Federal Highway Administration
Civil Engineer (Structural) - DIRECT HIRE
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Summary
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the GS-13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience developing and/or evaluating the quality of plans, specifications, and estimates for bridges related to transportation projects; AND Experience inspecting bridges under construction; AND Experience inspecting in-service bridge conditions and compliance of bridge condition inspections with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Structural Engineering: Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to the design and analysis of complex structures using a variety of materials. Structures may include aerospace systems or structures, and other determinate or indeterminate systems. Technical Credibility: Understands and appropriately applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise. Risk Management: Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools used for risk assessment and mitigation, including assessment of failures and their consequences. Stakeholder Management: Knowledge of the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort; including those actively involved, those who exert influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative). 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Major Duties
The Civil Engineer (Structural): Represents the Division at meetings and discussions of bridge, tunnel, and other structures related policy and program matters and addresses/responds to correspondence relating to same. Interprets and implements Federal program changes, procedural guidance, and policy, and develops processes affecting highway bridges and structures. Evaluates eligibility of structural work for Federal-aid program funding. Evaluates and promotes improvements in the State's administration of Federal programs for bridges, tunnels, and other structures and encourages the use of enhanced planning, design, and construction, preservation, inspection and maintenance practices for structures. Ensures all projects are in accordance with Federal law, regulations and policies. Administers FHWA structural inspection program(s) (e.g., National Bridge Inspection Program (NBIP) and National Tunnel Inspection Program (NTIP)). Provides oversight of State compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS) and recommends improvements. Evaluates the severity of material deterioration and assigns ratings according to coding guidance as developed by FHWA and/or the State highway agency. Recognizes when it is necessary to close a bridge or tunnel (or recommend closure) because of imminent danger. Provides guidance to the State for bridge and tunnel inventory needs and interpretation of acceptable inspection and coding methods for the NBIS and NTIS. Develops follow-up strategies and works with the State to overcome areas of non-compliance. Maintains and conducts a Risk Based Stewardship and Oversight Program for bridges, tunnels, and structures under design and construction and ensures that there is full coordination with responsible Division staff and State representatives. Reviews structural plans for suitability of structural adequacy, economy, safety, aesthetics, hydraulics, foundation, and overall concept. Interprets and applies relevant structural codes for testing, design, construction and maintenance of structures, including retrofit. Promotes the use of the most current technologies, standards, and practices in the development of projects. Evaluates proposals, makes recommendations, and approves concepts for development of detailed contract plans. Resolves conflicts and controversies resulting from comments and recommendations and inputs of other offices and agencies. Promotes consideration of national innovative initiatives as well as alternative materials and the incorporation of economical and simplified fabrication of structural components. Assists customers in addressing issues and implementing processes such as the promotion of accelerated construction techniques. Accompanies Division staff in their construction inspection activities when deemed appropriate, and particularly when there are technical difficulties. Performs construction reviews/inspections and evaluates and renders a decision relative to the State's proposed remedial actions, making recommendations associated therewith. The ideal candidate for this position is a seasoned mid-career structural engineering professional with project management experience in bridge design, bridge construction inspection, bridge program management, and geotechnical.
Requirements
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
Required Documents
RESUME: In accordance with the OPM memorandum titled Merit Hiring Plan, dated May 29, 2025, resumes with a maximum of two (2) pages in length will be accepted as part of your application. These should be legible and in a readable font size. A determination of your eligibility and/or qualifications will be based only on those two (2) pages. Your resume MUST contain specific information that can be used to make a qualification determination, including employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time (e.g., Program Analyst, GS-343-11 | January 2009–Present | 40 Hours/Week) and position titles. If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level. The resume should show relevant experience and education, as well as support the required specialized experience. Please visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to TRANSCRIPTS are REQUIRED as there is a stated education requirement for the series. The transcripts need not be official, but must show that you meet the stated education requirements, including specific major or class requirements. ENGINEERS: If you are applying to an engineering position and are qualifying based on possessing a current Professional Engineer (PE) license, or passing the Engineer in Training (EIT) exam, please provide a copy of PE license or written documented proof of passing the EIT. DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the standards for this vacancy and provide all of the following documents: your most recent performance appraisal, the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade. Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager. For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition. SPECIAL ATTENTION: To be considered, you must submit all required resume details and applicable documents by the closing date of the announcement. .
How to Apply
To be considered, you must submit all required resume details and applicable documents no later than 11:59 (EST) by the closing date of the announcement. Note: Uploading documents to USAJobs does not automatically attach them to this application. You must review and verify that all files are successfully transferred to our system before final submission. Late or incomplete applications will be disqualified. To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting. Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire. You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/ If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: [email protected]