Civil Engineer (Highway) - DIRECT HIRE

Federal Highway Administration•Columbia, SC

About The Position

The employee manages and promotes assigned Federal highway programs within a State or, as a shared resource, across multiple states. The role provides engineering stewardship and oversight at various stages of project and program delivery for Federal-aid infrastructure projects. The employee may commit the agency to actions on behalf of the relevant Division Office(s), consistent with delegated authority. The Civil Engineer advises on Federal laws, regulations, and FHWA policies applicable to Federal-aid projects within State DOT project development. The position conducts project reviews and evaluates compliance with design standards, policy, regulations, Federal funding eligibility, safety requirements, cost estimates, transportation planning, and contract provisions. It reviews project studies and alternatives, authorizes project agreements, and contributes to Division program management and oversight activities. The position requires an engineering degree meeting the stated federal engineering education requirements, or an accepted education-and-experience combination. Applicants must also meet the experience or education qualifications for the grade sought. GS-11 candidates may qualify through specified experience, graduate education, or a combination; GS-12 candidates must qualify through experience. The role involves travel, and selected candidates must complete a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Meet the mandatory engineering education requirements through an acceptable engineering degree or an approved combination of education and experience; submit transcripts.
For GS-11 by experience: at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-09 involving planning, design, or construction of highway or transportation project features according to engineering standards, principles, and methods, and collaborating with project teams, contractors, or stakeholders to plan, coordinate, or advance transportation projects.
For GS-11 by education alone: three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree; a qualifying combination of graduate education and experience may also be accepted.
For GS-12 by experience: at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-11 involving planning, design, or construction of highway or transportation project features according to engineering standards, principles, and methods, and collaborating with project teams or stakeholders to define scopes, evaluate engineering alternatives, and resolve technical design or construction conflicts. Education alone does not qualify at GS-12.
Knowledge of transportation engineering, including planning, design, and construction of transportation systems and related analyses.
Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
Knowledge of project management principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring costs, work, and contractor performance.
A background security investigation and favorable adjudication are required for selected individuals.
Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
Submit the application, resume, and required documents online by the stated closing date.
Students in qualifying degree programs may apply if their anticipated graduation date is within six months of the announcement closing date; the graduation transcript must be received before the start date.
The position involves travel; a government contractor-issued travel card must be retained and used for official business only.

Nice To Haves

Experience monitoring Federally funded highway programs or delivering highway projects from initial scoping through construction support and maintenance.
Experience conveying ideas and concepts to persuade others in meetings, discussions, and in writing.

Responsibilities

Advise State DOT officials and other Federal, State, and local agencies on Federal laws, regulations, and FHWA policies applicable to Federal-aid projects.
Conduct project reviews in accordance with the Division’s Risk-Based Stewardship and Oversight plan.
Review project actions for appropriate design standards and criteria, compliance with policy and regulations, eligibility for Federal participation, traffic safety features, reasonable cost estimates, transportation planning requirements, and contract provisions.
Review and evaluate project studies and comment on alternatives or modifications.
Authorize project agreements, including review of proposed rights-of-way clearances, NEPA, construction plans, utility and railroad work agreements, and consultant agreements.
Participate in Division program management, including developing stewardship and oversight plans, conducting risk assessments, developing strategic operations and business plans, promoting performance-based planning and programming, and tracking performance measures and reporting processes.
Provide program approvals within the discipline, including approvals related to consultant written procedures, standard drawings and specifications, prequalification procedures, uniform record keeping, procedures for determining contract time, and liquidated damages rates.
Participate in process reviews and in-depth documentation reviews of Federal-aid programs; advise on problems and deficiencies, prepare reports and analyses, coordinate corrective actions, evaluate practices, and share innovative practices, procedures, and technologies.
Assess State programs for effectiveness and compliance.