GENERAL ENGINEER (Title 5) Job in Des Moines, IA

Vacancy No. IA-13038779-AF-26-218 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $90,234.00 to $117,307.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/11/2026 Close Date 8/25/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Des Moines, IA


GENERAL ENGINEER (Title 5)

Department of the Air Force
Air National Guard Units
132d Wing, Des Moines, IA

Summary

IOWA AIR NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
Open to the public. Military membership is not required, and Veteran's Preference applies.

Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)

LOCATION: 132d Wing, Des Moines, IA

This job is open to

The public

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

Clarification from the agency

This position is a Title 5 Excepted position open to the public. Military membership is not required, and Veteran's Preference applies. Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)

Duties

As a GENERAL ENGINEER (Title 5), GS-0801-12, you will perform the following duties.

  1. (Duty Statement for positions that require supervisory duties but does not meet the 25% of time threshold.) Plans and schedules work in a manner that promotes a smooth flow and even distribution. Coordinates plans and schedules with other organization managers and customers as appropriate. Identifies need for changes in priorities and takes action to implement such changes. Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules. Assigns work to subordinate employees based on organization priorities and consideration of difficulty and requirements of assignments such that the experience, training, and abilities of staff are effectively utilized to meet organization and customer needs. Balances workload and provides advice, guidance, and direction on a wide range of policy, investigative, inspection/ exercise, strategic planning, and administrative issues. Structures assignments to create effective and economical positions. Coordinates with other organization managers and customers as appropriate. Reviews organization mission, functions, and manning.
  2. Responsible for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, repair, and operating of real property facilities, and provides related management, engineering, and other support work. Specifically, this includes (a) acquisition, accountability, and disposal of real estate; (b) planning and programming of total requirements for the maintenance, repair, and construction of facilities including financial management of facility programs; (c) provision of basic utility services; (d) maintenance and repair of structures and associated equipment; (e) furnishing snow removal, pest control, fire prevention, and engineering services activities. Exercises authority in planning, directing, controlling and coordinating architectural or engineering activities. Directs total operations through subordinate civilian supervisory and non-supervisory personnel. Plans, schedules and assigns work; establishes and monitors internal controls; and ensures uniform application of regulations, policies, directives, and professional engineering practices.
  3. Represents the Base Architect/Engineer at meetings and conferences with HQ ANG and intermediate command staff, Commanders and staff representatives of tenant organizations, Division and District Engineer representatives of the Corps of Engineers and Naval Facilities Engineering Command, metropolitan airports commission staff; FAA, Veterans Administration, highway department representatives; Federal, states, and city Environmental Protection Agency representatives. Coordinates on plans, exchanges information, recommends policy or procedures and keeps apprised of new architecture and engineering developments. Makes decisions in line with prior ANG Base policy and planning, such as priority of new construction, acceptance of completed work, facility disposal, real estate acquisition, utilization, or disposal actions. Determines operational trends and forecasts requirements.
  4. Provides technical instructions and information on architectural, engineering and other technical requirements and assigns phases of projects to subordinate architects, engineers, engineering technicians, and draftsmen. Reviews work accomplishment during progress and, upon completion directs changes to achieve technically accurate and adequate layout and design computations, specifications, and estimates. Directs and reviews establishment and maintenance of record drawings, related files, compilation of data for annual budgets and revisions thereto and project capitalization.
  5. Through subordinate supervisors, directs approximately twenty-five or more civilian and military employees engaged in readiness, Crash-Fire-Rescue engineering design, explosive ordnance disposal engineering, and operational facility maintenance duties and is responsible for providing training and facilities for the OJT and proficiency training of approximately 100 drill status officers and airmen. Exercises personnel management responsibilities normally found in positions at this level including identification of training needs for supervisors and technical staff members. Develops and maintains effective engineering staff relationships with base and tenant organizations. In staff meetings and in daily activities, presents briefings on acquisitions, construction, operation, maintenance, and financial management concerning real property facilities. Identifies and discusses problems as well as corrective actions being taken, program status, including fiscal aspects of the engineering portion of the annual budget, and related matters of interest to the Commander and his staff.
  6. Performs other duties as assigned. T5904800

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Perform irregular/overtime hours in support of operational requirements and contingencies
  • Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position
  • Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
  • The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities.
  • This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.

