Summary
As a Structural Engineer, you will provide direction in structural, seismic, and blast engineering for design and construction of new facilities and major renovations. The Public Buildings Service (PBS) Office of Engineering oversees architecture, engineering, urban development, historic preservation, courthouse and border station programs, construction services, and project management. We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Duties
Serve as a national leader representing state-of-the-art structural engineering practices, requiring exceptional communication and organizational skills. Conduct briefings, discussions, and negotiations with high-level agency representatives, GSA management, contract architects, construction firms, and external stakeholders to resolve controversies, promote innovative approaches, and develop consensus. Negotiations frequently involve major structures having unique problems or requiring unusual treatment. Serve as a recognized technical authority and code official in structural, seismic, and blast engineering, as assigned, to all GSA architects, engineers, and project managers as well as partner agencies, contract architects and engineers, construction managers, and construction contract teams. Provide guidance regarding design and construction of new Federal properties plus the repair, alteration, and maintenance of existing Federal properties. Review and comment on reports and other specialized studies performed related to all aspects of structural engineering. Consult and provide expert direction to other specialists on GSA structural design and construction policy regarding new, existing, and leased buildings. Provide leadership and expert advice to GSA Business lines, project teams, personnel, partner agencies, and contract architect-engineers regarding highly specialized structural, seismic, and blast engineering programs. Develop and guide the implementation of new approaches for buildings of major size and complexity based upon legislation and executive directives. Define building standards aimed at mitigating risks from terrorist attacks and natural disasters, serving as a member of the Interagency Security Committee (ISC). These standards frequently surpass those found in model building codes. Their development involves actual blast testing, advanced computer modeling, and collaboration across various agencies. Sustain expertise in the latest developments in the professional engineering field by reviewing technical literature and attending conferences or professional society meetings. Apply new developments in the field of expertise by adapting existing knowledge or applications to fit unique design or construction issues or situations.
Requirements
If selected, you must meet the following conditions: Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service. Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 5 investigation level). You must be granted this clearance before you can start the job. Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment. Serve a one year probationary period, if required Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative drug test result. Frequently visit construction sites which will involve moderate risks, discomfort, and unpleasantness such as high level of noise and vibrations, dust and great machinery, irritant chemicals, weather extremes, etc. Specific safety precautions are required in such instances, as well as the wearing of protective head, hand and footgear.
Education
Note: 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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
How you will be evaluated
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and responses you provide on the application questionnaire. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. You will not be considered for the position if you fail to complete the assessment. You will be assessed on the following competencies: Oral Communication, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail, Self-Management. If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA's Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority. You may preview questions for this vacancy.