Civil Engineer (Highway) - DIRECT HIRE

The employee is responsible for managing and promoting assigned Federal highway programs within the State or, as a shared resource, in multiple states. Provides engineering stewardship and oversight at various junctures of project and program delivery of Federal aid infrastructure projects within the state(s). The employee has the authority to commit the agency to actions on behalf of the Division Office(s) represented in line with delegations of authority.

Duties

• As a Civil Engineer (Highway), you will: Provide advice and guidance on Federal laws, regulations, and FHWA policies applicable to Federal-aid projects within the State DOT project development process, in meetings, telephone contacts, public hearings, field reviews, and visit with State DOT officials and other Federal, State, and local agencies for assigned program areas and in assisting in the implementation of leadership initiatives. Conduct project reviews in accordance with the Division's Risk-Based Stewardship and Oversight plan. Review required project actions for appropriate application of design standards and criteria, conformance with policy and regulations, eligibility for Federal participation, traffic safety features, reasonableness of cost estimates, fulfillment of requirements from the transportation planning and contract provisions. Review and evaluate project studies, and comment on alternatives and/or modifications. Authorize project agreements which may include reviewing the adequacy of proposed rights-of-way clearances, NEPA, construction plans, agreements for utility and railroad work, consultant agreements. Participate in and contribute to Division program management activities including development of stewardship and oversight plans, conducting risk assessments, development of strategic operations and business plans, promotion of the implementation of a performance-based planning and programming process to partner agencies, and identification and tracking of performance measures and the associated reporting processes. Provide Program Approvals that fall under the Discipline such as consultant written procedures, standard drawings, standard specifications, prequalification procedures, Uniform record keeping, procedures to determine contract time, and Liquidated Damages Rates. Participate in oversight activities, such as process reviews, and in-depth documentation reviews of Federal-aid programs; advise on problems and deficiencies, prepare reports and analysis, coordinate corrective actions, review and evaluate practices, and share innovative practices, procedures and technologies. Participate in assessing State programs for effectiveness and compliance. The ideal candidate is an engineer with experience monitoring Federally funded highway programs or delivering highway projects from initial scoping through construction support and maintenance; and experience conveying ideas and concepts to persuade others in meetings, discussions, and in writing.

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 it must include: Experience in planning, design, or construction of highway or transportation project features (such as road and bridges) in accordance with engineering design and construction standards, principles and methods; AND Experience collaborating with project teams, contractors, or stakeholders to plan, coordinate, or advance the development of transportation projects. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include: Experience in planning, design, or construction of highway or transportation project features (such as road and bridges) in accordance with engineering design and construction standards, principles and methods; AND Experience collaborating with project teams or stakeholders to define project scopes, evaluate engineering alternatives, and resolve technical design or construction conflicts. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience. 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: Transportation Engineering - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and methods applicable to planning, designing, and constructing of transportation systems including traffic analysis, signal analysis, highway capacity, pavement design, bridge construction, planning of transportation projects, environmental analysis of transportation facilities, and transportation network analysis. Compliance - Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance. Project Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance. For all types of consideration, 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/ Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Announcement details

• Agency: Federal Highway Administration (Department of Transportation)
• Announcement number: FHWA.FO-2027-0001
• Series: 0810 Civil Engineering
• Pay plan and grade: GS 11–12
• Pay: $74,678 – $116,362 Per Year
• Open to: Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL); Open to the public
• Open period: October 15, 2026 to October 29, 2026 (US Eastern)

Apply on the official USAJOBS announcement. Application instructions on USAJOBS take precedence over this summary.