Civil Engineer

Agriculture, Rural Development•Ada, OK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in an Area or State Office of USDA Rural Development. The incumbent performs varied assignments requiring professional experience and technical competence in civil engineering activities, procedures, principles, techniques, and evaluations used in supervised rural credit and development programs. The position is filled through the Office of Personnel Management’s Direct-Hire Authority for this occupation. The Civil Engineer advises private groups, public bodies, and state and federal agencies on civil engineering aspects of projects financed through Rural Development loan and grant programs. The engineer provides technical guidance on project eligibility and priority; reviews planning documents, Preliminary Engineering Reports (PERs), analyses, and recommendations concerning the technical merit of funding applications; and reviews engineering-service agreements, preliminary plans, drawings, designs, specifications, and cost estimates. The incumbent also assists staff with technical and construction-related matters, works with staff, applicants, and consultants on proposed PERs and other project documents, and prepares State Office procedures for engineering and related program activities.

Requirements

Meet the basic education requirement through an engineering degree from a qualifying program, or a qualifying combination of education and experience demonstrating engineering knowledge and competence.
For GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-09, including experience assisting with reviews of construction plans and estimates, consulting on civil or related engineering aspects of projects, and assisting with engineering, planning, and design services; alternatively, three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-11 reviewing planning documents, Preliminary Engineering Reports, analyses, and recommendations on the technical merit of funding applications; reviewing projects for size, cost, design, legal and policy compliance, and cost effectiveness; and overseeing engineering records, reference materials, and electronic project management or underwriting tools. No education substitution is available for GS-12.
Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
Pass satisfactory background adjudication and/or fingerprint checks, and a National Agency Check and Inquiry and credit report if selected.
Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Use direct deposit for federal payments.
Serve a one-year probationary period unless previous federal service is creditable; continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
If selected, submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of initial appointment and annually thereafter, and comply with applicable financial disclosure requirements.

Responsibilities

Advise and consult with private groups, public bodies, and state and federal agencies on civil engineering aspects of projects financed by Rural Development loan and grant programs.
Provide technical guidance on project eligibility and priority.
Review planning documents and Preliminary Engineering Reports, and assess completed analyses and recommendations regarding the technical merit of funding applications.
Review and concur with Agreements for Engineering Services, preliminary construction plans, drawings, designs, specifications, and cost estimates.
Assist staff with technical and construction-related matters.
Work with staff, applicants, and consultants on the suitability of proposed Preliminary Engineering Reports and other documents for funding applications and approved projects.
Prepare State Office procedures for staff conducting engineering and related program activities.