SURVEY TECHNICIAN Job in Yuma, AZ

Vacancy No. BOR-LCB-25-DE-12642301-JB Department Bureau of Reclamation
Salary $54,292.00 to $77,955.00 Grade 8 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/17/2024 Close Date 12/31/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Yuma, AZ


Summary

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a SURVEY TECHNICIAN. Make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.

Duty Location: Yuma, Arizona

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals

Duties

  • Conducts a variety of surveys such as location, rights-of-way and property surveys; construction control surveys (horizontal and vertical); surveys for topographic mapping; collection of feasibility and specifications design data, construction slope staking, and for installation of equipment and setting of structural members. Assists in creating hydrographic cross sections of the Colorado River and/or adjacent channels, hydrographic surveys for dredging activities, assists in performing level loops for accurate structure placement as river gauges.
  • Serves as a team member of the survey group for Global Positioning Systems (GPS) surveying and trains others in the use of GPS. Downloads, edits and reduces electronic data collected. Forwards data to the respective entity, which may be either an internal or external organization. Generates both electronic and hard copies of the survey data for distribution and for the files. Provides technical advice, training, programming, and troubleshooting of survey instruments, computer programs, and calculations. Ensures equipment and vehicles are maintained in optimal condition and assures that prescribed equipment and measuring methods are used to obtain the required degree of accuracy and to develop the type of data needed collects data and makes computations; contacts landowners and others to gain entrance to property and arrange for surveys; and makes necessary administrative arrangements for surveys.
  • Checks field data and field computations. Keeps a written record of daily crew activities. Reports any contacts with landowners or general public pertaining to work activities. Makes requests for supplies and equipment and reports time and leave for party members. Studies contract specifications and becomes familiar with the parts applicable to surveying, and the relationship of each (alignment, profile, and typical sections).
  • Checks contractors' survey monumentation for location and specification adequacy. Inspects instrument readings at critical points, takes notes, and makes field computations to check contractor accuracy. Complies with safety instructions and regulations, ensures individual safety and promptly reports unsafe conditions and accidents to the supervisor. Corrects any unsafe or hazardous conditions which might exist or takes necessary precautions to protect employees, the public, and property.
  • Work is performed outside under adverse environmental and weather conditions with frequent exposure to fluctuating temperatures, insects, snakes, underbrush, etc. Construction surveys are conducted in an area of high noise level, vibrations, dust, and moving heavy equipment, and appropriate safety gear (hard hats, safety glasses, etc.) are used as necessary. Remaining work time is spent in an office setting. For field work exposure to a variety of temperatures ranging from 35 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months, to highs in excess of 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
You must submit eligibility documents for veterans consideration (see Required Documents).
You must meet any minimum education and/or experience requirements (see Qualifications).
You must submit transcript(s) to verify education requirements (see Qualifications/Education).
You must maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times as the position requires operation of government vehicles on government and public roads. Failure to maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times will result in removal from the position.
You will be required to obtain a successful pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position. A physical exam may not be required if a comparable agency approved examination was performed within the last 12 months. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.

Qualifications

In order to be rated as qualified for this position, the HR Office must be able to determine that you meet the education and/or specialized experience requirement - this information must be clearly supported in the resume.

To qualify for the GS-08 level, your resume must reflect at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-07 level in federal service having demonstrated experience in one of the following: operated and maintained a variety of manual and electronic devices such as transits, theodolites, levels, distance measuring and positioning equipment, or other instruments used on land surveys; Utilized a variety of surveying related equipment and GPS equipment to perform surveys and prepare associated documents and reports; Independently measured uncomplicated surveys and resolved technical problems; Assisted in performing basic surveys, such as location, right-of-way, and property surveys for a segment or portion of a project; Determined angles, distances, and differences in elevation between stations.

To qualify for the GS-09 level, your resume must reflect at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-07 level in federal service having demonstrated experience operating and maintaining a variety of manual and electronic devices such as transits, theodolites, levels, distance measuring and positioning equipment, or other instruments used on land surveys; Utilizing a variety of surveying related equipment and GPS equipment to perform surveys and prepare associated documents and reports; Independently measured uncomplicated surveys and resolved technical problems; Assisting in performing basic surveys, such as location, right-of-way, and property surveys for a segment or portion of a project; Determined angles, distances, and differences in elevation between stations. OR experience in one of the following: working with bathymetric survey with single and/or multi beam. Operating instruments and equipment, and made minor adjustments to such instruments, in order to locate land, property corners, and boundary lines; Identifying or verifying corners by inspection, testimony of landowners, and in comparison with references or by survey using original and resurvey recorded data; Performed varied surveys, such as location, right-of-way, and property surveys for a segment or portion of a project; Utilized a variety of surveying related equipment and GPS equipment to perform surveys and prepare associated documents and reports. OR Education: Two full years of graduate level education in a field directly related to the work of the position, such as geography, cartography, mathematics, or a master's degree leading in a field of study directly related to the duties of this position meets the requirements for GS-09.

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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Selective Placement Factor: This position requires a current, valid Driver's License. Failure to provide proof of such license will cause you to be rated ineligible for this position.

You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors if applicable, by 12/31/2024.

Education

This vacancy announcement allows substituting education for experience at the GS-09 grade level. You must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not-qualified for the position.

You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.

Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional info, refer to the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information.

Additional information

You may be required to serve an initial probationary period. Current, permanent Federal employees who are selected from this announcement may be required to serve a probationary period.

Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and you may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information, visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive.

Related non-Federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630). For information, visit: Creditable Service for Annual Leave

DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/

This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Background Investigation (T2S or T2RS or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov

This is a bargaining unit position represented by 2373.

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Benefits

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.

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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.

Category rating and selection procedures will be used to evaluate applications from this announcement. If an applicant meets the basic qualification requirements, his/her on-line responses to the vacancy assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of his/her experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified, and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). The assessment questionnaire will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials, the responses you provide to the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following:

  • Compliance
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Technical Competence
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of additional assessment(s), including a SME resume review.

The application questionnaire can be previewed here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12642301

Your answers will be verified against information provided in your resume. You must make a fair and accurate assessment of your qualifications. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than what is apparent in the description of your experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training, you could be rated ineligible.

For evaluating the quality of candidates for referral to the selecting official, a three-phased process will be used.

Phase 1: Applicant resumes will be reviewed by Human Resources to ensure they meet the basic qualification requirements (see definition of specialized experience). If applicants meet basic qualifications, they will continue on to the second phase. With information received from the applicant assessment questionnaire in the first phase, applicant's will be evaluated on the competencies above.

Phase 2: Candidates who pass the first phase will have their resumes forwarded to a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a resume review. The SME will review each resume and assign a score based on the competencies listed above.

Phase 3: Candidates will be given a final score which combines the scores from the first and second phases. Those candidates who score as best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for consideration.

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI).

Required Documents

Please submit the supporting documents outlined below applicable to your claimed eligibility status and the position and grade to which you are applying. Failing to submit required documents will result in non-consideration due to an incomplete application package.

RESUME: You must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences through job duties meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience must include dates of employment including start and end dates (month and year), work schedule (full-time or part-time), and hours worked per week. For more information, click here.

TRANSCRIPTS: Required for candidates using education as a basis for qualifications.

VETERANS: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15. For more information, click here.

CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAMS: Permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. You must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information, click here.

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

Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 12/31/2024. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.

Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.

Agency contact information

John Bun
Address
Lower Colorado Basin
Bureau of Reclamation
7301 Calle Agua Salada
Yuma, AZ 85364
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Upon successful submission of the application packet, applicants will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If this email confirmation is not received by the applicant, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.

After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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