This position is in the Technical Services Branch, of the Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). You will provide support of road, bridge, and trail projects and other assignments for WFLHD. This position provides technical advice within the organization concerning the engineering geology specialty specific to the states of Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

Duties

As a Geologist (Engineering Geologist), you will:

Requirements

• You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
• You must verify that you meet the grade specific qualifications.
• Applicable documents are required for the Mandatory Education requirements
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

Qualifications

To meet the basic qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Mandatory Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of your transcripts or other applicable documentation for verification, AND (3) meet the specialized experience requirements for each grade you are applying to. Please review the following information before proceeding with the application process: (1) All applicants must meet the education requirements under A or B to qualify for applying to a geologist position: A. Degree: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Evaluation of Experience: Acceptable experience may have been gained through geological field or laboratory work that provided a means of obtaining professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of geology and closely related sciences, e.g., geophysics, geochemistry, or hydrology. Such work generally must have involved making close observations, taking samples, handling various types of instruments and equipment, assembling geologic data from source materials, and analyzing and reporting findings orally and in writing. Experience that involved only one phase of geology work, e.g., collecting samples, would not be acceptable as providing the required professional knowledge of the theory and principles of geology. In some situations, professional scientific experience in other fields may be accepted in part as professional geological experience. Such experience must have been preceded by appropriate education in geology or by professional geological experience, and must have contributed directly and significantly to the applicant's professional geological competence. Examples include some positions in geophysics, mining engineering, soils science, physical oceanography, hydrology, climatology, biology, analytic or experimental chemistry, metallurgy, and comparable fields where the normal duties or results of investigations have been extended to the solution of geologic problems by the applicant. Ordinary functions of positions such as seismic, computer, petroleum or mining engineer, mine superintendent, or metallurgist generally are not considered professional geological experience. To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time professional geological positions, the applicant is responsible for indicating clearly the actual time or percentage of time devoted to geologic duties within such positions, and for giving adequate descriptions of the geologic functions. For additional information, please refer to the OPM qualifications standard for Geology Series, 1350, at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/geology-series-1350/. (2) Upload the appropriate document(s) to your application for verification purposes. (3) Specialized Experience: To determine which grade(s) you may be eligible for, review the following grade specific details.  You will be asked a few questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet this experience in your resume or you may be deemed ineligible.   For the GS-11: On Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-09 grade levelwhich included: Experience in various aspects of geotechnical investigations, such as geologic site reconnaissance, geomorphology studies, geotechnical subsurface investigations, instrumentation installation and monitoring, geophysical studies, assigning lab tests, and other investigation methods; AND  Experience in analyzing and processing investigation data, such as assigning rock and soil engineering properties based on both visual assessments and laboratory testing results, performing slope stability analyses, and developing geologic cross sections and soil/rock/groundwater contour maps; AND Experience in preparing geologic/geotechnical memos and reports for civil design and construction. Or on Education, you must have 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also have a combination of graduate education and experience.  This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. For the GS-12: On Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-11 grade levelwhich included: Experience being the primary geologic/geotechnical team member on a multi-disciplinary design team or project; AND Experience in analysis and design of geologic/geotechnical features such as roadway subgrade stabilization, slope stability analysis, cut/fill slope design, landslide characterization/mitigation, intact rock mass and rock structural mapping, rockfall methods and mitigation, embankment construction, drilling and blasting techniques, foundations, and material source development; AND Experience in preparing and/or reviewing project documents, such as plans, specifications, cost estimates, contact language, and/or solicitations. Although you must first meet the mandatory education requirement, you cannot qualify for the GS-12 grade based on education, you must meet the specialized experience, which is cited above. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will also 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. Geology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the origins and structure of the earth, including the physical forces that have shaped it and its physical and organic history. Administration and Management - Knowledge of planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and production. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply to the GS-11 grade based on education if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of the closing date of this announcement. If selected, the final transcript must be received before your start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

See the Qualifications section for the mandatory education requirements for this series.

Contacts

• Address DOT, FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION Submit Application and Documents Online 1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50 Washington, District of Columbia 20590 United States
• Name: Automated Staffing Office
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]