Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Civil Engineer with the EDA

Are you a dedicated professional looking to align your engineering expertise with a mission of national impact? The Economic Development Administration (EDA), an agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is seeking a talented Civil Engineer to join our team. This GS-13 position offers the unique opportunity to manage federally funded public works projects, ensuring they contribute to the innovation and resilience of communities across the United States. If you are ready to pivot your career toward public service and help shape the future of American economic infrastructure, this role may be your next great step.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a steward of federal investments. Your daily duties will include:

Project Management Oversight: Leading conferences with project recipients to explain EDA policies and implementation requirements.
Technical Review: Examining construction plans and specifications before they go to bid to ensure they meet project scope and financial standards.
Contract Monitoring: Ensuring that cost estimates are accurate and that projects remain within approved budget parameters.
Performance Standards: Establishing metrics to monitor the efficiency and timeliness of construction projects throughout their lifecycle.
Field Observation: Attending bid openings and documenting results, irregularities, and potential risks to the project.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 opportunity, candidates must meet specific federal standards:

Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates equivalent proficiency.
Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or private sector equivalent) in managing construction or public works projects.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Background Check: You must be eligible to pass a federal background investigation.

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Requirement	Description
Education	ABET-accredited degree or equivalent coursework
Work Experience	1+ year at GS-12 level or private industry equivalent
Key Competency	Construction and public works project management
Assessment	Must complete USA Hire competency assessments

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year. The final offer is dependent on the specific duty location and the candidate's verified experience level.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your life outside of the office. Benefits include:

Robust health insurance and life insurance coverage.
Generous leave policy (annual and sick leave).
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to help you secure your financial future.
A collaborative, mission-focused work environment.

Application Tips

Be Concise: Since subject matter experts only review the first two pages of your resume, ensure your most relevant technical accomplishments appear prominently.
Verify Details: Ensure dates of employment (mm/dd/yy) and hours worked per week are clearly stated.
Prepare for Assessments: Set aside three hours to focus on the USA Hire assessment. Use the provided links to the OPM resource center to prepare.
Double-Check Requirements: Ensure all supporting documents—such as your transcript and any specialized certifications—are attached before submitting.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to apply your engineering skills to projects that create real-world change. By ensuring the integrity of infrastructure projects across Philadelphia and Austin, you will be a vital contributor to the economic health of these regions. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of Commerce.

Why This Civil Engineer Job Matters

Shape the future of American economic development as a Civil Engineer with the Department of Commerce. Join a mission-driven team where your technical expertise directly impacts the growth and resilience of our nation's communities.

Civil Engineer Job Overview

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is seeking a skilled Civil Engineer to serve as a vital link in the development of public works projects. You will act as a project management expert, overseeing construction plans, reviewing contracts, and ensuring that federally funded investments meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Requirements for Civil Engineer

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in federal service.
Bachelor's degree or higher in an ABET-accredited engineering program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements where applicable.

Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer

Proven experience managing complex public works or construction projects.
Expertise in reviewing construction plans, specifications, and bidding documents.
Proficiency in monitoring project budgets and financial compliance.
Excellent communication skills for conducting project management conferences and stakeholder engagement.
Strong analytical capabilities for evaluating construction bids and identifying potential technical irregularities.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
✓Flexible work arrangements and telework options where eligible.

💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Civil Engineer Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
Prepare a resume that highlights your specialized engineering experience (max 2 pages).
Gather supporting documentation (transcripts, SF-50 if applicable, and veteran/military spouse documents).
Submit your application through the online portal, including the required questionnaire.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments if invited via email.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume focused on the requested two-page limit; extra pages will not be reviewed.
Clearly outline your engineering experience, ensuring your dates and hours worked per week are accurate.
Do not include personal identifiers such as SSN, photos, or religious affiliations in your resume.
Complete the USA Hire assessment as soon as you receive the link, as it is a critical part of the evaluation.
Check for any required documentation regarding foreign education equivalency if your degree was earned outside the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

The role centers on providing project management and engineering review for EDA-funded public works projects, ensuring they comply with federal policies and budgetary requirements.

Can I work remotely?

This position is eligible for telework, but is not considered a fully remote position. You should be prepared to report to the duty location as required.

How long will the assessment take?

Plan for at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessment, though many applicants finish sooner.

What is the significance of the GS-13 grade?

*A: The GS-13 level denotes a senior-level position requiring substantial independent project management capabilities and technical expertise.*

Are veterans' preferences considered?

*A: Yes, veterans' preference is a key part of the federal hiring process, provided you submit the necessary DD-214 and supporting documents.*

Job from Economic Development Administration

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) has been a cornerstone of federal economic strategy for over five decades. By promoting innovation and regional competitiveness, the EDA invests in distressed areas, helping to create jobs and leverage private investment. As a Civil Engineer within this agency, you aren't just designing projects; you are helping to build the framework for regional growth and prosperity.