Launch Your Career as a Civil Engineer with the FHWA
Are you a civil engineer looking to make a massive impact on the nation’s infrastructure? The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is currently hiring a Civil Engineer (Highway) to join their dedicated team in Columbia, South Carolina. This role is perfect for professionals who want to move beyond design and into the management and stewardship of federally funded transportation projects.
About the Federal Highway Administration
The FHWA, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is tasked with the vital responsibility of building and maintaining America's roads, bridges, and tunnels. The agency is committed to modernizing infrastructure, prioritizing safety, and utilizing innovative technology. As a member of the FHWA, you join a workforce consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be the bridge between federal policy and local project delivery. You will:
- Provide Expert Guidance: Advise state and local partners on federal laws, regulations, and design standards.
- Oversee Project Delivery: Conduct project reviews to ensure that construction and planning phases meet national safety and quality criteria.
- Manage Risk: Participate in risk-based stewardship activities to keep projects on track and within budget.
- Collaborate: Partner with engineers, contractors, and public officials to resolve technical and environmental challenges.
Requirements
You must meet the following criteria to be considered for this position:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 or GS-11 level, depending on the grade for which you are applying.
- Documentation: You must provide transcripts and any professional licensure, such as a PE or EIT.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary commensurate with experience:
| Grade Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-11/12 | $74,678 - $116,362 |
Benefits
Working for the Department of Transportation comes with a robust suite of benefits designed to support your long-term success, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Flexibility with telework options.
Application Tips
Because federal hiring is highly competitive, ensure your application is perfect:
- Strict Formatting: Do not exceed the two-page resume limit.
- Narrative Detail: Use the STAR method to describe your experience in the federal series and grade level.
- Validate Files: Confirm all uploaded documents are legible and attached to the specific application.
If you are a mission-driven engineer ready to lead, the FHWA in Columbia is the place to be. Apply today to help build the future of American transportation.
Why This Civil Engineer (Highway) - Direct Hire Job Matters
Shape the future of American transportation infrastructure in Columbia, South Carolina, with the Federal Highway Administration.
Civil Engineer (Highway) - Direct Hire Job Overview
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking a motivated Civil Engineer to join their team in Columbia, SC. This role is pivotal in managing and promoting Federal highway programs, providing stewardship for vital infrastructure projects, and ensuring that transportation systems are built to the highest safety and efficiency standards. As a key representative of the agency, you will oversee project delivery, engage with state and local stakeholders, and resolve complex engineering challenges.
Requirements for Civil Engineer (Highway) - Direct Hire
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Must meet the specific education requirements for the 0810 Civil Engineering series (ABET-accredited degree or equivalent).
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Submission of academic transcripts for verification.
- Must pass a background security investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Submission of a maximum two-page resume following specific formatting guidelines.
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer (Highway) - Direct Hire
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
- Experience in risk-based stewardship and oversight of federally funded projects.
- Proven track record in managing highway project lifecycles from design to construction.
- Strong communication skills for negotiating and persuading diverse stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Potential for telework opportunities.
- ✓Professional development and training programs.
- ✓Stability and advancement within a premier federal agency.
💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer (Highway) - Direct Hire Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer (Highway) - Direct Hire Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the official federal jobs portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages and formatted with the required employment details.
- Gather your educational transcripts and any professional engineering credentials (PE/EIT).
- Log in to the application dashboard to complete the online questionnaire.
- Upload all supporting documentation and verify that files have transferred successfully.
- Submit your application before the closing deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates, grades, series, and full/part-time status for every job listed.
- Focus your narrative on quantifiable results and specific engineering tools used.
- Double-check that your transcripts are attached, as they are mandatory for this series.
- If you are a current or former federal employee, provide the correct SF-50s to prove your 52-week time-in-grade.
- Do not embed links or add supplemental pages, as only the first two pages of your resume will be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, providing flexibility for work-life balance.
What is the page limit for the resume?
Per recent OPM guidelines, the resume must be no longer than two pages. Additional pages will not be reviewed.
Can I qualify for this role if I am still a student?
Students graduating within six months of the closing date may apply, provided they have their final transcripts before the start date.
How do I prove my 52-week time-in-grade?
You must submit sequential SF-50 forms that demonstrate you held the required grade for at least one full year.
Is a PE license required?
While it is a preferred qualification that can strengthen your application, it is not strictly required if you meet the education and experience standards.