U.S. Department of State

Construction Engineer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State
An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply

Announcement No: CON-2012-0002
Opening Date: November 09, 2011
Closing Date: December 16, 2011

Position Title: Construction Engineer

Grade and Starting Salary Range: FP-04, $53,003 to $77,837

Promotion Potential: FE-MC

Duty Locations: MANY vacancies Throughout the World, WW

For more information, Contact: HR/REE, 202-203-5173 ConVacancyInfo@state.gov

Who May Apply:

All potential applicants are strongly urged to read this entire Vacancy Information to ensure that they meet all of the requirements for this position before applying.

Applicants must be American citizens and at least 20 years old to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed. By law, all career candidates must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month in which they reach age 60.

Summary:

Competitive Promotion and Within-Grade Increases:

Construction Engineers are eligible to compete for promotion to the Senior Foreign Service level in line with Department of State policies. All promotions are competitive, with panels selecting promotees based on published criteria and quality of performance. Performance is evaluated annually, in writing, by the supervisor.

In general, Foreign Service employees with documented satisfactory performance are eligible to receive a within-grade step increase annually up through step 10 and biannually from step 10 through 14.

Key Requirements

All applicants, in order to be considered for selection, must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 20 years old to apply and at least 21 years of age to be appointed. By law (Foreign Service Act of 1980), all career candidates (except for preference-eligible veterans) must be appointed to the Foreign Service prior to the month in which they reach age 60.
• Must be available for worldwide service.
• Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Be able to obtain an appropriate medical clearance for Foreign Service work.
• Obtain a Suitability Clearance, based on a review of the candidate's record for conduct that falls short of suitability standards defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more details see http://careers.state.gov/specialist/selection-process or http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam.

Major Duties:

The following are typical duties, performed at various grade levels, in the course of a career as a Foreign Service Construction Engineer.

In Overseas Assignments:

1. Performs quality assurance tasks, including approving quality programs, hiring and managing quality assurance staff, ensuring contractor's work is properly inspected, selecting laboratories for testing, ensuring corrective actions take place, ensuring trades are certified, ensuring materials meet contract, accepting contractor submittals, and resolving conflicts.



2. Performs financial control tasks, including approving progress payment requests, preparing estimates, evaluating changes in costs, evaluating contractor's claims, establishing procedures for petty cash, controlling costs, and monitoring schedule.



3. Performs safety tasks, including approving safety program, monitoring safety, ensuring safety training and equipment, and ensuring health requirements.



4. Performs security tasks, including approving security program, managing security staff, monitoring security, ensuring document security, and coordinating final inspections.



5. Performs preconstruction tasks, including performing design reviews and constructability reviews.



6. Performs administration tasks, including managing the site office, approving budgets, preparing inventory, contracting with local employees, preparing reports and files, liaising with local officials and utilities, performing contracting officer duties, ensuring proper inventory control, and performing other site obligations (e.g., tours).



7. Performs commissioning tasks, including coordinating close outs, commissioning of systems, managing the commissioning agent, providing warranty support, ensuring commissioning training, and participating in relocation.

In a Washington Assignment:

1. Performs project support tasks, including prequalifying bidders, evaluating bids, participating in design of new construction, providing guidance to contractors, coordinating construction projects, coordinating procurement, traveling to project sites, making recommendations to contracting officer, organizing meetings, preparing progress information, providing supervision, and participating in planning.



2. Performs administrative support tasks, including developing special contract provisions, participating in policy/procedure development, and receiving training.

Education:

In addition to the general requirements for employment in the Foreign Service, all Construction Engineer candidates must have at least a Bachelor's degree at the time of appointment, as indicated below.

Requirements

Specialized Experience Requirements:

Specialized experience should show that applicants have an in-depth knowledge of their field and can be expected to perform engineering or architectural duties related to construction at Department of State projects worldwide. Specialized experience obtained through assignments to field sites on vertical construction projects will be given the most favorable consideration. Vertical construction projects are not limited to but include multi-story buildings, large-scale residential communities and warehouses.

Applicants should show that their job-related experience has been at progressively increasing levels of performance and responsibility through such indicators as promotions, raises, and increases in scope, authority, impact, etc.

Specialized experience requirements will be judged based on the past performance of activities such as:

1. Reviewing, interpreting, and checking construction drawings, architectural plans, engineering drawings, and other specifications to ensure compliance, recognize errors, ambiguities, or omissions and provide corrective recommendations.



2. Inspecting construction techniques, procedures, standards, and materials to ensure construction is performed in accordance with applicable plans and specifications.



3. Applying quality control and quality assurance practices and procedures to construction projects, and applying test procedures and equipment.



4. Applying safety practices and procedures to construction projects.



5. Developing and applying construction scheduling techniques, monitoring project progress, identifying causes for delays, and developing and taking corrective action.



