This position serves as an experienced engineer providing civil engineering mentorship and expertise for a variety of complex projects and activities throughout the Office which typically include a variety of geographic locations, complex features, and unusual needs or special demands. Work may include design, studies, analyses, construction administration, documentation, inspections, assessments, investigations, reviews, cost estimating, specifications writing, compliance evaluations, and evaluating facility capacities and operations.
The purpose of this position will include one or more specialties in hydraulic, hydrologic, geotechnical, structural, highway, and construction management. Complex features include bridges, concrete and embankment dams, roads, levees, canals, pipelines, tunnels, pumping plants, power plants, waterways, reservoirs, water and wastewater systems, buildings, irrigation systems, recreation sites, and related appurtenant systems.
At the full performance level (GS-12) the major duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:
- Serves as civil engineering specialist with responsibility for design of civil structures and features of construction projects such as water conveyance systems, water and sewer systems, pumping plants, powerplants, irrigation systems, multipurpose dams or recreation facilities.
- Prepares civil designs and technical specifications or conducts facility inspections and writes technical reports for assigned projects. Prepares layouts and final designs. Prepares cost estimates, including Independent Government Cost Estimates.
- Reviews civil portions of engineering designs prepared by others including architect-engineer firms and clients.
- Serve as team leader or project manager on teams assigned to projects.
- Makes field trips to project sites to review project scope with customer and gather design data pertinent to site conditions. Provides technical advice and assistance to clients concerning development of engineering plans and collection of data.
Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.
This position may be required to pass a pre-employment physical prior to employment.
Billings, Montana Special Salary Rate Range Information (Per Annum): *First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level. Pay will vary based on grade level and/or duty location for which you're selected.
GS-05: $57,999 - $68,439
GS-07: $71,846 - $84,779
GS-09: $87,887 - $103,709
GS-11: $99,954 - $119,097
GS-12: $104,502 - $127,443
This position also requires a Professional Engineering (PE) License at the GS-12 grade level in order to qualify for this position.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Direct Deposit participation required.
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
- A pre- employment physical examination may be required.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
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.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-09/03/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
Basic Educational Requirements (IOR):
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. You must submit transcripts.
-OR-
B. Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
- Professional registration or licensure
- Written Test
- Specified academic courses
- Related curriculum
For further information on the adequacy of such background demonstrated by one of the above listed are found in the link below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800/
-AND-
To qualify for this position at the respective grade level, you must meet either A, B, or C for the grade/s to which you are applying.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
GS-5 Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the GS-05, all applicants who meet the basic education requirements described in the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) are fully qualified for the GS-05 grade level.
A. GS-7 Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the GS-07, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
1. Applying engineering principles to assist with performing civil engineering facility examinations and inspections of dams, irrigation systems, or water treatment facilities;
2. Supporting preparation of drawings, quantity estimates, or technical reports.
-OR-
B. Education: You may substitute education (education that is directly related) for experience at the GS-07 level if you have achieved:
- One year of progressively higher level graduate level education.
- Superior Academic Achievement at the baccalaureate level in an engineering program (For more info: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4f)
- Successful completion of a 5-year program of study of at least 160 semester hours leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering.
-OR-
C. Appropriate Combination of Graduate Level Education and Experience: A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level that is related to the position and that totals 100% of the requirement for this grade level.
A. GS-09 Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the GS-09, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
1. Supporting preparation of drawings, quantity estimates, or technical reports; AND
2. Coordinating minor project planning efforts with clients and external stakeholders under engineer supervision.
-OR-
B. Education: You may substitute graduate education for experience if you have achieved:
- A combination of superior academic achievement and 1 year of appropriate professional experience that is related to the position.
- 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree. -OR-
- Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
-OR-
C. Appropriate Combination of Graduate Level Education and Experience:
- A combination of successfully completed graduate level education (only successfully completed graduate level education beyond the first year is creditable towards meeting this requirement), and specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level that totals 100% of the requirement for this grade level.
- A combination of superior academic achievement and 1 year of appropriate Professional Experience.
A. GS-11 Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the GS-11, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service.
Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
- Developing and reviewing technical specifications and bid schedules using industry standards.
- Serving on multidisciplinary teams to carry out civil engineering projects, including preparation of technical reports; AND
- Managing project plans and schedules, coordinating with stakeholders to identify issues and keep schedules and budgets on track.
-OR-
B. Education: You may substitute graduate education for experience if you have achieved:
- 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree.
- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
-OR-
C. Appropriate Combination of Graduate Level Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed graduate level education (only successfully completed education beyond the second year (or 36 semester hours) is creditable towards meeting this requirement) and specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level that is related to the position and total 100% of the requirement for this grade level.
GS-12 Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the GS-12, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
1. Leading the preparation of complex construction and supply specifications, ensuring compliance with regulations;
2. Reviewing and approving design documents from Architecture & Engineering (A&E) Contractors and providing comprehensive technical guidance;
3. Preparing detailed drawings, technical reports, cost estimates, and/or construction inspections; AND
4. Planning, scheduling, and coordinating major engineering projects by engaging internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory authorities, proactively resolving issues to maintain schedule and budget adherence.
MUST MEET ALL.
Please Note: This position requires specific educational coursework to qualify. You MUST provide transcripts in order to verify that the educational requirements have been met. This information must be received by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide this information may result in you receiving an "INELIGIBLE" rating.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you 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. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification
Volunteer Experience: 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.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.
If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive. A continued service agreement may be required if it is determined you are eligible for a permanent change in duty station (PCS), recruitment, or relocation incentive.
Physical Demands/Work Environment: The work regularly combines both office and field assignments. Field work requires physical exertion, such as long periods of standing, or recurring and considerable walking, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, and climbing such as in regular and periodic construction activities and field inspections. Work may also include frequent lifting of moderately heavy items weighing less than 50 pounds. The work may also involve some overnight travel for training, meetings, and site visits, some of which may be remote and include overnight stays in remote locations. The work environment involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks, discomforts, and unpleasantness such as high noise levels, infectious materials, or toxic or irritating chemicals; travel in safety approved small aircraft and water craft; high winds and low or high temperatures; infestation of dangerous reptiles or poisonous plants, snakes or insects; adverse weather conditions; noxious fumes; flammable liquids or radiation.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
The duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of any additional assessment(s) required for this position.
Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
Candidates will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. These procedures place candidates with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. Under Category Rating, candidates will be rated and ranked into the following categories:
Best Qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are highly proficient in all requirements of the job.
Well Qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in most of the requirements of the job
Qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and are proficient in some, but not all of the requirements of the job.
You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Civil Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods required to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain facilities such as buildings, transportation systems, water and sanitary systems, and other public works systems.
- Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
- Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of additional assessment(s), including a structured resume review. These assessments measure the critical competencies listed above that are required to successfully perform the job.
Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.
