General Engineer (Cost Estimator) Job at US Public Buildings Service
Duties
The Office of Design and Construction (ODC) provides national leadership in the design and delivery of public buildings. They support GSA’s regional offices in new construction, major modernization, and other capital projects, from pre-planning through commissioning.
This position has job functions that must be executed within specific geographic locations. The official duty station is a federal facility, leased space, or an alternative worksite (typically the employee’s home) within the specified geographic area. Positions include routine telework that are geographically specific to: Chicago, IL; Springfield, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Madison, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Battle Creek, MI; Grand Rapids, MI; Detroit, MI; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; Fort Snelling, MN and St. Paul, MN. If you are selected for this position you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 45 days. At that time, you may be eligible to request to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency’s telework policy.
Duties include:
- Performing complex calculations to determine the most economical and/or efficient use of materials and government funds, for a wide variety of design, construction and alteration projects.
- Preparing detailed cost estimates for projects of considerable difficulty.
- Reviewing, analyzing and critiquing the work of other engineers and engineering technicians.
- Verifying and ensuring the quantitative accuracy and pricing of cost estimates.
- Implementing analysis of various design alternatives and presenting specific cost information.
- Participating in negotiations with construction company owners or officers, and attorneys in order to settle highly significant or controversial claims.
- Coordinating with other engineers and architects in design development to ensure that all technical areas are covered.
- Consulting with construction contractor personnel to resolve difficult and complex unforeseen problems.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship or National
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must have registered with the Selective Service
- Meet all eligibility requirements within 30 days of closing date
- Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
- Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. 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 this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
- Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
- Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
- Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
- the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
- number of hours per week you worked (if part time)
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
The GS-12 salary range starts at $82,830 per year. Your salary will be dependent upon the location for which you are selected. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGINEERS: A Degree in professional engineering OR a combination of college-level education, training, and/or technical experience. For specifics on qualifying education and/or experience - use the following link: Basic Requirements for Engineer Positions.
In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is developing and evaluating detailed cost estimates during the design and construction phases of projects for new construction, conversion and alternation of commercial Office Buildings, Courthouses, Warehouses and/or Laboratories. This experience must include using cost estimating software to prepare estimates; overseeing total project estimates for assigned projects; coordinating with other engineers and architects in design development and consulting with construction contractor personnel to resolve difficult and complex unforeseen cost problems during construction.
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Education
Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
This position is eligible for the bargaining unit
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #23PBSB497TGMP. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.
GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:
- Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
- Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.
Our commitment is:
- Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
- Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
- Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
You will have access to many benefits including:
- Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
- Life insurance coverage with several options
- Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
- Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
- Flexible work schedules
- Transit and child care subsidies
- Flexible spending accounts
- Long-term care insurance
- Training and development
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application. Here’s how it will work:
You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Professional knowledge of the engineering field as reflected by a bachelor's degree in engineering.
- Practical knowledge of general engineering concepts, principles, and practices of related engineering fields applicable to the design and supervision of construction projects.
- In-depth technical engineering experience applicable to the preparation, review, and analysis of estimates concerned with the cost control and cost analysis of construction work in multistory office buildings, courthouses, warehouses, and laboratories.
- Specialized knowledge of cost and price analysis principles, techniques and business/industry practices sufficient to identify sources; to analyze cost and pricing data; and to evaluate cost figures for reasonableness and fairness.
- Familiarity with all engineering disciplines (e.g., architecture, mechanical, electrical, structural, civil engineering) to ensure that areas of overlapping responsibilities between technical disciplines receive proper design and cost consideration and that total project objectives are met.
Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges:
- Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between 95 - 100
- Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between 85 - 94 (Well Qualified for CTAP/ICTAP)
- Qualified = Candidates scoring between 70 - 84
We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume. If your resume doesn’t support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.
Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.
Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.
If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
You will have access to many benefits including:
- Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
- Life insurance coverage with several options
- Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
- Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
- Flexible work schedules
- Transit and child care subsidies
- Flexible spending accounts
- Long-term care insurance
- Training and development
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
If you are claiming veterans’ preference:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAPeligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
- Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
- Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
- Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
- Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
Agency contact information
Theresa Gibbs
Phone
(312) 353-8177
TDD
1-800-735-2966
Email
theresa.gibbs@gsa.gov
Address
GSA, Public Buildings Service
General Services Administration
Office of Human Resources (CRPD)
230 S. Dearborn Street, Room 3700
Chicago, Illinois 60604
United StatesNext steps
After the closing date/deadline:
- ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
- REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
- SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
- FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
- FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
If you are claiming veterans’ preference:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAPeligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
-
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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