6. Managing financial elements of a construction project, such as monitoring construction project costs, reviewing and certifying contractor requests for progress payments, forecasting total construction costs, and managing budgets.



7. Analyzing and negotiating pending contract change orders, potential or actual claims, and acceptable cost and time settlements.



8. Applying computer software to construction project management and fiscal control.



9. Recognizing impending problems, developing options for action, and recommending solutions.



10. Preparing and delivering presentations and reports on project status and recommendations.



11. Demonstrating effective verbal and written communications skills with technical and non-technical personnel.



12. Displaying effective leadership, team building and consensus building skills with colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates.

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience:

A master's degree in a construction-related discipline may be substituted for one year of specialized experience or a doctoral degree in a construction-related discipline may be substituted for two years experience toward satisfying the five-year minimum requirement for specialized experience.

Qualifications That Are Desirable But Not Required To Be Considered for Employment:

1. Design experience on construction projects.
2. Fluency in a foreign language.
3. A professional license in the applicant's field of specialty or an Engineer in Training Certificate. (Applicants who are unlicensed architects participating in an Intern Development Program should so state.)
4. Advanced degree in the applicant's field of specialty.
5. Experience with vertical construction projects outside the United States.
6. Demonstrated working knowledge of related engineering fields other than applicant's field of specialty.

Knowledge, Skill, Ability, and Other Requirements (KSAOs):

Through education and work experience, candidates should show they meet most if not all of the following job requirements:

1. Knowledge of construction drawings, design, building and construction, vertical construction, administration and management, contract law and legal principles, commissioning, engineering and technology, scheduling, budget management, computers, safety and security, construction costs, and mathematics.



2. Specialized skill in administering contracts, planning and organizing, leadership, practical construction, establishing procedures, and providing customer service.



3. General skill in reading comprehension, mathematics, critical thinking, complex problem solving, monitoring, coordinating, active listening, writing, speaking, instructing, persuading, negotiating, judging and decision making, active learning, managing financial resources, managing personnel resources, managing material resources, social perceptiveness, service orientation, quality control analysis, equipment selection, operations analysis, and systems evaluation.



4. Ability to see objects that are near, far, in color, or at night, including good depth perception; hear speech or other sounds; speak clearly enough so others will understand; walk moderate distances, climb stairs; access work stations and vehicles; maintain attention for extended periods or work long hours; tolerate physical discomforts such as heat, cold, noise, pollution, etc.; perform movements repeatedly or continually, possibly including standing for extended periods or taking frequent extended trips by plane or car; bend, stretch, stoop, twist, and/or reach; manipulate objects with hands or fingers; and lift, push, pull, carry, climb ladders, or balance.

Evaluations

How Candidates Will Be Evaluated:

Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, technical and writing skills, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications.

Qualifications

Education Requirements:

1. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) within a college or university in one or more of the following disciplines:
   
   • Architecture or Architectural Engineering
   • Construction Engineering or Construction Management
   • Civil/Structural Engineering
   • Electrical Engineering
   • Mechanical Engineering
     
     
2. Degrees received from non-U.S. colleges or universities will be considered acceptable based on any of the following evidences:
   
   
   1. The degree holder was accepted for advanced study by an accredited program in a U.S. college or university recognized by the ABET, NAAB or ACCE.
   2. A state university in the U.S. accepts the institution as one whose transcript is given full value in subject areas applicable to the curriculum at the state university and is a recognized non-U.S. equivalent program by the ABET, NAAB or ACCE.
   3. The candidate submits an evaluation of completed course work from an organization recognized for accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education, the Council on Post Secondary Accreditation or an accredited U.S. college or university.
   4. The candidate presents evidence of registration as a professional engineer or architect by any state in the U.S.

How to Apply

To apply, applicants must first register on USAJOBS at http://state.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/302606000 and create an online federal resume.

Your online resume must be typed or you may cut and paste an existing resume into the space provided. Once you have completed the registration applications must be submitted electronically through the "Gateway to State" system.

To begin the application process, please click on the "Apply Online" button to the right. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is December 16, 2011.

As part of the online application, applicants will be asked to submit the following required documents:

Required Documents

.

A. College Transcripts:

Applicants have the option to upload or fax their transcripts. To submit the transcripts by fax, applicants will be prompted to print out a fax coversheet once they have successfully submitted their application. Instructions for submitting these forms are included in the online application. The transcript must be faxed before the closing date of this announcement, which is 11:59pm eastern time.

Both official and unofficial transcripts are acceptable as part of the application process. If you are selected for an interview you will be asked to bring your official transcripts to your oral assessment. Also bring copies of any Professional Engineering Registration or Certificate of Engineer in Training, or Architect License, if applicable. These materials become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned.

