Foreign Service Construction Engineer

Overview
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
08/16/2023 to 09/05/2023
Salary
$76,065 - $150,127 per year
Pay scale & grade
FP 03 - 04
Location
Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic,
MANY vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - A Foreign Service Specialist generally spends the majority of his/her career assigned to the Department of State’s overseas missions. At times, they may serve at unaccompanied posts, away from family, and/or in hardship conditions.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—After completing orientation and initial training in Washington, D.C., Foreign Service Specialists are usually assigned to two overseas tours, each two years in length, directed by the Department. After the initial two tours, assignments will be for periods of one to three years overseas or in the United States.
Appointment type
Permanent - Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Specialist (FSS) Tenure Board.
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
MC
Job family (Series)
0801 General Engineering
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
No
Announcement number
CE-2023-0004
Control number
743261400
Summary
Summary: The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Construction Engineering positions based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department of State and a career in the Foreign Service at https://careers.state.gov.
Joining the Foreign Service is more than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
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This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Must be a U.S. citizen. Read the entire announcement to verify the position requirements and understand a Foreign Service career. Applicants may not reapply for the same position until one year after the application closing date. If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied your suitability in the last two years, you may not apply. [Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs may apply for non-DS positions.]
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Duties
The following are typical duties, performed at various grade levels, in the course of a career as a Construction Engineer (CE).
OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENTS
Although specific assignments vary, most overseas assignments will involve the following major responsibility areas and example tasks:
Project Direction and Coordination
Establishes and manages field office.
Administers contracts.
Negotiates and liaise with host country.
Oversees regional operations.
Coordinates visitors and neighbors.
Acts as liaison between post management and senior management.
Project Management
Manages project activities and schedules.
Ensures proper inventory control.
Manages claims.
Manages records.
Learns and uses information technology.
Replaces contractors when necessary.
Manages risk and balance competing priorities.
Quality Assurance
Approves quality programs.
Ensures quality inspection.
Ensures contractor’s work off-site is properly inspected.
Hires and manages quality assurance staff.
Approves testing laboratories.
Ensures corrective actions take place.
Ensures trades qualifications.
Ensures material compliance with contract requirements.
Financial Management
Plans resource requirements.
Manages budgets and financial controls.
Approves contractor schedule of values.
Approves progress payment requests.
Prepares estimates.
Evaluates impact of proposed project changes.
Ensures financial controls.
Controls costs.
Safety
Approves safety program.
Ensures safety training and equipment.
Monitors safety.
Security
Ensures security awareness and protection.
Coordinates the management of security staff.
Ensures document security.
Preconstruction
Performs design review.
Performs constructability review.
Evaluates host-country conditions.
Commissioning and Close-Out
Coordinates commissioning of systems.
Coordinates close outs.
Coordinates final inspections.
Provides warranty support.
Coordinates with the commissioning agent.
Ensures hand-over of spare parts and materials.
Coordinates schedule of other installation tasks.
Ensures commissioning training.
Supports transition from construction to operations.
Participates in relocation.
Ensures proper demobilization.
Provides contractor performance ratings.
DOMESTIC ASSIGNMENTS
Although specific assignments vary, most overseas assignments will involve the following major responsibility areas and example tasks:
Project Development
Participates in design of new construction.
Develops construction general requirements.
Participates in planning.
Recommends procurement and execution strategies.
Informs project schedule and support requirements.
Advocates for operability concerns.
Ensures security management plans developed.
Participates in technical evaluation panels to evaluate bids.
Assists in prequalifying bidders.
Provides guidance to contractors.
Serves as construction subject matter expert.
Project Support
Coordinates construction projects team mobilization.
Coordinates procurement.
Coordinates with security.
Travels to project sites.
Makes recommendations to contracting officer.
Prepares progress information.
Provides temporary supervision of projects when needed.
Administrative Support
Performs administrative tasks to support overseas projects.
Supports data management.
Participates in recruiting and hiring.
Receives training.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Some of the essential functions of the job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, Construction Engineers MUST have the ability to:
Work in confined areas such as crawl spaces, attics, utility pits, tunnels, utility access holes, and other confined spaces;
Work from heights such as rooftops, ledges, scaffolding, including climbing extension ladders and scaffolding;
Move and handle heavy objects (up to 50 pounds of weight) such as equipment, tools, and other building materials;
See objects that are near, far, in color, or at night, possibly including depth perception; and
Hear speech or other sounds, possibly including sufficient sensitivity to hear sounds of low volume or in noisy environments;
Manage periodic work that requires regular and recurring periods of prolonged standing, bending, and stretching.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.
Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Be able to meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.*
Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).**
The Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ (OBO) Office of Construction Management is responsible for managing the Department of State’s multi-billion-dollar portfolio of construction projects overseas. A Construction Engineer (CE) is a member of a U.S. government (USG) team that ensures construction is professionally performed according to applicable plans, specifications, schedules, and standards. The CE must adhere to the highest standards of integrity, dependability, attention to detail, teamwork and cooperation while accepting the need to travel, to live overseas, and when necessary, to live away from family.
In addition to Education requirements, applicants MUST possess a minimum of:

