BSEE technician performing maintenance work on 2.6 million gallon outdoor concrete tank that included sandblasting, painting and other repair and replacement work.

Engineering Technician

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GS-0802

Position Overview

Engineering Technicians in the Department of the Interior work hand-in-hand with Engineers and other technical specialists to support important work all over the country. Their efforts provide critical support to National parks, historic sites and other buildings, drilling operations, waterways, dams, and roads.

This position is represented at the following bureaus

Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
National Park Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey

Candidate Description

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented person who isn't afraid to adapt and innovate to solve technical challenges. Engineering Technicians can apply their strong Interest in mathematics, drafting, construction, physics, chemicals/petroleum, or industrial technology to a variety of DOI projects.

Specialty Areas

  • Architecture

  • Chemical
  • Civil
  • Drafting
  • Electrical
  • Materials
  • Mechanical
  • Mining
  • Petroleum

     

Work Environment

Engineering Technicians spend time in the field (often around heavy equipment and in remote or offshore areas) and in office settings

Minimum Education Requirements

Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Technical and Medical Support Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.

Career Level Requirements

Responsibilities by Level

  • Entry:

    • Researching and retrieving data
    • Collecting samples and taking measurements
    • Assisting with drilling and safety inspections
    • Drafting charts, graphs, or portions of reports

  • Mid:

    • Performing inspections or measurements
    • Documenting problems and determining corrective actions
    • Reviewing and providing comments on draft designs and specifications
    • Preparing construction surveys, plans and specifications
    • Preparing inspection reports

  • Journey:

    • Identifying, evaluating and recommending solutions to complex technical problems
    • Providing expert advice on all types of inspections
    • Supervising staff responsible for inspection and enforcement of oil and gas operations
    • Performing materials testing

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Strengths by Level

Entry 5-7
Mid 9-11
Journey 13
  • Attention to Detail
    Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Compliance
    Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Customer Service
    Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Flexibility
    Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Information Management
    Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Interpersonal Skills
    Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Learning
    Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Oral Communication
    Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Problem Solving
    Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Teamwork
    Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Technical Competence
    Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13
  • Writing
    Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
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    Entry 5-7
    Mid 9-11
    Journey 13

Common Pathways

Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...

14.8%

Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant

See Position Details
9.3%

Construction Control Technical

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9.3%

Range Technician

See Position Details
0318 - Secretary 7.4%
1801 - General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance 5.6%
1316 - Hydrologic Technician 5.6%
1601 - Equipment, Facilities, and Services 3.7%
1603 - Equipment,facilities And Services Asst 3.7%
Less Common Pathways (<2%)

Where We Are

DOI employs people at more than 2,400 locations across the United States and territories. Use the Position Locator tool to see where current DOI employees work. To check for job opportunities, scroll down and click "See jobs on USAjobs.gov."

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