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Job Title: INTERDISCIPLINARY POSITION: CIVIL ENGINEER, GS-810-9/11/12; OR HYDROLOGIST, GS-1315-9/11/12

Department: Department Of The Interior

Agency: Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Job Announcement Number: CRPA-D9003


SALARY RANGE:

46,625.00 - 87,893.00 USD /year
GS-9/11/12

OPEN PERIOD:

Monday, December 07, 2009 to Tuesday, December 07, 2010

SERIES & GRADE:

GS-1315
0810-9/12

POSITION INFORMATION:

Full-Time Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:

Yes

DUTY LOCATIONS:

1 vacancy - Gallup, NM

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:

Open to all qualified candidates outside the federal workforce, federal employees who do not have competitive service status, or federal employees with competitive service status.


JOB SUMMARY:

Serves as the Civil Engineer/Hydrologist who is responsible to plan, manage, and provide program oversight and guidance to the Navajo Region Water Resources program activities related to water planning and pre-development, water rights, negotiation and litigation projects.

"READVERTISEMENT - PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT RE-APPLY"

This vacancy is also being advertised under Merit Promotion Vacancy Announcement Number CRPA 134/09.  Competitive service status applicants who wish to be considered under both Merit Promotion and DEU competitive procedures must submit a separate application to each Vacancy Announcement CRPA 134/09 and CRPA-D9003.

Applications filed under this announcement will be retained as a permanent record in the vacancy announcement file and will not be returned.  Your application under this notice will be considered only for the vacancy described above.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is the lead agency for the United States in carrying on a government-to-government relationship with the tribal nations. A challenging and dynamic place to work, it enhances the quality of life, promotes economic opportunity, and carries out the responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of American Indians, Indian tribes and Alaska Natives.


Duties

Additional Duty Location Info:


1 vacancy - Gallup, NM


Incumbent serves as the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative to administer commercial contracts or Interagency Agreements related to water resources and energy and minerals development project proposals,  Serves as the Awarding Official's Technical Representative to administer P.L. 93-638 contracts,  participates in contract negotiations and is responsible for final project outcome with the Navajo Region's Contracting Officer and Self-Determination Officer.  Reviews complex water planning and pre-development, and water rights project proposals and determines the proposed water-usage or water-related developments for their impact on water resources and/or federal trust lands.  Addresses a wide range of water issues including water supply, water resources development, water rights and water quality.  Serves as technical authority with responsibilities for reviewing surveys, investigations, evaluations, documentation, providing reports, make recommendations concerning engineering design and estimates, hydrological interpretations, and Indian water rights negotiation and litigation on the reservation and allotted lands.  Provides technical assistance and advice to the BIA and tribal programs regarding water rights and associated water issues.  Represents BIA at meetings, provides guidance, assistance, participates in multidisciplinary technical teams, presents, explains BIA policies, position, and provides recommendation.  Incumbent Is required to operate a government-owned or leased vehicle; therefore, a current/valid driver's license is required.   


Qualifications and Evaluations

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Refer to the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards Operating Manual, specifically the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards for Professional and Scientific positions.  The OPM Qualification Standards Operating Manual is available at:  http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/

Civil Engineer:
The Basic Requirement for this position are [A] a degree in professional engineering. Curriculum must (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics; OR

[B] combination of education and experience - college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.  The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by ONE of the following: professional registration; written test (successfully passed the Engineer-In-Training (EIT) examination or the written test required for professional registration); specified academic courses (successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering); OR related curriculum (successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field).

In addition to meeting the basic qualification requirements above, applicants must have specialized experience as follows:

For the GS-9 position:  One year specialized experience equivalent to at least the  GS-7 grade level OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree.

For the GS-11 position:  One year specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

For the GS-12 position:  One year specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level.
 
Hydrologist:
The Basic Requirements for this position are  [A]  Degree:  physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources.  The course work must have included at least 6 hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics.  Calculus and physics, as described above, are the requirements for all grade levels; OR

[B]  Combination of education and experience – course work as shown in [A] above, plus appropriate experience or additional experience.

In addition to meeting the basic qualification requirements above, applicants must have specialized experience as follows:

For the GS-9 position:  One year specialized experience equivalent to at least the  GS-7 grade level OR 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree.

For the GS-11 position:  One year specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

For the GS-12 position:  One year specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:  Experience which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and which is typically in or related to do the work of the position to be filled (refer to Statement of Duties).  To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.


GRADUATE EDUCATION:  Completion of graduate level education referenced above, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, is qualifying for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11, if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

COMBINATION OF GRADUATE EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:  Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.  Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.


You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.

