Summary This position is in the Subsurface Exploration Section of the Technical Services Branch, Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) of the Office of Federal Lands Highway, Federal Highway Administration and physically located in Sevierville, Tennessee. The incumbent performs subsurface exploration activities including subsurface exploration relative to the design of roadways, pavements, highway structures, and other assigned exploration activities. Responsibilities As an Engineering Technician (Civil) (Subsurface Exploration Crew Lead), you will: Assure proper utility coordination and adjust the subsurface investigation plan as needed to avoid adverse impacts to any utilities. Safely direct site access and layout of the subsurface exploration locations. Perform subsurface material sampling, identification, and analysis including recording observed subsurface conditions and field engineering classifications/descriptions of soils, rock, and other materials. Assist the engineers in conducting advanced subsurface techniques, such as geophysical surveys and investigations. Interact with other EFLHD personnel, client agency personnel, property owners, and the general public. Obtain soil and rock samples using split-barrel sampler, thin-wall tube sampler, double tube core barrel, and other equipment and techniques. Perform installation, monitoring, and maintenance of geotechnical instrumentation devices. Operate government-owned commercial motor vehicles and drilling equipment and maintain all equipment. Plan, direct, and coordinate various activities and accomplish assigned work in a timely manner. Maintain discipline to ensure that proper procedures are followed toward the accomplishment of assignments in an efficient, cost effective, and safe manner. The ideal candidate should have experience performing subsurface explorations utilizing power drilling, equipment, hand excavation tools, light excavation equipment, geophysical equipment, and other equipment, tools and techniques, and ability to travel and have a valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class A. The candidate will possess solid communication skills to work with internal and external customers. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible for consideration. You must meet specialized experience to qualify. Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: You will be required to complete a background/security investigation and meet preliminary requirements prior to onboarding. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must have a valid State issued Driver's license, and the ability to possess and maintain a Commercial Driver's license. WORKING CONDITIONS: The work is performed outside on a daily basis year-round in all types of weather, often in rough, mountainous terrain. You will be regularly exposed to all types of weather, to high levels of noise, and to potentially hazardous mechanical equipment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: You will be subject to injury while lifting or moving heavy equipment; subject to dust, dirt and fumes while operating equipment; exposed to road hazards and/or danger of overturning when operating drill carriers. The work requires extensive physical effort. Activities such as climbing, heavy lifting, walking, bending, and standing for extended periods of time are routinely performed. TELEWORK: Telework for this position is typically only allowed in emergency situations. Note that if it is allowed, the number of telework days approved will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position. Qualifications 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 the application process so make sure we can verify the specialized experience in your resume. For the GS-12: You must have at least one year of experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, which included: Experience performing subsurface explorations (geotechnical drilling) such as field testing, sampling, identification, and classification of rock and soil materials; AND Experience installing geotechnical instrumentation devices (such as inclinometers and piezometers) and maintaining accurate and detailed field and equipment records; AND Experience in utility coordination and working under temporary traffic control conditions (i.e., lane closure, flagging, etc.). 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: Subsurface Exploration Knowledge - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and methods related to the investigation and evaluation of subsurface soil or geologic conditions and properties for highway structures such as foundation systems, slopes, 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/Leadership - 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. Influences, motivates, and challenges others. 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. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Individual Occupational Requirements for series 0802 (for positions at GS-4 or equivalent and above): This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving applying 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 qualifying specialized experience include technical work in: drafting, surveying construction estimating, physical science, mathematics, aerospace, architecture, chemicals, electrical or mechanical systems, mining, petroleum, or nuclear systems. Experience in a trade or craft may be credited as specialized experience when the work provided intensive knowledge of engineering principles, techniques, methods, and precedents. Examples are trade positions with substantial developmental, test, or design responsibilities such as: Planner and estimator who analyzed designs for production purposes. Instrument maker or model maker who performed design or development work on devices fabricated. For more information refer to: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/engineering-technical-series-0802/ Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.