Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew) (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

This position is located within the Technical Services Branch, Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD), Federal Highway Administration in Sevierville, Tennessee. Serve as a member of the EFLHD subsurface exploration crew. To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-07 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-05 it must include: Knowledge in subsurface exploration in at least 3 of the following areas: drilling, field testing, material sampling and identification, geophysical testing, and/or set-up and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation. To qualify for the GS-07 on Education alone, you must have at least 1 year of graduate-level education OR superior academic achievement. **Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. 1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. 2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate level education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-09 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-07 it must include: Experience with drilling, sampling, and testing techniques and equipment required to perform subsurface investigations in geologic settings and in subsurface conditions. To qualify for the GS-09 on Education alone, you must have 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or have been awarded a master's or equivalent graduate degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. 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: Geotechnical Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods related to the investigation and evaluation of subsurface soil or geologic conditions and properties for the purpose of designing stable foundation systems, earthen structures, or the remediation of subsurface conditions. Technology Application - Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format. Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. For all types of consideration, 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/ Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. As an Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew), you will: Perform non-routine subsurface explorations. Obtain soil and rock samples using split-barrel sampler, thin-wall tube sampler, double tube core barrel, and other equipment and techniques. Operate government owned commercial motor vehicles and drilling equipment. Selectively clear brush and small trees and provides access to boring sites using brush axes, chain saws, light excavation equipment and other tools and equipment as required. Perform mechanical troubleshooting of all subsurface exploration equipment, motor vehicles, tools, and sampling and field testing equipment to include isolating and evaluating mechanical problems and fabricating temporary or permanent repairs or improvements as required. The ideal candidate for this position will have basic knowledge and some experience with the various techniques and equipment required for sampling, identification, and field testing of soil and rock samples for highway and bridge projects. The candidate should possess a valid state driver's license and have the ability to possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A within 3 years. The candidate is able to work for extended periods of time in diverse, remote locations and be able to walk and climb in areas with extreme terrain and weather conditions. Strong communication skills are also required to effectively work with internal and external customers to accomplish field subsurface exploration tasks. Conditions of Employment CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will 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. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You may be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must be able to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A within 3 years.