Resume Builder, the only resume format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
- Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
- All required supporting documentation, including transcripts, certifications, professional licenses, a copy of your DD-214 or Joint Services Transcript, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via a link will not be accepted.
Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5-point Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10-point Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). Compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be complete in the online application.
Substantive Knowledge: Describe your education and work experience that demonstrates you have the various knowledge areas required of a Construction Engineer. Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Managerial Skills: Describe examples of past accomplishments that demonstrate your skill in planning and organizing, customer service, attention to technical detail, and other skills needed to administer contracts. Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Interpersonal Skills: Provide an example that demonstrates you are skilled at working with others in difficult situations.
Intellectual Skills: Provide examples demonstrating your ability to think logically and objectively, to analyze data and situations, and to apply sound judgment in solving problems and assessing implications of alternative solutions. Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Communication Skills: Provide examples displaying your ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing, including explaining technical concepts to laypersons. Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Leadership Skills: Describe a time when you identified a serious problem that required immediate action where you had to exhibit leadership to motivate and guide others to solve the problem. What leadership principles did you use? Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
-
- Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,
- Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not previously mentioned, such as special skills (e.g. computer skills), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position.
- Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.
-
- From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log in to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
- USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and can return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
- Submit required documentation using one of the three methods the application system allows: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; or, resubmit documents from a previous application. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents or documents sent by link will not be accepted.
5. After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the links for submitted documents.
6. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
The application submission deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any illegible or missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions. PDF documents are strongly recommended. Illegible documents will not be accepted and are grounds for application termination.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm Eastern Time.
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click on "Track this application" for more information.
Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.
The Department of State will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit Our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.
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