Engineering Technician (Civil)

Duties

Working with engineers, drawings, sketches, knowledge, and experience, the incumbent plans, schedules, coordinates, oversees, inspects and purchases materials for construction work on various types of Force Account construction and maintenance projects. Work projects include irrigation structures, water diversion structures, erosion control structures, drainage projects, embankment stabilization projects, fish rearing ponds, pipeline projects for delivery of culinary water, and many other types of concrete and specialty projects such a s spillway outlet structure, inlet structures, parapet walls, cut of walls, toe drains, etc., to help repair, and/or stabilize the deterioration of the many small dams and reservoirs.

The incumbent inspects damaged structures and/or equipment on operating projects for various agencies. Evaluates damage and determines emergency repairs needed to prevent or minimize further damage. Determines restoration work needed to restore to original or operating condition.

Incumbent assists with fabrication and development of state of the art automation processes for gates, valves, drains, etc., on water conveyance and irrigation systems for many different agencies and water districts. Assists with minor heavy equipment welding repair.

Works with the various water districts to help repair, replace, and/or upgrade existing Reclamation facilities. Provides technical advice to water users and districts in unusual maintenance and repairs. Has a good working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of Reclamation facilities.

Operates heavy equipment such as track-hoes, backhoes, front end loaders, dump trucks etc., in the performance of his duties.

Uses different types of welding machines, cutting torches, power and hand tools, and surveying instruments that are normally used in construction and maintenance activities.

Safety is a very important aspect of this position. Incumbent ensures that all heavy equipment and hand tools, etc., are maintained in proper working condition. Ensures that others that may be involved in the Force Account or maintenance projects are fully aware of possible hazards that may be encountered. Conducts weekly tool box meetings at work sites with the crews involved in the project. Is responsible for complying with the safety instructions and regulation, ensuring individual safety and promptly reporting/stopping usage acts or conditions.

This position requires extensive shift work, including long hours, with the standard shift being 10 days in length. Out-of-town travel will be required, approximately 95% of the time, in a variety of conditions and in some remote areas.

Work schedule will consist of 10 consecutive work days of 10 hour shifts, with four consecutive days off. On certain projects there will be variable travel (in or out-of-town) with a work schedule of 5 consecutive work days of 8 to 10 hour shifts, with 2 consecutive days off. Overtime and weekend work may also be required.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Specialized experience must demonstrate the applicant has been equipped with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is directly related to the work to be performed.

GS-9: You must possess two full years of graduate education or a master's degree that is directly related to the work of the position -OR- 1 year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity at the GS-8 level in the Federal service -OR- equivalent combinations of graduate education and specialized experience.

***Specialized Experience for the GS-***9: Must have experience in structural concrete placement and finishing, such as form work assembly, rebar assembly, vibratory placement, finishing, or concrete flatwork preparation and placement and in reading and interpreting engineering drawings. Applicants must also have experience in at least one of the following:
-Construction site project management. Typical activities would include: Sequencing material deliveries, scheduling concrete placements, scheduling concrete pump trucks, determining tools and equipment required to perform activities in a safe and efficient manner, and jobsite organization;
-Experience in one of the following trades: Carpentry, Masonry, Heavy Equipment Operation, Plumbing, Electrical, Welding, Pipefitting, or Iron Work; or,
-Estimating material quantities and labor required for projects.

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.

If you do not meet the qualification requirements listed above, you will be determined not qualified for this position.

Education

This vacancy announcement allows substituting education for experience if the education is directly related to the work of this position. You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support your education if you are substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants 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 further information, visit: Foreign Education.