Qualifications

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration. Your resume must contain your own words. Resumes that are verbatim, from this announcement, any PD's, or any other applicants will not be considered.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Degree: 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) statics, 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.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS 0801 12 - Applicant must have the following experience:

  • Must have 1-year equivalent to at least next lower grade level experience, education, or training in preparing technical and engineering drawings.
  • Experience searching out and developing new or greatly modified methods and approaches to accomplish the Civil Engineering function.
  • Experience in coordinating and negotiating with contractors and other personnel regarding engineering and administrative matters.
  • Experience supervising and leading others within the Engineering Occupational Series.

Education

  • Degree: 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) statics, 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.

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the education requirements for this position.

Additional information

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.

TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • Your performance and conduct.
  • The needs and interests of the agency.
  • Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 08/25/2026. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOU NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.

Annuitants other than DSR annuitants hired on or after November 25, 2003, shall not have their salary offset by the amount of the annuity received for the period of reemployment in accordance with section 9902(h) of Reference (b). These individuals shall receive full salary and annuity during the period of reemployment; they shall not be considered employees for the purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of Reference (b) (e.g., ineligible for retirement deductions, ineligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan); and their period of reemployment shall not be creditable for a supplemental or redetermined annuity.

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the minimum/specialized experience provided in the announcement and the KSA's (knowledge, skills, and abilities) listed below:

  • Architectural or engineering knowledge in the areas of civil, mechanical, electrical, facility, environmental, fire protection, architectural, military contingency, plant facility and construction engineering disciplines and architecture
  • Knowledge of engineering fundamentals such as the strength and strain analysis of engineering materials and structures, the physical and chemical characteristics of engineering materials such as elastic limits, maximum unit stresses, coefficients of expansion, workability, hardness, tendency to fatigue, resistance to corrosion, engineering adaptability, engineering methods of construction and processing, etc.; or positions involving professional work in several branches of engineering. In addition, the incumbent may perform work that is concerned with facilities, systems, equipment, and instruments for production, transmission, measurement, control, and use of heat and mechanical power.
  • Skilled with electrical circuits, circuit elements, equipment, systems, and associated phenomena concerned with electrical energy for purposes such as motive power, heating, illumination, chemical processes, or the production of localized electric or magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of architectural principles, theories, concepts, methods, and techniques
  • Skilled with a creative and artistic sense
  • Skill to use pertinent aspects of the construction industry, engineering and the physical sciences related to the design and construction of new or the improvement of existing buildings

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
  2. Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable): Cover Letter, Transcripts, SF-50, DD 214, VA disability letter/documentation, ect.
    1. (In order to claim Veterans Preference a VA disability letter or legible copy of your DD214(s) annotating dates, campaign medals, and character of service (honorable, general, etc.) must be submitted for consideration).
Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories below are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employees
  • Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference (MSP)
Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible must submit the following documentation:
- Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-3)
- Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
- Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.

Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement must submit the following documentation:
- Military Reserve and Technician Disability PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-2)
- Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
- Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.

Applicant claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employees must submit the following documentation:
- DoD Retained Grade Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-1)
- SF-50 effecting the placement in retained grade status
- Copy of the notification letter the employee received (RIF or classification downgrade)

Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference must submit the following documentation:
- DoD Military Spouse Preference Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-4)
- Sponsor's PCS Orders- Proof of Military member's current active duty status
- Marriage Certificate

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 application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13032779

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement 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.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. 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.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), 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://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Christopher Powders
Phone
515-252-4677 X4677
Email
christopher.l.powders.civ@army.mil
Address
IA 132nd Wing
3100 McKinley Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321-2799
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Air National Guard Units

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. Since the earliest American colonial days, citizens have joined together for collective defense. We have a proud tradition of coming to the aid of our friends and neighbors in times of serious emergencies. Join our National Guard team and serve your nation, your states and your community!

Agency contact information

Christopher Powders
Phone
515-252-4677 X4677
Email
christopher.l.powders.civ@army.mil
Address
IA 132nd Wing
3100 McKinley Ave
Des Moines, IA 50321-2799
US

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