• Three years of Specialized Experience for consideration at FP-04 level
• Five years of Specialized Experience for consideration at FP-03 level

Qualifications
Specialized Experience:
Specialized experience demonstrates that the applicant has acquired, and is able to apply, a combination of specific knowledge, skills, and abilities appropriate to a Foreign Service Construction Engineer position. Specialized Experience MUST show that applicants have an in-depth knowledge of their field and can perform engineering or architectural duties related to construction at Department of State projects in varying locations and conditions. Applicants MUST demonstrate that their job-related experience has been at progressively increasing levels of performance and responsibility through such indicators as promotions, raises, increases in duties and responsibilities, and organizational and employee impact.
Specialized experience MUST have been obtained through assignments to field sites on vertical construction projects. Vertical construction projects include, but are not limited to:
Multi-story buildings;
Large-scale residential and commercial developments; and
Warehouses.
At the time of application, applicants MUST possess at least three years’ Specialized Experience in the last 10 years, working in the field on major vertical construction projects, to be considered for this position.
Applicants who have a Master of Architecture or Master of Engineering in one of the disciplines listed under Education and from a program meeting the accreditation requirements, in addition to possessing a qualifying Bachelor of Science degree in the majors listed under Education, qualify to substitute the Master’s degree for one year of Specialized Experience toward satisfying the minimum requirement for Specialized Experience. Transcripts for both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees must be submitted with the application.
Examples of Specialized Experience include, but are not limited to:
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.
Inspecting construction techniques, procedures, standards, and materials to ensure construction is performed in accordance with applicable plans and specifications.
Applying quality control and quality assurance practices and procedures to construction projects and applying test procedures and equipment.
Applying safety practices and procedures to construction projects.
Developing and applying construction scheduling techniques, monitoring project progress, identifying causes for delays, and developing and taking corrective action.
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.
Analyzing and negotiating pending contract change orders, potential or actual claims, and acceptable cost and time settlements.
Applying computer software to construction project management and fiscal control.
Recognizing impending problems, developing options for action, and recommending solutions.
Preparing and delivering presentations and reports on project status and recommendations.
Demonstrating effective verbal and written communications skills with technical and non-technical personnel.
Displaying effective leadership, team building and consensus building skills with colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES (KSAs)
The applicant’s experience, education, and training MUST show that they have an in-depth knowledge of their field and possess the knowledge, skills and abilities appropriate to this Foreign Service position. The applicant MUST have the ability to:
Knowledge
Knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
Knowledge of building and construction.
Knowledge of vertical construction.
Knowledge of design.
Knowledge of architectural and engineering drawings.
Knowledge of emerging technologies and industry trends.
Knowledge of construction tools and equipment.
Knowledge of construction costs.
Knowledge of construction safety practices and procedures.
Knowledge of project management principles.
Knowledge of scheduling.
Knowledge of risk management.
Knowledge of statements of work.
Knowledge of commissioning.
Knowledge of administration and management.
Knowledge of budget management.
Knowledge of computers.
Knowledge of mathematics.
Skills
Skill in writing statements of work.
Skill in producing and reading architectural and engineering drawings.
Skill in administering contracts.
Skill in establishing procedures.
Skill in project management.
Skill in time management.
Skill in resource management.
Skill in risk analysis.
Skill in leadership and staff supervision.
Skill in motivating employees and others.
Skill in managing laterally and upward.
Skill in personnel evaluating and interviewing.
Skill in interpersonal relationships.
Skill in building relationships.
Skill in providing customer service.
Skill in working with others with diverse backgrounds.
Skill in leading a multinational workgroup.
Skill in running meetings.
Skill in teamwork.
Skill in coordination with external stakeholders.
Skill in critical thinking.
Skill in creative problem solving.
Skill in decision making.
Skill in written communication.
Skill in reporting.
Skill in oral communication.
Skill in active listening.
Skill in negotiation.
Skill in computer technology.
Skill in knowledge management.
Skill in data analysis.
Skill in research.
Skill in being adaptable and resilient.
Skill in self-development.
Other Requirements
Cross-cultural interest.
Tolerance for working overseas.
Tolerance of varying work environments.
Acceptance of assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service.
Tolerance of living away from family.
Continuous learning.
Accountability.
Attention to detail.
Dependability.
Integrity.
Willingness to perform other duties.
Education
Applicants must demonstrate at the time of application they possess one of the following:
Bachelor of Science from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in one of the following:
Civil/Structural Engineering
Construction Engineering Technologies
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Architectural Engineering
Bachelor of Architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB); or
Master of Architecture from a program accredited by NAAB.
Applicants MUST submit a copy of their university transcript(s) with their application.
Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application, however, your transcript must be complete (no missing pages), and must include your name, the school’s name, and the degree and date awarded. A transcript missing any of these elements will not pass the minimum qualifications and your candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to be counted towards your qualifications.
Foreign Education
Degrees in the above-mentioned majors, completed at foreign schools without ABET or NAAB accreditation, may be used to fulfill the education requirements for this position if:
A foreign engineering degree, in one of the above-mentioned majors, may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that expected of a candidate with U.S. credentials. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue. Applicants must provide a copy of the letter issued by the credential evaluation service that indicates the education standards have been met. This documentation must be included in your application for your candidacy to be considered.
Applicants must also hold a current engineering license from a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Applicants must submit a copy of their current license to demonstrate this requirement for their candidacy to be considered. Expired licenses will not be accepted.
OR
A foreign architectural degree must have been evaluated by the National Architectural Accrediting Board's Education Evaluation Services for Architects, and found to be legitimate and comparable to that expected of a candidate with U.S. credentials. Applicants must provide a copy of the letter issued by NAAB that indicates the education standards have been met. This documentation must be included in your application for your candidacy to be considered.
Applicants also must hold a current professional architecture or engineering license from a U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Applicants must submit a copy of their current license to demonstrate this requirement for their candidacy to be considered. Expired licenses will not be accepted.
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education.
OPM: www.opm.gov
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov
Additional information
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department at [email protected], within one week of receiving their invitation to the oral assessment. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

