ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN (CIVIL)
Natural Resources Conservation Service - Department of Agriculture
To qualify for the GS-8 Grade Level: applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualification requirement in order to be considered for this position: Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the Federal GS-07 grade level or higher, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as performing which involves a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of engineering or architecture; and construction, application, properties, operations, and limitations of engineering systems, processes, structures, machinery, devices, and materials. Examples of specialized experience include: Performing material testing. Determining investigations. Determining survey and site data needs. Designing engineering practices and structures. Compiling, computing, plotting and checking data for natural resource-related conservation projects (earthen dams, agriculture waste management systems, filter strips, water and sediment control basins, rock riprap, slope protection, etc.). Using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and manual techniques to prepare sketches, drawings, diagrams and charts for several phases of projects such as excavation, embankment, structures, triangulation, profiles and traverses, etc. Assisting field engineering staff in staking out work. OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Two full years of graduate education in a discipline such as engineering, construction, or industrial technology. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. To qualify for the GS-9 Grade Level: applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualification requirement in order to be considered for this position: Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the Federal GS-08 grade level or higher, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as performing which involves a practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of engineering or architecture; and construction, application, properties, operations, and limitations of engineering systems, processes, structures, machinery, devices, and materials. Examples of specialized experience include: Developing engineering drawings and developing cost estimates. Resolving discrepancies and deviations in project drawings. Using civil engineering technology services to evaluate soil and water conservation. problems on farms or in broader watershed size areas. Installing conservation measures and structures that curb excessive soil erosion, improve, or protect water quality, reduce surface runoff, prevent floodwater damages, and improve water management on public and private lands. Working with landowners to determine suitable alternatives to solve natural resource problems that address agricultural waste management, deteriorated water quality, erosion, flooding, the need for land drainage, recreation potential, the need for fish and wildlife habitat improvement and inadequate urban storm water management and erosion and sediment control. OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: Two full years of graduate education or master’s or equivalent graduate degree in a discipline such as engineering, construction, or industrial technology. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-TECH-NOTE 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The incumbent provides engineering assistance working with landowners, groups, and units of government to apply and maintain a variety of conservation practices in their area of assigned responsibility.