Basic Requirements (OPM Qualification Standards)

A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must:

1. Lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET;
2. Include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR B. Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

1. Professional registration or licensure (EI, EIT, or PE).
2. Written Test (successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination).
3. Specified academic courses (successful completion of at least 60 semester hours in physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences).
4. Related curriculum (bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, provided the applicant has at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance).

Specialized Experience

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-11), or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include:

• Knowledge of civil engineering concepts, principles, and practices applicable to a broad range of engineering, construction management, life cycle management, etc., and related assignments.
• Knowledge of design and construction practices and techniques in establishing design parameters and preparing project justifications and specifications.
• Knowledge of drafting techniques and conventions and drafting skills sufficient to convey design concepts and ideas and formulate working drawings.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with related fields of work such as architectural, electrical, mechanical, structural and environmental engineering sufficient to ensure that areas of overlapping responsibilities receive proper design considerations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Professional knowledge of civil engineering concepts, principles, and practices and familiarity with architectural and other engineering disciplines.
2. Knowledge of a broad range of engineering and construction standards, methods, practices, and techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulations; standard contracting regulations, practices, and procedures as it relates to facilities engineering; knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements.
3. Knowledge of automated data processing concepts, systems capabilities, and economic usage to effectively accomplish assigned functions; and knowledge of program planning and budgeting cycles, financial control and budget systems and management.
4. Knowledge of aesthetic and functional design techniques and skill in preparing project documentation, to include preliminary drawings, sketches, and construction drawings; and technique/skill in drafting sufficient to convey design concepts and ideas and formulate working drawings.
5. Ability to plan, conduct and record site/facilities surveys and inspection; to analyze, interpret, and apply results, rules, regulations, and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend timely and economical solutions.
6. Ability to plan and organize work and coordinate with other engineering disciplines and architects; and communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain good working relationships.