Engineering Technician (Materials) (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

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/

To determine if you are eligible, review the following grade specific details.  You will be asked questions as part of your application but make sure to verify how you meet this experience in your resume, and/or upload the applicable education documents, or you may be deemed ineligible.  

For the GS-09:

On Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience, equal or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, which included:

• Experience applying American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), or special provision procedures and equipment used in the preparation, design, and evaluation of materials; AND
• Experience performing laboratory tests and interpreting and reporting test results on a range of material typically used in highway and bridge constructions, such as soils, aggregates, bituminous mixtures, asphalt cements, and concrete; AND
• Experience providing recommendations for modifications in materials sampling and testing.

Note that specialized experience requirements can be met by qualifying experience at the second lower grade level (GS-7), since no intervening GS-8 level positions exist in the normal line of progression for this occupation in this organization/location. Time in grade requirements for the GS-9 position can be met by experience at the second lower grade level (GS-7), since no GS-8 level positions exist in the normal line of progression for this occupation in this organization/location.

Or on Education, you must have at least two (2) full years of graduate education or a master's degree or equivalent with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, construction, or industrial technology.

You can also have a combination of the graduate education and specialized experience listed above.  This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

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:

1. Materials Engineering Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of highway materials testing equipment, techniques and procedures. Knowledge of AASHTO, ASTM, and other standard specifications for highway construction materials.
2. Technical Competence: Skill in operating various types of highway material test equipment in a laboratory environment.
3. Communication Skills: Ability to coordinate work and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing within a team environment.

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.

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.  

Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.