The incumbent provides engineering assistance working with land owners, groups, and units of government to apply and maintain a variety of conservation practices in their area of assigned responsibility. Appointment includes OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) time restrictions (Current Federal Employees relocating to Alaska). Initial duty is not-to-exceed 3 years with possibility for extension for an additional 2 years upon approval.

Duties

Provides on-site technical assistance and training to field personnel in installation of conservation practices: parallel terraces, ponds, waterways, irrigation systems, agricultural waste management systems, grass-based rotations, etc. Performs construction inspections on simple and complex structures for conservation systems. Performs drafting and other graphical work on a computer-aided drafting system and maintains the system equipment and supplies. Determines the type, scope and intensity of field investigations and surveys needed. Directs collection of field data and assures adequacy of collected data. Designs and supervises the design of complete engineering practices and structures. Prepares job sheets and designs. Prepares as-built plans. Prepares engineering cost estimates and construction performance time estimates. Completes payment requests and referrals pertaining to work completed for cost sharing. Documents layout and construction in conservation assistance notes or job diary. Selects and applies standard methods of computation for quantities such as concrete, earth fill and excavation. Develops standard drawings on the CAD system. Determines engineering training needs for field office personnel and provides training on surveying and engineering equipment. Provides instruction in the use of the National Engineering Manual, the Engineering Field Handbook, Agricultural Waste Manual Field Handbook, State Technical Guide, and various technical releases and handbooks. Coordinates quality reviews of conservation practices and checks engineering work of field office personnel.

Requirements

• This position requires field work where dangerous wildlife are common. Passing courses in bear safety and firearms handling on an annual basis and the legal ability to carry a firearm, are required for this position.
• This position requires that the incumbent meet initial and continuing qualifications in the use of firearms as outlined in the Gun Control Act of 1968, amended by the Lautenberg Amendment of 1996.
• Certification of compliance with 18 U.S.C. 922 (g) and (n) National Rifle Association Shotgun Safety and handling certification.
• This position is designated for random drug testing under Departmental Regulation DR 4430-7922-2 dated April 2011. This position must complete and pass a Pre-Employment Drug Testing before entrance on duty (EOD).
• A service agreement is required for authorization of relocation expenses and allowances.
• Employment/Mobility Agreement may be required due to time limitations on OCONUS assignments. (For current Federal employees relocating to AK)
• At the completion of the tour(s), the employee has guaranteed return rights to a position of grade and pay equivalent to the employee's current position. (For current Federal employees relocating to AK)
• This position includes Return Rights and Tour Renewal Travel. Return rights must be exercised prior to the 3 year ( 5 years if extension is approved) time period. (For current Federal employees relocating to AK)
• After five years, the employee can opt to remain in Alaska but will forfeit any guaranteed return rights.
• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of this position.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered: Specialized Experience GS-09: To qualify for the GS-09, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the Federal GS-8 level or higher, that has equipped you with the necessary competencies to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Providing technical assistance working with landowners, groups, and units of government to apply and maintain a variety of conservation practices; Providing guidance, assistance, and evaluation on matters related to Watershed construction to support soil and water conservation programs; Preparing cost estimates; Providing technical assistance on initial planning, design or construction inspection; OR Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent degree directly related to the position; OR Combination of Education and Experience: 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. Specialized Experience GS-10: To qualify for the GS-10, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the Federal GS-9 level or higher, that has equipped you with the necessary competencies to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Provides technical assistance in the installation of a variety of conservation practices that may include parallel terraces, ponds, waterways, irrigation systems, agricultural waste management systems, grass-based rotations, pasture planting, or forestry practices; Performing construction inspections on simple structures for conservation systems; Assisting in the designs and oversight of the design of complete engineering practices and structures involved in Agency programs. Specialized Experience GS-11: To qualify for the GS-11, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the Federal GS-10 level or higher, that has equipped you with the necessary competencies to successfully perform the duties of this position. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Providing engineering support to maintain a variety of conservation practices; Performing work of broad scope and complexity pertaining to construction of engineering projects for flood control, erosion control, recreation, multi-purpose water supply reservoirs, low/significant/high safety hazard classification sites, or other structural works of improvement associated with conservation of soil and water; Developing and reviewing designs, plans, or specifications for natural resources and conservation planning. Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-10 and GS-11 level. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/engineering-technical-series-0802/ 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.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You must submit a copy of your transcripts to include course number, title, completion and grade. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g. special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college for that particular course to ensure you are properly evaluated. Please note that qualifications determinations are based solely on the information submitted for each particular vacancy announcement.

Important: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

Click on this link for more information. Failure to provide all of the required documents/information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Contacts

• Address Natural Resources Conservation Service 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Diane Desipio
• Phone: (484) 786-7305
• Email: [email protected]