Advance Your Career as an Engineering Technician at the Bureau of Reclamation
Are you a dedicated professional looking to apply your engineering expertise to the service of the American public? The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) is currently seeking a skilled Engineering Technician to join the team at the Lower Colorado Dams Office, based in the scenic Parker Dam, California. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of our nation’s water infrastructure and offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact projects that shape the environment and economy of the American West.
Job Responsibilities
As an Engineering Technician, you will serve as the primary technical point of contact for computer-aided design (CAD) within the Parker Dam Division. Your day-to-day duties will include:
- CAD Drafting and Design: Utilizing AutoCAD Civil 3D to develop and refine complex engineering drawings.
- Contract Oversight: Reviewing statements of work, managing construction schedules, and auditing contractor payment requests.
- Infrastructure Compliance: Ensuring all design projects align with current industry standards and field conditions, recommending modifications as necessary.
- Project Planning: Developing cost estimates and preparing technical change orders or project modifications.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet specific professional and administrative criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 level.
- Documentation: A well-formatted, two-page resume is required.
- Assessment: Successful completion of the USA Hire Assessment is mandatory.
- Licensing: Maintenance of a valid State Driver's License is required to operate government vehicles.
Comparison of Key Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Essential Criteria |
|---|---|
| Technical Skill | Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D |
| Contractual Experience | Reviewing SOW and contractor payment requests |
| Administrative | U.S. Citizenship & Valid Driver's License |
| Assessment | Minimum cutoff score on USA Hire Assessment |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $87,061 to $113,185. This range reflects the specialized nature of the duties and the level of expertise required to oversee major dam infrastructure projects.
Benefits
Employees of the Bureau of Reclamation enjoy comprehensive benefits typical of federal employment, including health insurance plans, retirement pension systems (FERS), and opportunities for career progression. Furthermore, the agency supports professional development to ensure staff remain at the forefront of engineering best practices.
Application Tips
- Read Everything: The announcement contains critical instructions regarding eligibility. Failure to follow these may disqualify your application.
- The Two-Page Limit: Do not exceed the two-page constraint for your resume. Use clear, concise language to highlight your experience.
- Detail Your Work: When describing past roles, provide specific details regarding your work with AutoCAD and contract oversight.
- Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you select all hiring paths that apply to you and upload the corresponding documentation immediately.
This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technician to contribute to a vital federal mission. If you are detail-oriented, technically proficient, and motivated by public service, we encourage you to apply by November 16, 2026. Join the Bureau of Reclamation and make your mark on the future of the West.
Why This Engineering Technican Job Matters
Shape the future of water management in the American West by joining the Bureau of Reclamation as a key technical contributor at the historic Parker Dam.
Engineering Technican Job Overview
The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency within the Department of the Interior, is inviting qualified professionals to apply for an Engineering Technician role at the Lower Colorado Dams Office, Parker Dam Field Division. This position plays a critical role in the oversight of construction, architectural, and engineering contracts. As a technical subject matter expert, you will ensure that infrastructure designs meet rigorous industry standards and field requirements while helping the agency meet complex water demands in an environmentally responsible manner.
Requirements for Engineering Technican
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Must maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times for the operation of government vehicles.
- Must be suitable for federal employment as determined by a background investigation (Moderate Risk Public Trust position).
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 grade level in federal service.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two single-sided pages.
- Completion of required USA Hire Assessments.
- Ability to serve a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Engineering Technican
- Demonstrated expertise in AutoCAD Civil 3D or equivalent software.
- Experience in the development and review of complex engineering drawings.
- Proven history of reviewing statements of work, construction schedules, and contractor payment requests.
- Competence in conducting pre-award activities and preparing technical cost estimates or change orders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Relocation expenses authorized (subject to agency guidelines)
- ✓Comprehensive federal retirement programs
- ✓Access to federal health insurance options
- ✓Support for professional development
- ✓Opportunity for career advancement within the Department of the Interior
💡 How to Apply Engineering Technican Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Engineering Technican Job
- Review the full job announcement and gather all required supporting documents.
- Access the official online application portal to initiate your profile.
- Complete the application questionnaire and attach your two-page resume.
- Submit your application before the closing date of November 16, 2026.
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding the required USA Hire Assessments.
- Complete the USA Hire assessments within the designated timeframe if invited.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will not be reviewed.
- Use month-year format for all employment history to clearly demonstrate your specialized experience.
- When selecting your hiring eligibility, upload every piece of supporting documentation required to verify your status.
- Double-check that your resume reflects your specific experience with AutoCAD and contract oversight as these are primary assessment criteria.
- Prepare for the USA Hire Assessment by reviewing the materials available at the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is education a substitute for the experience requirement?
No, this specific position does not allow for the substitution of education for the required specialized experience.
What is the security requirement for this role?
This position is designated as a Moderate Risk Public Trust role, requiring a favorably adjudicated background investigation within the last five years.
Can I update my application after I have submitted it?
Yes, you may return to your USAJOBS account and edit your application during the time the announcement is open.
What is the probationary period for this job?
You will serve a one-year probationary period to evaluate your performance and contribution to the agency’s goals.
Is there a travel requirement?
This position is coded for minimal travel; however, daily site work around the dam area may be required using government vehicles.
Job from Bureau Of Reclamation
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation is a critical agency responsible for managing, developing, and protecting water resources. From power generation to irrigation, the work performed at facilities like Parker Dam is essential to the stability of the region. Employees at the Bureau are part of a workforce that values natural resource preservation, scientific integrity, and public service.