B. Supplementary Questionnaire:

The Supplementary Questionnaire in the application provides an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education and life and work experience that show you have the knowledge skills and abilities listed above for the job of construction engineer. Examples can be drawn from any part of your personal experience. The information you give may be used in your oral assessment/interview should you be invited and is an important factor in the competitive evaluation of applicants. Compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Construction Engineer is the ability to write clearly and concisely.

Purpose: The Supplementary Questionnaire provides an opportunity to describe examples of your experience and accomplishments from your education and life and work experience that show you have the knowledge skills and abilities listed in the Vacancy Announcement for the position of construction engineer. You can draw examples from any part of your personal experience. The information you give may be used in your oral assessment/interview should you be invited. It is an important factor in the competitive evaluation of applicants. Compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Construction Engineer is the ability to write clearly and concisely.

Instructions: During the application process, you will be asked to individually address each of the numbered items listed below, limiting responses to 2,000 characters or less for each item. Examples can be drawn from any part of your personal experience. You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Construction Engineer is the ability to write clearly and concisely.

1. Knowledge of Construction: Describe your education and work experience that demonstrate you have the various knowledge areas required of a construction engineer.



2. Skill in Administering Contracts: Describe examples of past accomplishments that demonstrate your skill in planning and organizing, leadership, customer service, and other skills needed to administer contracts.



3. Problem Solving: Give examples demonstrating your ability to think logically and objectively, to analyze problems, and to apply sound judgment in assessing the practical implications of alternative solutions.



4. Communication Skills: Give examples displaying your ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing.



5. Computer Skills: Describe specific instances which show the extent to which you used computer software to manage construction-related projects.



6. Cite specific examples from your background and experience, summarize your professional knowledge, skills and abilities which would apply to a career as a Foreign Service Construction Engineer.

C. Autobiography

A maximum 5,000 word (8,000 character) autobiography which discusses your:

• Your motivation for a career in the Foreign Service, especially as a Foreign Service Construction Engineer



• Your ability to work toward a common goal. Give examples of instances where you have led a team in the accomplishment of a specific goal



• Examples which demonstrate your organizational and planning skills in accomplishing complex tasks according to a firm schedule.



• How you would add value to the Foreign Service by the knowledge skills and abilities you would bring to the job of Construction Engineer;



• Any professional experience not included in this application, which would be relevant to this position.

In cases where education is substituted for experience, copies of college transcripts, diplomas, etc. must be presented at the time of oral assessment. At the same time bring a copy of your Professional Engineering Registration or Certificate of Engineer in Training, or Architect License, if applicable. These materials become the property of the Department of State and will not be returned.

Selected candidates: Please note all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the oral assessment are the responsibility of the candidate.

What to Expect Next

All applicants will be notified within a few weeks after the closing date of the announcement via e-mail of the outcome of their applications. Selected candidates will be invited to come for an oral assessment at the Department of State, Washington, D.C.

If you are invited to an Oral Assessment, you will receive instructions on how to access and file for your Top Secret Clearance and your Suitability clearance.

Please note all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the oral assessment are the responsibility of the candidate.

Benefits

A partial list of benefits include: Health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, generous paid leave, and an unprecedented chance to see the world and experience different cultures. Overseas benefits include paid housing or a housing allowance and paid education for dependent children between K-12.

Initial Career Development Assignments:

Upon entry into the Foreign Service and after completion of orientation and familiarization training, a Construction Engineer will normally be assigned to an initial tour in Washington, D.C. during which temporary overseas duty assignments of two to six weeks are common. After the initial tour, assignments will be for periods of two to four years overseas or in the U.S. and will be based on the Department needs, career development requirements and personal preferences.

Career Track Movement:

Promotions beyond FP-04 are based on annual performance evaluations in competition with other Construction Engineers at the same grade level. Available promotions are awarded to those who have best demonstrated the ability and potential to perform at a higher level of responsibility.

Assignment opportunities for Construction Engineers range from grade FP-04 entry level positions up to Senior Foreign Service. Entry-level positions provide technical, logistic and administrative support to overseas construction projects while the Senior Foreign Service is responsible for overall senior level management of major construction projects overseas and programs in Washington.

Initial Salary, Salary Increases and Tenure:

Initial salaries for new employees are set within the FP-04 pay scale depending on education, specialized experience and salary history. Salaries are determined at the time the offer of employment is made.

Entry level salary for federal Civil Service candidates appointed without a break in service is set at the rate in the FP-04 Foreign Service salary schedule nearest to the base salary rate of their previous GS salary, provided the work performed in the previous position is related to Construction Engineering activities.

In general, persons with satisfactory performance ratings receive a within-grade salary increase annually through step 10 and biennially through step 14 if they have not received an equivalent increase during that period.

Foreign Service Specialist Career Candidates are considered for tenure by a Tenuring Board after a minimum of two years experience in the Foreign Service.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 310, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

The Department of State is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity. The Department provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department. All decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case- by-case basis.