Engineering Technician

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System • Prince George, VA

3d

About The Position

Engineering Technician work supports a correctional institution’s operations and security. The role includes plotting field-survey results and preparing them for tracing and reproduction; preparing plans for proposed projects, including new structures, building alterations, and shop work funded locally by the institution; and producing computer-aided drawings for regional-office approval and funding. The technician provides work-step instructions to employees and inmates as requested and assists journeyman mechanics with interpreting blueprints when necessary. Like all institution employees, the incumbent is responsible for maintaining institutional security, and correctional duties take precedence over other responsibilities and are performed regularly.

The position requires qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. At GS-11, applicants must have at least one year of qualifying experience; education cannot substitute for this experience. Examples include developing sketches and drawings of new and existing structures and proposed projects, using automated maintenance-management and computer-aided-design software, and performing cost estimates and related justifications. Appointment is subject to pre-employment screening and required correctional-techniques training.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• For GS-11, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level is required; education cannot substitute for this experience.
• Qualifying specialized experience must provide the qualifications needed to perform the position’s duties and typically be in or related to the position.
• Examples of GS-11 experience include developing sketches and drawings of new and existing structures and rough drafts of proposed projects; proficiency with automated maintenance-management and computer-aided-design software; cost estimating; preparing justifications for excessive cost; and estimating work to be performed.
• Specialized experience may include technical work in drafting, surveying, construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems.
• Trade or craft experience may qualify when it provides intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents, including substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities.
• Applicants must provide actual time spent in relevant activities, such as hours worked per week, for paid and unpaid experience to receive proper credit.
• Appointment requires satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation, including required NCIC and credit checks.
• Applicants not currently working in an institution must complete a qualification inquiry regarding misdemeanor domestic-violence convictions to be authorized to carry a firearm.
• Successful completion of the three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques course at Glynco, Georgia, is required.
• CTAP or ICTAP applicants seeking selection priority must meet program eligibility criteria, be rated well-qualified (at least half the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies), and submit the required eligibility documentation.
• A maximum entry age of 36 applies to original appointment to a Bureau of Prisons institution position, subject to stated exceptions for applicants with prior federal law-enforcement coverage and qualified preference-eligible veterans.

Nice To Haves

• Certification by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies may be helpful as a measure of the technician’s quality of experience.

Responsibilities

• Plot results of field surveys and prepare them for tracing and reproduction.
• Prepare plans for proposed projects, including new structures, building alterations, and locally funded shop work.
• Complete computer-aided drawings for submission to the regional office for approval and funding.
• Provide employees and inmates with additional instructions about work steps as requested.
• Assist journeyman mechanics with interpreting blueprints when necessary.
• Maintain institutional security; correctional responsibilities take precedence over other duties and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on position type, including whether the position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. The specific benefits offered are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed