Civil Engineer, GS-0810-12 (43110)

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) announcement for multiple Civil Engineers in the South Atlantic Division, Charleston District, Construction Division.

Position Title(s): Civil Engineer

Series/Grade: GS-0810-12

Open Period: 14-28 September 2026

Duty Location: Charleston or Columbia, SC.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Serve as a Project Engineer and Authorized Representative of the Contracting Officer, with full responsibility for monitoring and coordinating a wide variety of civil, mechanical, electrical, and architectural construction projects. This role requires a thorough knowledge of engineering and architectural practices, with a focus on quality assurance inspection and oversight of military, civil, and interagency construction, renovation, and facilities investment/preventative maintenance activities.

Duties:

Technical Lead:

• Oversee contract administration, quality assurance, and surveillance of construction.
• Provide direction to engineers, construction representatives, and technicians.
• Advise and assist employees in daily tasks, accepting or rejecting work.

Contract Administration:

• May serve as Contracting Officer's Representative.
• Assist Resident Engineer with plan interpretation, con-tractor coordination, and issue resolution.
• Handle pre-award planning, shop drawing reviews, contractor inquiries, and payment estimates.
• Prepare and review modification documents for changes in design, site conditions, quantities, or specifications.
• Participate in contract modification negotiations and reviews of engineering records.
• Estimate costs for modifications and claims, including intangible elements like overhead and weather delays.
• Participate in design reviews, pre-bid conferences, and construction feasibility assessments.
• Conduct conferences to clarify design, safety, scheduling, and compliance requirements.

Quality Assurance and Inspection:

• Establish quality assurance standards and monitor contractor workmanship and practices.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, including systems like electrical and mechanical utilities.
• Recommend corrective actions for defective workmanship or noncompliance.
• Supervise preparation of progress reports, payment estimates, and change orders.
• Review contractor submissions and provide recommendations on construction progress and changes.
• Oversee construction operations to ensure adherence to plans and specifications, including environmental regulations.
• Resolve disputes between Government and contractor personnel and ensure proper training for government representatives.

Safety:

• Ensure adherence to safety standards (e.g., EM 385-1-1).
• Inspect work areas and provide safety recommendations.
• Document safety issues and corrective actions on daily reports.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Minimum Education Requirement:

Engineering: Bachelor's degree (or higher) in engineering. The program must: lead to a degree in a school with at least one program accredited by ABET. Degree must be documented on a transcript.

OPM General Schedule Qualification Standards — GS-0800 Series - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#0800

Specialized Experience:

One year of specialized experience in managing multiple construction contracts on facilities and infrastructure similar to commercial, industrial facilities, military facilities, federal facilities and infrastructure, earthwork and marine construction. Experience should include request for proposal reviews, contract administration and change order management, quality management and safety oversight as part of a project team.

Other Requirements:

• Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Multiple positions may be filled by this announcement.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 15% of the time.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget). Before the payment of Relocation Incentive, an employee must provide residence documentation and maintain a residence in the new geographic location for the duration of the service agreement.
• PCS expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or its possessions to operate vehicles.
• This position may be eligible for situational telework.