Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian Gardens (SG) within the Smithsonian Institution (SI). Smithsonian Gardens is a recognized collections unit which manages collections of garden artifacts, living plants and the Archives of American Gardens. Responsibilities The Engineering Technician provides technical assistance, monitors project installation, renovation, construction for the Unit. The Engineering Technician will also provide space survey and customer project services. In this position, you will: Review documents, technical plans, and project specifications produced by the Smithsonian’s outside architectural/engineering firms to ensure that the Unit’s needs are met. Assist in coordinating and monitoring work on assigned projects performed in the gardens. Assist in preparation of written reports, especially on decisions that must be approved by the Unit leadership. Assist in ensuring that contractor work is accomplished with the least amount of disruption to ongoing Unit activities. Perform duties as the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) for various garden-related projects. Requirements Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation May need to complete a Probationary Period Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service. Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website. Qualifications GS:9: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system. For this position specialized experience is defined as working in general construction trade (building or removing structures); performing site work such as surveying, excavating and drainage, site utilities and paving; installing landscape projects; and reviewing project submittals. Experience must also include installing, maintaining stormwater or irrigation systems; and grading or amending soils to prepare sites for construction or landscape improvements. Or Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B., or J.D. related to the position. Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. GS:11: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system. For this position specialized experience is defined as working in general construction trade (building or removing structures); performing site work such as surveying, excavating and drainage, site utilities and paving; landscape installation projects; and reviewing project submittals. Experience must also include installing, maintaining stormwater or irrigation systems; and grading or amending soils to prepare sites for construction or landscape improvements; providing contractor oversight, reviewing scopes of work and facilitating meetings to discuss regular construction project progress. Or Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., related to the position. Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. 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. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Education Additional Information This position is included in the bargaining unit. Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Office of Human Resources. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; and, Beginning and ending dates of appointment. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.