This is a Low Risk Public Trust position subject to background investigation.

All new Federal employees are required to serve an initial Probationary/Trial Period.  Failure to complete the Probationary/Trial Period successfully can result in separation from Federal service.

This position may be filled at the full performance level, GS-12 or as a career ladder position. If filled as a career ladder position, the incumbent may be non-competitively promoted to the next higher or full performance level.

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Government housing is not available.

SUITABILITY, CLEARANCE & REQUIREMENTS:  A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.  Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.  Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.  This is a Low Risk Public Trust position subject to the appropriate investigation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands of the position are typical of field, office, and project management in nature.  Much of the work is accomplished in an office environment and is sedentary in nature, however, frequent field trips and project inspections are necessary, often requiring long hours of driving, and considerable walking, standing, bending, lifting, carrying, and climbing.  Work requires good physical condition and stamina.  Employee must be physically capable of walking and carrying a variety of equipment weighing up to 30 pounds over considerable distance on rough uneven terrain when inspecting or performing field operations.

LIVING AND WORKING CONDITIONS:  Work is performed in both field and office environment.  Fieldwork conditions are conducted outdoors in prevailing climatic conditions and rough terrain.  Incumbent may be exposed to hazardous working conditions near heavy construction equipment, in most cases requiring safety glasses, hardhat, ear plugs, and steel-toed (safety) shoes.  Situations may arise requiring exposure to potentially dangerous or hazardous conditions and compliance with OSHA or other safety requirements is necessary.


HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:


You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required; and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledges, skills, and abilities associated with this position as defined below. When describing your knowledges, skills, and abilities, please be sure to give examples and explain how often you used these skills, the complexity of the knowledge you possessed, the level of the people you interacted with, the sensitivity of the issues you handled, etc.

BASIS OF RATING:  All applicants for this position will be rated and ranked based upon the extent and quality of their experience, training and/or education as reflected on the application.  Applicants will be further evaluated according to the degree to which they possess or have the potential to acquire knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics as listed below. 

The judgment of qualifications will be based on the material submitted; therefore, it is to the applicant's advantage to give complete and thorough responses and to present the information in a detailed and orderly fashion.  Qualification and veteran's preference eligibility will be determined on the basis of information submitted.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE:  This supplemental questionnaire may determine whether or not you are highly qualified for this position.  You should expand on the information contained in your application or resume.  You may consider appropriate work experience, outside activities, awards, training, and education for each of the items listed below.

1.   Knowledge of Federal laws, regulations and policy related to water use and water rights issues.

2.   Knowledge of Civil Engineering and/or Hydrology practices.

3.   Knowledge of water management and water rights practices.

4.   Knowledge in performing hydrological investigations to interpret and analyze data and prepare reports on water resources.

On a separate sheet of paper address the above items in narrative form, identify the vacancy announcement number across the top, and sign and date your supplemental questionnaire.



Benefits and Other Info


BENEFITS:

You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.

Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life

New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr

You will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACA

You will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV

You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI

OTHER INFORMATION:

This position was advertised previously. If you applied at that time, you will be considered again for this announcement. You do not have to reapply.

This position includes duties that are covered by more than one occupational field (series). If you work in any of the occupational fields identified or have education or experience in more than one of the fields, you may apply and will be considered.

You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.

Send only those materials needed to evaluate your application. Please do not place your application in a notebook or binder.

Applications become part of the official record and will not be duplicated or returned.

All male applicants born after December 31, 1959, will be required to complete the certification document to confirm their selective service status.

In accordance with Indian Preference, concurrent consideration may be given to handicapped eligible, disabled veterans, reinstatement and transfer eligible.

Candidates must meet all qualification requirements (including Time-in-Grade) within 30 days After the Closing Date.  Reference Departmental Merit Promotion Plan dated June 13, 1995.

The position requires incidental operation of motor vehicles; therefore a valid state driver's license is required.  The work involves travel over secondary roads in isolated areas.

U.S. citizenship is required.  Appointees are required to provide verification of citizenship and employment eligibility.

All Federal employees are required to serve an initial Probationary/Trial Period.  Failure to complete the Probationary/Trial Period successfully can result in separation from Federal service.

Incumbent must have a safe driving record within the three-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607 and be able to meet the safe driving requirements of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

Government housing is not available.

CTAP/ICTAP:  Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection.  CTAP and ICTAP eligible will be considered well qualified if they fully meet the quality ranking factor identified as KSA #1.  Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP.  This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.  Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE INFORMATION:
5-POINT PREFERENCE:  If you are claiming at least 5-point veteran preference you must provide a DD-214, Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of entitlement.
 