• The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/.

**For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, please visit: http://careers.state.gov/faqs/faqs-wiki/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference-
No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.
A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be an Foreign Service Specialist in the same skill code, but may apply for another skill code (or to be a Foreign Service Generalist).
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 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.
Benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, 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. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
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Required Documents
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in the application not being considered further.
Résumé from USAJobs Résumé Builder, the only résumé format accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
Complete online application, including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives.
All required supporting documentation, including transcripts, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted.
Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5-pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. If claiming a 10-pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service at the time of your application. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). Compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be complete in the online application.
Substantive Knowledge: Describe your education and work experience that demonstrates you have the various knowledge areas required of a Construction Engineer. Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Managerial Skills: Describe examples of past accomplishments that demonstrate your skill in planning and organizing, customer service, attention to technical detail, and other skills needed to administer contracts. Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Interpersonal Skills: Provide an example that demonstrates you are skilled at working with others in difficult situations.
Intellectual Skills: Provide examples demonstrating your ability to think logically and objectively, to analyze data and situations, and to apply sound judgment in solving problems and assessing implications of alternative solutions. Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Communication Skills: Provide examples displaying your ability to communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing, including explaining technical concepts to laypersons. Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Leadership Skills: Describe a time when you identified a serious problem that required immediate action where you had to exhibit leadership to motivate and guide others to solve the problem. What leadership principles did you use? Maximum length of 2,000 characters. Answer to this question is required.
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest, which discusses your:
Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,
Relevant work experience, including any unique strengths not described elsewhere such as special skills (e.g. computer), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position,
Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in the United States.
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How to Apply
Submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date/time to be considered. There are no exceptions.
From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and login to your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
Follow the USAJobs Application Process and submit your required USAJobs federal resume online.
USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions and answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and edit your application on USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
Upload all required documentation.
After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review your entire application packet, including any links or attachments.
Confirm and submit your application package.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are submitted and the application is complete before the closing deadline. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further. There are no exceptions.
Submit your application early and verify that your documents are attached. You may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement.
If you experience technical difficulties with the application, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing [email protected]. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist hiring process, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.