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 relative to the design of roadways, pavements, highway structures, and other assigned exploration activities. Responsibilities As a 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 for this position 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. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must have a valid state driver’s license and be fully qualified to operate a government-owned vehicle. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: The work may require walking and climbing in areas with terrain that is difficult to navigate with temperatures that fluctuate from extreme cold to extreme heat and in wet and/or windy weather conditions. TELEWORK: Telework for this position is typically only allowed in emergency situations. Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade. To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 and it must include: 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). KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1) 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. 2) Technology Application - Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format. 3) 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Additional Information The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. This is an open continuous announcement, not to exceed 2 months, with various cut-off dates. We will review applications as needed and refer the top candidates for potential interviews during the open period of the announcement.