10-POINT PREFERENCE:  If you are claiming 10-point veteran preference, you will need to submit an SF-15, Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

NOTICE TO ALL MALE APPLICANTS:  Section 1622 of the Defense Authorization Act of 1986, prohibits any male born after December 31, 1959, from being appointed to a position in an executive agency if he has knowingly and willfully failed to register with the Selective Service System.  Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, will be required to complete a certification document to confirm their Selective Service registration status, if selected for appointment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:  The Bureau of Indian Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be made solely on the basis of merit, fitness and qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or other non-merit factors.  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities.  If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify this agency. The decision in granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

INDIAN PREFERENCE POLICY:  Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934.  (Title 25, USC, Section 472).  Verification Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.  This form may be obtained by contacting your Agency or Tribal Enrollment Office.  Consideration will be given to Non-Indian applicants in the absence of qualified Indian Preference eligible(s).



How To Apply


HOW TO APPLY:

You must submit your application so that it will be received by the closing date of the announcement.

Please submit a narrative response to each knowledge, skill or ability listed. Your response should describe what you did, how often you performed this activity, the guidelines available, the complexity of the assignment, and who you performed the activity for or with.

To receive credit for education, include a copy of your transcripts.

PROCEDURES ON HOW TO APPLY: 
• Applications and all accompanying documents mailed through postal, overnight or express mail services must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. 
• Applications may be faxed to (505) 563-3041 and must be received by the closing date.  Fax only those documents required.  Documents not identified in the application requirements should not be included in the fax, but sent by mail. 
• Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated solely on the information submitted by them in their applications. 
• Electronic mail or government envelopes may not be used to submit applications.  Submit the forms as indicated below:

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:  The following forms must be submitted in order to have a complete application:

1.   Applicants may apply by submitting an OF-612, the Optional Application for Federal Employment, resume, or any written format consistent with OPM Optional Form 510.     

IN ADDITION ALL APPLICATIONS MUST CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
(a) Job Information – announcement number, title and grade(s) of the job for which applying.

(b) Personal Information – full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and evening telephone numbers (with area code), Social Security Number, Country of citizenship (most Federal jobs require U.S. citizenship), Veterans Preference, reinstatement eligibility (copy of SF-50B as proof of career or career conditional status), and high Federal civilian grade held, including occupational series and dates held.

(c) Education – high school, including name, city and state (zip code) and date of diploma or GED, colleges and universities attended, including name, city and state (zip code if known); type and year of any degrees received with major (if no degree, total credits earned should be shown with an indication whether semester or quarter hours).

(d) Work Experience – which includes the following information for paid and non-paid work experience related to the job being announced: job title, including series and grade if a Federal position, duties and accomplishments, employees name and address, supervisors name and telephone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary, and indicate if the current supervisor may be contacted.

(e) Other Qualifications – Job-related training courses (title and year), and job-related skills, for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, wpm typing speed, job-related certificates and license, including current driver's license information such as license number, issuing state and expiration date, job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking and performance awards (dates received).

(f) References – list three people who are not related to you and are not supervisors you listed under work experience who know your qualifications and fitness for the kind of job you are applying.  Be sure to include the full name of each reference, telephone number(s), and complete mailing address.

2.   College transcript is required for verification/documentation of qualifying education.

3.   Supplemental Questionnaire, KSA Resume, listed in announcement.  Failure to respond to the KSA questions may result in loss of consideration.

4.   DD-214 if you are claiming 5-point Veteran's Preference; or Standard Form 15 with required proof of entitlement if claiming 10-point Veteran's Preference.

5.   Copy of most recent performance appraisal, current status applicants.

6.   Copy of most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, current status applicant or former federal employees.

7.   Indicate what grade or grades you wish to be considered and are applying for.

FAILURE TO INCLUDE ANY OF THE INFORMATION LISTED ABOVE MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONSIDERATION FOR THE POSITION.  MISSING INFORMATION OR FORMS WILL NOT BE SOLICITED FROM THIS OFFICE.


AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

CRPA-D9003
Phone: (505) 563-5130
Fax: (505) 563-3041
Or write:
BIA-Ofc of Human Capital Mgmt.
Center for Recruitment and Placement
1011 Indian School Road NW, Suite 136
Albuquerque, NM 87104
US
Fax: (505) 563-3041

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
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Send Mail to:
BIA-Ofc of Human Capital Mgmt.
Center for Recruitment and Placement
1011 Indian School Road NW, Suite 136
Albuquerque, NM 87104
US
Fax: (505) 563-3041

Questions about this job:
CRPA-D9003
Phone: (505) 563-5130
Fax: (505) 563-3041

Control Number: 1728163
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