Launch Your Career as a Civil Engineer with MSHA
Are you a dedicated engineer passionate about workplace safety and public service? The Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is currently seeking a motivated Civil Engineer to join our Technical Support team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills toward the national mission of protecting the safety and health of the American mining workforce.
Job Responsibilities
As a Civil Engineer (GS-7 through GS-12), your duties will evolve as you advance within the agency:
- Engineering Design Review: Evaluating plans for dams, mine waste disposal facilities, and other critical infrastructure.
- Geotechnical Evaluation: Analyzing soil and rock slope stability, retaining walls, and foundation engineering.
- Structural Analysis: Reviewing safety protocols for mine structures, preparation plants, and storage facilities.
- Field Investigations: Conducting on-site accident investigations and data collection to determine the root cause of failures.
- Expert Testimony: Serving as an expert witness in legal proceedings to defend agency safety standards.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Level | Required Experience/Education | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-7 | Bachelor's Degree or 1yr Specialized Experience | Foundational skills and report assistance |
| GS-9 | Master's Degree or Specialized Experience | Project documentation and data gathering |
| GS-11 | Graduate education/Ph.D. or Specialized Experience | Soil/Rock mechanics and technical testing |
| GS-12 | 52 weeks at GS-11 or equivalent experience | Conducting independent field investigations |
Requirements
To be considered, you must possess a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or equivalent professional experience. Candidates must demonstrate deep knowledge of mathematical and physical sciences. Because of the nature of the work, all employees must pass a background check and comply with stringent ethics regulations regarding potential financial conflicts of interest in the mining sector.
Salary Overview
This position is structured as a career ladder, with a salary range spanning from $56,039 to $120,309 per year. Your actual starting salary will be determined by your education, professional experience, and the specific grade level for which you qualify.
Benefits
Working for the federal government offers unparalleled benefits, including:
- Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- A steady work-life balance with paid federal holidays and flexible leave programs.
- Access to continuous training to maintain your professional engineering licensure.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly delineate your engineering projects, including the number of hours worked per week.
- Format Matters: Stick strictly to the two-page limit.
- Transcripts: Have your unofficial transcripts ready to upload during the application process.
- Check Status: Use the USAJOBS dashboard to monitor your application progress.
If you are ready to combine your engineering expertise with a mission-driven career, the MSHA wants to hear from you. Take the next step toward a stable, impactful federal career by submitting your application through the official portal today.
Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters
Engineer a safer future for American miners with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
Civil Engineer Job Overview
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is seeking a dedicated Civil Engineer to join our Technical Support team in Pittsburgh, PA. In this vital role, you will contribute to the national mission of preventing fatalities, injuries, and illnesses in the mining industry. You will apply advanced geotechnical and structural engineering principles to evaluate mine safety, review disposal facility plans, and conduct field investigations, ensuring that mining operations across the U.S. adhere to the highest safety standards.
Requirements for Civil Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent coursework
- Professional engineering experience or graduate-level education as specified for the GS level
- Ability to pass a background investigation
- Financial disclosure statement filing upon selection
- Adherence to ethics regulations regarding financial interests in mining companies
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer
- Experience in soil and rock mechanics
- Expertise in foundation engineering and earth dam design
- Knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, and structural mechanics
- Experience with testing materials such as metals, rock, and mine waste
- Background in conducting field and accident investigations
- Current Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- ✓Comprehensive retirement programs including TSP
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Flexible work arrangements (telework eligible)
- ✓Life insurance coverage
💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS and upload a resume (limited to two pages)
- Submit all required documentation, including unofficial transcripts
- Complete the initial application via USAJOBS
- Proceed to the Department of Labor (DOL) site to finalize your application
- Answer all vacancy-specific questions and submit supplemental documents
- Review and certify your application before the closing date
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists months and years for all experience, along with hours worked per week.
- Preview the vacancy questions ahead of time to ensure your resume demonstrates the required competencies.
- Verify your eligibility for special hiring authorities like VEOA or CTAP/ICTAP and submit the necessary supporting proofs.
- Do not exceed the two-page resume limit; otherwise, your application may be disqualified.
- Apply well before the deadline to account for system timeout settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the promotion potential for this position?
This position offers promotion potential up to the GS-12 level, though future promotions are at the discretion of management based on performance and mission needs.
Are there strict rules about my financial investments?
Yes. MSHA employees and their families are prohibited from having direct or indirect interests in mining companies that could be affected by MSHA's work.
Is telework available for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, allowing for a modern, flexible work environment.
Will I need to relocate?
This specific vacancy announcement does not offer relocation expenses.
Job from Mine Safety And Health Administration
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) plays a critical role in the mining industry. By enforcing the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, our agency ensures that miners return home safely every day. As part of our Technical Support division, you will be on the front lines of geotechnical and mine waste management, providing the research and oversight necessary to prevent industrial accidents.