Civil Engineer (Structural) - DIRECT HIRE

Federal Highway Administration • Little Rock, AR

4d

About The Position

Serving as the Arkansas Division Bridge Engineer, the Civil Engineer (Structural) manages federal highway programs for bridges, tunnels, and other structures statewide. The role evaluates structural programs, including geotechnical, hydraulic, inspection, and preservation programs; guides staff on complex projects; and coordinates with FHWA Headquarters. The employee keeps the State DOT informed about structural laws and research, conducts technical training, and develops solutions to emerging infrastructure challenges.

The position represents the Division on bridge, tunnel, and structures policy and program matters; interprets and implements federal program changes and guidance; and evaluates structural work for Federal-aid eligibility. It promotes improvements in the State’s administration of federal structural programs and ensures projects comply with applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies.

The employee administers FHWA structural inspection programs, including the National Bridge Inspection Program and National Tunnel Inspection Program, and oversees State compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards and National Tunnel Inspection Standards. The position assesses deterioration, assigns ratings, identifies circumstances that may require bridge or tunnel closure, advises the State on inventory and inspection methods, and develops strategies to address non-compliance.

The role also maintains a Risk Based Stewardship and Oversight Program for structures under design and construction. It reviews structural plans and applies relevant codes to testing, design, construction, maintenance, and retrofit; evaluates proposals and recommends or approves concepts for detailed contract plans; resolves conflicts; promotes current technologies and innovative approaches; and assists with accelerated construction techniques. When appropriate, the employee joins Division staff in construction inspections, performs construction reviews, and evaluates proposed remedial actions.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, mid-career structural engineering professional with project management experience in bridge design, bridge construction inspection, bridge program management, and geotechnical work. The position is at the GS-13 level. Employment is subject to applicable citizenship and qualification requirements, a possible one-year probationary period, a required background investigation, and travel using a government-issued travel card for official business.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National.
• Meet the specialized experience requirements for the position.
• For GS-13, have at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-12 that includes developing and/or evaluating the quality of plans, specifications, and estimates for bridges on transportation projects; inspecting bridges under construction; and inspecting in-service bridge conditions and compliance of bridge condition inspections with NBIS.
• Meet the engineering education requirement through an acceptable engineering degree, or an allowed combination of education and experience described in the announcement.
• Submit transcripts for verification of education requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of structural engineering, including concepts, principles, theories, and methods for design and analysis of complex structures using varied materials.
• Demonstrate technical credibility and the ability to appropriately apply relevant principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of risk assessment and mitigation, including assessment of failures and their consequences.
• Demonstrate stakeholder-management knowledge, including identifying, engaging, influencing, and monitoring relationships with affected individuals and groups.
• Submit the application, resume, and required documents online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Complete a required background security investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Retain and use a government contractor-issued travel card for official business only.
• May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Project management experience in bridge design, bridge construction inspection, bridge program management, and geotechnical work is identified as ideal candidate experience.
• Experience may include paid or unpaid qualifying experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs and other organizations.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Division at meetings and discussions concerning bridge, tunnel, and other structures policy and program matters, and respond to related correspondence.
• Interpret and implement Federal program changes, procedural guidance, and policies; develop processes affecting highway bridges and structures.
• Evaluate whether structural work is eligible for Federal-aid program funding.
• Evaluate and promote improvements in the State’s administration of Federal programs for bridges, tunnels, and other structures.
• Promote enhanced planning, design, construction, preservation, inspection, and maintenance practices for structures.
• Ensure projects comply with Federal laws, regulations, and policies.
• Administer FHWA structural inspection programs, including the National Bridge Inspection Program and National Tunnel Inspection Program.
• Oversee State compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards and National Tunnel Inspection Standards, and recommend improvements.
• Evaluate material deterioration severity and assign ratings according to FHWA and/or State highway agency coding guidance.
• Recognize when a bridge or tunnel may need to be closed, or recommend closure, because of imminent danger.
• Advise the State on bridge and tunnel inventory needs and acceptable inspection and coding methods under the NBIS and NTIS.
• Develop follow-up strategies and work with the State to address non-compliance.
• Maintain and conduct a Risk Based Stewardship and Oversight Program for bridges, tunnels, and structures under design and construction, coordinating with Division staff and State representatives.
• Review structural plans for structural adequacy, economy, safety, aesthetics, hydraulics, foundation, and overall concept.
• Interpret and apply relevant structural codes for testing, design, construction, maintenance, and retrofit of structures.
• Promote use of current technologies, standards, and practices in project development.
• Evaluate proposals, make recommendations, and approve concepts for developing detailed contract plans.
• Resolve conflicts and controversies arising from comments and recommendations of other offices and agencies.
• Promote national innovative initiatives, alternative materials, and economical, simplified fabrication of structural components.
• Assist customers with issues and process implementation, including promotion of accelerated construction techniques.
• Accompany Division staff during construction inspection activities when appropriate, particularly when technical difficulties arise.
• Perform construction reviews and inspections; evaluate and decide on the State’s proposed remedial actions and make related recommendations.
• Keep the State DOT informed about structural laws and research, conduct technical training, and develop solutions to emerging infrastructure challenges.
• Submit an online application and resume by the announcement closing date, along with required documents and transcripts.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level