General Engineer

Summary

Do you have experience in facilities construction, renovation, design, energy usage, or stewardship? If so, consider joining the one of the below programs! Please see the duties section for more information for each.

The Division of Design and Construction Management (DDCM)

The Division of Facilities Maintenance and Operations (DFOM)

The Division of Facilities Stewardship (DFS)

The Division of Technical Resources (DTR)

The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Learn more about this agency

Duties

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As a General Engineer, you will:

• Lead planning and design work for substantial multi-phase new construction, renovation, and improvement projects for a variety of real property facilities.
• Lead site investigations and evaluate data obtained to determine feasibility, topography, and site configuration or condition of structure and essential data prior to initiating design.
• Direct the preparation of detailed fee estimates and the pertinent correspondence, plans, reports and A/E contract criteria necessary for project completion.
• Monitor project reviews, readjusting money, schedules and work required to complete assigned projects.
• Perform final acceptance inspections and complete all administrative actions required to close out assigned projects.
• Use information management, project tracking and computer aided design and drafting (CADD) programs to solve engineering problems and facilitate work.
• Ensure construction contractors are meeting local, state and federal health and safety requirements.

For Division of Design and Construction Management (DDCM): The DDCM leads and manages the NIH research facilities program for engineering, architecture, and construction from planning through contract closeout. DDCM supports the NIH biomedical research mission by providing facility solutions to support intramural research and related functions at the ~300-acre Bethesda campus. DDCM engineering positions provide the opportunity to work in the field of biomedical research planning, design, and construction. DDCM provides a diverse operating environment including working with all NIH Institutes to deliver construction projects. DDCM projects provide engineers the ability to work in a variety of engineering roles and be involved in building cutting edge research facilities that are truly one of a kind. DDCM engineers partner with researchers and develop solutions to support research facility needs.

For the Division of Facilities Operations and Maintenance (DFOM): The DFOM oversees the operations, maintenance, repair, and renovation of all NIH owned/leased facilities and utility systems. Within DFOM, our engineers are responsible for centralized program management for Animal Facility Accreditation, Biocontainment (CDC) Certification, Patient Care (TJC) Accreditation, and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing cGMP and USP (FDA) Certification. Our engineers provide support for troubleshooting complex mechanical, electrical and automation software related challenges. We perform inspections, support incident response investigations, and lead programs that ensure critical environmental parameters are maintained for continued research and care by our NIH IC colleagues.

For Division of Facilities Stewardship (DFS): The DFS performs portfolio assessments and develops and promotes plans, programs, projects, and policies to improve facilities' condition, performance, and energy and water use. DFS is responsible for the alignment of building mechanical systems, campus-wide electrical systems, and Clinical Center facilities systems with long term NIH master plans.

For Division of Technical Resources (DTR): DTR provides technical expertise and consultation, comprehensive design reviews, quality assurance, and oversight of design and construction documents for NIH intramural and extramural biomedical research facilities, animal research facilities, aseptic production facilities, healthcare facilities, data centers, the NIH Central Utilities Plant (CUP), and Cogeneration (COGEN) Plant. DTR also develops and maintains ORF policies and national and international standards governing the design, construction, commissioning, biocontainment certification, operation, and maintenance of NIH facilities. These requirements apply to new, renovated, and leased facilities within NIH's intramural and extramural design and construction programs, as well as to select grantee facilities.

DTR consists of Engineering and Operations groups supporting the overall NIH/ORF mission: Central Utilities Plant (CUP) and Cogeneration (COGEN) Plant, Facilities Compliance and Inspection, Standards and Policy, Technical Support, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Application, Utilities Distribution, Utilities System Design and Technical Services, Strategic Planning and Management Operations (SPMO) and Administrative Management and Operations (AMO). Refer to the DTR website for additional information. DTR is hiring Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Computer Science, Controls and Automation Engineers.

The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) works to successfully advance its core mission through robust waste management programs, regulatory compliance activities, environmental initiatives and strategic operational improvements. We achieve this by fostering environmental stewardship, maintaining high performance standards, and cost-effective practices to protect human health and safeguarding the air, water and land.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Incentives may be offered to eligible applicants, see additional information section.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Position requires Education. Please submit transcripts (See "Qualifications" section of this announcement).
• Position requires financial disclosure, OGE-450 required.
• This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave.
• Based on your appointment, a one-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Military Spouses selected from this announcement will remain in their current duty location (i.e., the official duty station of the military service member.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration.
• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.

Qualifications

In order to meet the Basic Qualification Requirements of a General Engineer, GS-0801 position, you must have:

A. a degree in professional engineering from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; OR

B. a degree in professional engineering that includes differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced that first-year physics and chemistry) in 5 of the following 7 areas of engineering science or physics: (1) statics, dynamics; (2) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (3) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (4) thermodynamics; (5) electrical fields and circuits; (6) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (7) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics; OR

C. be registered as a professional engineer by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico; OR

D. be currently registered as an Engineering Intern (EI) or an Engineer in Training (EIT); OR

E. successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.; OR

F. successfully completed at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum as described above; OR

G. successfully completed a curriculum that led to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology OR in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology AND have at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.

In addition to the Basic Qualifications above, to qualify for a General Engineer, GS-0801 position at the GS-11 level, you must have:

A. 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree that is directly related to the duties of this position, OR I have completed the requirements for such a degree in an appropriate field of engineering; OR

B. 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) Assisting in evaluating design and construction objectives and preparing preliminary designs. 2.) Investigating project sites to determine the condition of a facility or property. 3.) Preparing fee estimates. AND 4.) Making detailed reports listing omissions and defects and assure the correction of all omissions and defects listed.; OR

C. a combination of post graduate education and experience that is directly related to the duties of this position that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

In addition to the Basic Qualifications above, to qualify for a General Engineer, GS-0801 position at the GS-12 level , you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) Conferring with customers regarding design and construction requirements, material needs, building limitations and functional use of space. 2.) Investigating project sites to determine the condition of a facility or property. 3.) Preparing specifications and detailed cost estimates for use in bid evaluations and change order requests. AND 4.) Making final inspections, checking all phases of contract compliance with specifications and drawings.

In addition to the Basic Qualifications above, to qualify for a General Engineer, GS-0801 position at the GS-13 level , you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) Evaluating design and construction objectives and identifying the most economical and efficient procedures for building renovation, design and construction. 2.) Preparing detailed fee estimates and A/E contract criteria necessary for project completion. 3.) Conducting studies and developing plans, specifications, and construction requirements such as schedules, costs, labor and materials. 4.) Coordinating construction projects and resolving problems or conflicts that impede the progress and timely completion of construction projects. AND 5.) Interpreting building codes, regulations, construction standards and guidelines.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay.

Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview application questionnaire before you apply:

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Additional information

• If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.
• NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active-duty uniformed service that otherwise would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position being filled and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• A newly appointed or reappointed individual may receive a recruitment incentive. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• A current federal government employee may receive a relocation incentive if moving from a different geographic location. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
• If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation.
• If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency. This information is required annually. For information, visit the NIH Ethics website:

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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