Engineering Technician (Civil), Subsurface Exploration Crew Lead (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Engineering Technician (Civil), Subsurface Exploration Crew Lead (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Department: Department of Transportation

Location(s): Sevierville, Tennessee

Salary Range: $89508 - $116362 Per Year

Job 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.

Major Duties:

• As an 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.

Qualifications: To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, 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: 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. Technology Application - Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format. 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. 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/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How to Apply: You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting. Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire. You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/ If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: Transjobs@dot.gov

Application Deadline: 2026-05-01