Advance Your Career as a Civil Engineer with the Federal Highway Administration
Are you looking to leave your mark on the nation’s infrastructure? The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is actively recruiting talented Civil Engineers to fill Construction Project Engineer roles. This is a unique opportunity to work on large-scale infrastructure projects that span across federal lands, including those managed by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service.
Job Responsibilities
As a Construction Project Engineer, you will be the primary on-site authority for infrastructure projects. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Contract Administration: Providing engineering guidance to contractors to ensure all work meets project plans and specifications.
- Quality Oversight: Monitoring activities such as materials testing, surveying, traffic control, and environmental compliance.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Acting as a bridge between the FHWA, local municipalities, utility companies, and agency partners to resolve on-site issues.
- Documentation: Keeping project files current, issuing directives, and developing independent government cost estimates.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A bachelor's degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program or equivalent technical curriculum.
- Experience: Applicants for GS-11 must have at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-09. Applicants for GS-12 must possess advanced project engineering experience in highway construction, including major operations like drainage, grading, and bridge construction.
- Documentation: Submission of transcripts is mandatory to verify academic qualifications.
Comparison of Qualification Levels
| Feature | GS-11 Grade Level | GS-12 Grade Level |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Oversight of assigned activities | Lead Project Engineer responsibility |
| Experience Requirement | 1 year equivalent to GS-09 | 1 year equivalent to GS-11 |
| Decision Making | Technical guidance on daily tasks | Full administrative and inspection authority |
Benefits
Federal employment offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support your work-life balance and long-term security, including:
- Industry-leading health, vision, and dental insurance.
- A strong retirement savings plan (FERS).
- Ample paid time off, including federal holidays.
- Flexible telework options to support a balanced lifestyle.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Follow these tips to improve your chances:
- The 2-Page Rule: Your resume must be no longer than two pages. Use this space to highlight your technical expertise and project management successes.
- Be Specific: Clearly list your employment dates, hours worked, and specific engineering roles. Use keywords directly from the job description.
- Submit Early: Don't wait for the final day to submit your documents; verify that they are correctly uploaded in the USAJobs system.
This position is more than a job—it is a chance to build infrastructure that will serve the nation for generations. If you are a dedicated engineer with a passion for public service and construction, apply today to join the FHWA team.
Why This Civil Engineer Highway Construction Project Engineer - Dh Job Matters
Shape the future of America's infrastructure by leading critical highway construction projects with the Federal Highway Administration.
Civil Engineer Highway Construction Project Engineer - Dh Job Overview
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking skilled Civil Engineers to join the Central Federal Lands Highway Division. In this pivotal role, you will oversee construction contracts for vital transportation systems on federal lands, ensuring projects meet rigorous engineering standards while managing coordination between stakeholders, contractors, and agencies.
Requirements for Civil Engineer Highway Construction Project Engineer - Dh
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must meet the specific education requirements for the engineering series (ABET-accredited degree or equivalent).
- Must provide official or unofficial transcripts to verify education.
- For GS-11: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, or appropriate graduate education.
- For GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including administration/inspection of highway projects.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must serve a one-year probationary period upon appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer Highway Construction Project Engineer - Dh
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
- Expertise in major construction operations such as grading, drainage, bridge construction, and paving.
- Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and persuasive technical documentation.
- Proven experience in resolving complex coordination issues with multi-agency stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- ✓Participation in federal life insurance programs (FEGLI).
- ✓Potential relocation and recruitment incentives for qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer Highway Construction Project Engineer - Dh Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer Highway Construction Project Engineer - Dh Job
- Register and build your profile on the official USAJobs portal.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights relevant project engineering experience (limited to 2 pages).
- Gather supporting documentation, including college transcripts and professional licenses (PE/EIT).
- Submit the complete application package and questionnaire through the online portal by the deadline.
- Monitor your status via your USAJobs dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly lists the start and end dates for each position and specifies full-time or part-time status.
- The 2-page limit is strictly enforced; focus on your most relevant achievements.
- Double-check that all required transcripts are uploaded; missing documents will disqualify your application.
- Tailor your resume to reflect the specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) mentioned in the job description.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary ranges from $85,447 to $133,142 per year depending on the grade level and specific qualifications.
Are these positions remote?
No, these are not remote positions, though they are eligible for telework under agency policy. You will need to be based in one of the listed locations.
Can I apply if I haven't graduated yet?
Students enrolled in a qualifying program can apply if their graduation date is within six months of the closing date; however, proof of graduation is required before the start date.
Job from Federal Highway Administration
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FHWA are at the forefront of the 'Golden Age of Transportation.' Our mission is to modernize aging infrastructure, enhance safety, and implement cutting-edge innovations that benefit the American public. Working with us means joining a high-performing, collaborative team dedicated to excellence and operational integrity.