Lead the Way: Career Opportunities in Highway Engineering with the FHWA
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is currently inviting applications for a Supervisory Civil Engineer (Construction Operations) in Lakewood, Colorado. This role offers a unique opportunity for experienced engineers to step into a leadership position where they will guide large-scale infrastructure projects that serve our national parks and public lands.
Job Responsibilities
As a Construction Operations Engineer, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Supervising engineering and technical staff.
- Conducting constructability reviews for project plans and specifications.
- Overseeing the contract administration for multi-million dollar highway initiatives.
- Managing stakeholder relationships with agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service.
- Approving complex change orders and ensuring project objectives are met on time and within budget.
Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent. This includes expertise in managing high-stakes projects, navigating critical time frames, and leading diverse teams of professionals. A degree in engineering is the baseline, though specific combinations of education and professional licensure (PE/EIT) may be substituted.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Required Experience | Professional Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Grade GS-13 | 1+ Year GS-12 Level | PE or EIT Preferred |
| Engineering Scope | Complex Highway Ops | ABET Degree/Equivalency |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $118,675 to $154,280 per year, commensurate with the grade level and federal pay schedule.
Benefits
Employees of the DOT benefit from a robust federal package including medical/dental insurance, a pension plan (FERS), the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style), and structured career progression.
Application Tips
- Stick to the two-page resume limit.
- Clearly define your role as a 'Project Engineer' or similar.
- Verify that your transcript clearly shows the necessary engineering course credits.
If you are a seasoned engineer looking to influence the landscape of American infrastructure, this role provides the scale and stability required for a fulfilling federal career.
Why This Supervisory Civil Engineer (Highway) (Construction Operations Engineer) - Sme Job Matters
Shape the future of America's infrastructure! Lead high-stakes highway construction projects as a Supervisory Civil Engineer for the Federal Highway Administration in scenic Lakewood, Colorado.
Supervisory Civil Engineer (Highway) (Construction Operations Engineer) - Sme Job Overview
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking a seasoned Construction Operations Engineer to serve as a Subject Matter Expert within the Federal Lands Highway (FLH) Division. In this leadership role, you will oversee a dedicated team of engineers and technicians responsible for complex highway construction projects that span critical federal lands, including National Parks and U.S. Forest Service areas. This is a vital position for a professional eager to balance technical engineering oversight with strategic partnership management in a high-impact federal environment.
Requirements for Supervisory Civil Engineer (Highway) (Construction Operations Engineer) - Sme
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must meet specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in civil engineering.
- Professional experience administering large-scale, complex highway construction projects.
- Experience leading and supervising professional staff.
- Must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution OR meet specific education/experience combinations.
- Ability to complete a one-year supervisory probationary period.
- Subject to a background/security investigation.
- Must submit a two-page maximum resume as per OPM guidance.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Civil Engineer (Highway) (Construction Operations Engineer) - Sme
- Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE).
- Evidence of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex contract change orders.
- Strong technical proficiency in highway capacity, pavement design, and environmental analysis.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual (vacation/sick).
- ✓Telework eligibility as permitted by agency policy.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities within the Department of Transportation.
- ✓Support for a collaborative and safety-focused work culture.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Civil Engineer (Highway) (Construction Operations Engineer) - Sme Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Civil Engineer (Highway) (Construction Operations Engineer) - Sme Job
- Review the full job announcement on the official federal portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, highlighting specific engineering and supervisory achievements.
- Gather supporting documentation, including academic transcripts and proof of licensure (PE/EIT) if applicable.
- Create or update your profile on the application website.
- Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire accurately.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM EST on the designated closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes start/end dates, hours per week, and grade levels for previous federal experience.
- Verify that all required documents (transcripts, licenses) are uploaded and linked to your specific application within the system.
- Focus your resume on demonstrating your experience with multi-million dollar projects and managing critical engineering constraints.
- Proofread your application to ensure it aligns with the two-page limit requested by the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of this role?
This position focuses on construction operations for federal highway projects, involving both field oversight and high-level project management for agencies like the National Park Service.
Is a Professional Engineer license required?
While highly valued, it is one of several ways to meet the education and technical requirements. Please review the 'Education' section of the announcement to see if your credentials qualify.
Can I work remotely?
The position is located in Lakewood, CO. While it is telework eligible, it is not a fully remote position.
Job from Federal Highway Administration
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is at the forefront of American infrastructure. Tasked with modernizing aging systems and integrating new technologies, the DOT provides a stable and mission-driven environment. As a member of the FHWA, you contribute to a legacy of safe, efficient, and transformative transportation networks.