Launch Your Career with the Federal Highway Administration: Engineering Technician (Civil)

Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with field-based exploration? The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking a motivated Engineering Technician to join our Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) in Sevierville, Tennessee. This role is perfect for those who enjoy working with their hands, solving complex mechanical problems, and contributing to the vital infrastructure of the United States.

Job Responsibilities

As a member of our drill crew, your daily work will be anything but standard. You will:

Conduct non-routine subsurface explorations.
Retrieve critical soil and rock samples using specialized drilling equipment.
Maintain and troubleshoot heavy mechanical equipment in the field.
Navigate varied terrain to provide site access for borings.
Communicate effectively with project stakeholders to ensure project goals are met.

Comparison of Requirements

Feature	GS-07 Qualification	GS-09 Qualification
Experience Level	1 year at GS-05 equivalent	1 year at GS-07 equivalent
Education Path	Graduate study or Superior Academic Achievement	2 years graduate study or Master's degree
License Req	Ability to get Class A CDL within 3 yrs	Ability to get Class A CDL within 3 yrs

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must be U.S. Citizens. You must demonstrate specialized experience in subsurface exploration, including drilling, field testing, and sample identification. A key requirement for long-term success in this role is the capacity to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL. Because this job involves significant time in the field, candidates must be comfortable working in diverse, often challenging environmental and weather conditions.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $50,460 to $80,243 per year. Compensation is commensurate with your experience level and qualifications upon selection.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Transportation enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health and dental insurance plans.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Federal holiday pay.

Application Tips

Focus on the Resume: You only get two pages. Make them count. Use clear, specific dates and duties.
Verify Documents: Ensure your transcripts or SF-50s are uploaded correctly to the portal.
Tailor Your Content: Align your resume experience directly with the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the announcement.

The Engineering Technician position in Sevierville is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills in a rewarding, field-centric environment. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenge, submit your application through the official portal before the closing date.

Why This Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job Matters

Are you ready to build the infrastructure of tomorrow? The Federal Highway Administration is looking for a hands-on Engineering Technician to join our elite subsurface exploration team in the beautiful landscape of Sevierville, Tennessee.

Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job Overview

Join the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) as an Engineering Technician (Civil) within our specialized drill crew. This position is a perfect fit for professionals with a passion for geotechnical field work, subsurface exploration, and technical mechanical troubleshooting. You will play a vital role in supporting large-scale highway and bridge projects by collecting essential geological data in diverse, often remote, environments.

Requirements for Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet specialized experience requirements for the GS-07 or GS-09 levels.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 3 years.
Must be able to work in remote, rugged, and diverse terrain and weather conditions.
Ability to perform manual labor, including vegetation clearing and equipment handling.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees)

Experience in subsurface exploration techniques (drilling, sampling, and field testing).
Proficiency in mechanical troubleshooting and equipment repair.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Academic achievement in engineering or geology-related fields.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits and pension plans.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and training within the DOT.

💡 How to Apply Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Engineering Technician (Civil) (Drill Crew) (Open To Both U.S. Citizens And Federal Employees) Job

Register for a USAJobs account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Include specific employment dates, job titles, and hours worked per week in your resume.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required supporting documentation (SF-50, transcripts, DD214).
Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; additional pages will not be reviewed.
Be precise with your experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your specific duties.
Clearly list your GS grade level and series if you are a current or former federal employee.
Verify that all documents are fully uploaded and attached before hitting submit.
Check your application status regularly via the USAJobs portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum resume length?

Per agency policy, your resume must be no longer than two pages to be considered for this role.

Do I need a commercial driver's license immediately?

You do not need one to apply, but you must be able to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL within three years of starting the position.

Can I qualify with just my education?

Yes, depending on the grade level, you may qualify with graduate-level education or superior academic achievement in a related field.

How do I know if I have the right experience?

Your experience must directly relate to drilling, field sampling, and soil testing. If you are unsure, review the detailed qualification section of the job announcement.

What is the probation period?

All new hires are required to complete a one-year probationary period to ensure their performance meets the agency's needs.

Job from Federal Highway Administration

The Federal Highway Administration is a cornerstone of the U.S. Department of Transportation. We are dedicated to building a safer, more efficient, and sustainable highway system. Recognized as a top place to work in the federal government, we value innovation, equity, and a culture of belonging. When you join the FHWA, you aren't just taking a job—you are joining a community committed to professional growth and public service.