Electrical Engineering
Position Overview
Electrical engineers are responsible for overseeing electrical equipment and systems at DOI facilities. These professionals ensure the safe and effective operation of electrical systems across the country, from park headquarters to major dams.
This position is represented at the following bureaus
Candidate Description
The ideal candidate is a person with a keen attention for detail that can work effectively with others. They should be able to apply their electrical engineering expertise in order to creatively solve problems, analyze systems, and provide recommendations to others.
Work Environment
Depending on the group or team, electrical engineers can spend time in office settings, electrical labs, or performing field work. Some employees spend a majority of their time in the field and lab environments.
Minimum Education Requirements
Please see the Individual Occupation Requirements and the Professional and Scientific Positions Group Qualification Standard on the OPM websites.
Career Level Requirements
Responsibilities by Level
Entry:
- Assists with analyses and tests
- Drafts reports
- Performs calculations
- Prepares engineering drawings and specifications
Mid:
- Performs life cycle cost analyses for evaluation of electrical options in construction projects
- Prepares reports, spreadsheets, and other data
- Performs field testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis of electrical equipment
Journey:
- Designs, implements, maintains, or improves electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems
- Provides advice on methods to be used; Reviews completed work for technical adequacy, accuracy, validity, and conformance with policies and procedures
- Composes technical manuals and guidance for field personnel; Conducts training
- Performs research
- Authors technical papers and presents work at professional conferences
Senior:
- Oversees or coordinates design, construction, maintenance, or testing of electrical systems
- Manages, leads, or administers large multidisciplinary programs, projects, operations, budgets, or activities
- Provides program and policy guidance on the development of national or international standards, regulations, and best practices
- Mentors entry level engineers
- Approves of designs and field work
Strengths by Level
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AccountabilityHolds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for mistakes. Complies with established control systems and rules.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Attention to DetailIs thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Customer ServiceWorks 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.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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FlexibilityIs 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.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Influencing/NegotiatingPersuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Interpersonal SkillsTreats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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LearningUses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills; uses training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Oral CommunicationExpresses 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.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Organizational AwarenessKnows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Problem SolvingIdentifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Project ManagementKnowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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ResilienceDeals effectively with pressure; remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Teaching OthersHelps others learn through formal or informal methods; identifies training needs; provides constructive feedback; coaches others on how to perform tasks; acts as a mentor.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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TeamworkEncourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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Technical CompetenceUses 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.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
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WritingRecognizes 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.Show Tool TipEntry 7Mid 9-11Journey 12-13Senior 14
Common Pathways
Candidates who made this career change most commonly held these occupations...
General Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
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."