Cost Engineer, GS-08XX-12/13 (00901)

Announcement Type

TARP - Internal Opportunity (Non-Comp/VIOP)

Position Type

Temporary

Overseas

Deployment

Position Not To Exceed (NTE) Time

12 months

USACE Organization

Transatlantic Division (TAD) - Expeditionary District

Locations (City, State)

Kuwait, Kuwait

Position Overview/Duties

As a Lead cost engineer, works in a collaborative environment, with minimal supervision. Utilizes Micro-Computer Aided Cost Estimating System and Parametric Cost Estimating Software (PACES) cost engineering software to compile rough order of magnitude (ROM), current working estimate (CWE), independent government estimate (IGE) and mod estimates for wide range of projects in the construction program, to include roads, bridges, airfields, water supply, sewage treatment, power generation and all types of vertical construction. Architect-Engineer (A-E) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contracts also require cost engineer input. Apply professional knowledge of construction, adapted for the local environment, to account for crews, equipment, material/transportation, productivity, and other inputs to complete estimates for programming, project development and bid openings. Most work is Design-Build, requiring development of estimates with minimal drawings and details, past project info or other staff expertise, as guidance. Serves as a regional technical specialist in cost engineering efforts involving buildings, structures, and architectural features for a wide variety of Civil and Military projects. As a senior specialist, has responsibility for preparing, assembling, managing, and defending cost estimates for projects. Projects may be in a conceptual, planned/proposed, design, construction, or operational stage, covering a wide geographic area, remote locations, subject to varying climatic conditions, inaccessible areas, or other unusual conditions complicating the cost-estimating function.

1. As a regional technical specialist for Civil Works and Military projects, the incumbent assignments involve work in a broad range of specialized activities related to cost engineering functions pertaining to Civil Works projects within the region. The incumbent encounters many tasks throughout the project life that draw upon broad experience and knowledge of cost estimating, construction engineering and scheduling. He/She has a vast degree of estimating and engineering experience and expert understanding of cost estimating methods and automation tools Micro-Computer Aided Cost Estimating System (MCACES), Primavera, etc.). He/she must possess a good understanding of the various construction methods and technologies used in Civil Works and Military projects in order to accurately estimate the costs and schedule of those projects.

The Cost Engineer produces accurate cost estimates and schedules for the programming, budgeting and contract award of complex multi-contract projects. The incumbent provides expert cost and schedule advice to designers and construction managers during both the design and construction of the project. The incumbent also provides expert analysis and advice to senior management to ensure the project is built in a cost-effective manner and actively participates with the project manager and construction manager to manage costs and schedules within the established limits. The Cost Engineer also provides expert advice within the region to other districts and provides independent technical reviews of design products.

Serves on independent technical review (ITR) teams, and quality assurance (QA) teams. Reviews/recommends approval of Decision/Implementation documents. Consults on matters in area of specialization with engineers in Districts, Division, and other Agencies. Provides technical direction consistent with Corps policy to Districts and Architect-Engineer firms (AE). Serves as a technical expert in the field of specialization within the region. Serves on District planning/design Teams upon request, and on regional (Division) Technical Discipline Teams. Maintains/promotes awareness of technical advances/methods. Develops/promotes/transfers technical expertise. Participates in regional lessons learned systems, coordinating with District and Division Engineers.

2. Prepares initial estimates for use in developing conceptual proposals, planning purposes, preliminary designs, additive alternatives, modification claims, negotiations, awards, terminations, 8(a) contracts, etc. In numerous instances, information, precedents data, etc.., may be limited, incomplete or unavailable, requiring extensive experience and knowledge of construction requirements to develop a reasonable and defensible cost estimate. From brief statements, design memorandums or rough sketches of the proposed project/concept, prepare preliminary estimates of costs to determine the feasibility of the project or for funding or budgetary purposes.

3. Provides cost information assistance to the Construction Branch in change order and negotiations with contractors, and may act as an expert in cost estimation for the Office of Counsel in claims court. Provides cost expertise on complex contractor claims and assists in negotiations. Serves as expert witness in formal proceedings. Furnishes cost estimates resulting from contract modifications, change order, etc, for use in construction contractor negotiations.

4. Provides detailed and authoritative cost estimates in real estate condemnation proceedings involving structures, relocation of bridges, roads, utilities, and operations contract modification and maintenance contracts.

5. Makes field trips for site investigations, studies and makes recommended changes in features of work, and time and study reports.

Other Conditions and Requirements

Must be a current US Citizen to apply.

Must be able to obtain and maintain an official government passport. 

Must be able to meet CENTCOM medical standards listing medical disqualifiers: https://www.centcom.mil/Portals/6/MEDICAL/MOD17_Tab_A.pdf

Duty station Kuwait: No Danger Pay, 15% Post Differential, 48 hours of paid Overtime/pay period, Sunday Premium Pay, $123/day Per Diem in Govt-provided lodging.  Personal Leave authorized for 1-year tour.

HIS POSITION REQUIRES A SECRET CLEARANCE WORK MAY ENTAIL EXTENDED WORK SHIFT OF 12-16 HOURS A DAY. GENERALLY, INDOOR WORK LOCATION HAS POWER, WATER, HEATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING, ALTHOUGH OUTAGES SHOULD BE EXPECTED. LACK OF SLEEP MAY OCCUR DUE TO LONG WORK HOURS AND UNCOMFORTABLE LIVING CONDITIONS. EMPLOYEE WILL REPORT SYMPTOMS OF STRESS AND FATIGUE TO THE ON-SITE SUPERVISOR. LIVING CONDITIONS RANGE FROM 

HAVING ONE OR MORE OF THESE AMENITIES. EMPLOYEES WHO NEED TO STORE REFRIGERATED MEDICATION SHALL PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM THE PRIMARY DUTY STATION, INFORM THE LOCAL EOC SO AVAILABILITY OF REFRIGERATION AT THE WORK SITE CAN BE DETERMINED. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AT WORK LOCATIONS MAY RANGE FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT AND HUMIDITY TO EXTREME COLD AND RAINY. SOME LOCATIONS REQUIRE THAT THE EMPLOYEE BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN STABLE MOBILITY IN SANDY AND UNSTABLE TERRAIN. ALTHOUGH SOME WORK IS SEDENTARY, WORK CONDITIONS SUCH AS ERGONOMIC ISSUES RELATED TO LIFTING AND CARRYING, SEATING, OR VIDEO DISPLAY TERMINALS; REPETITIVE MOTION INJURY FROM USING COMPUTERS, AND THE LIKE MAY BE EXPECTED.

This position is designated as emergency-essential (E-E). The position cannot be converted to a military position because it requires uninterrupted performance to provide immediate and continuing support operations and/or support maintenance and repair of combat essential systems. This position may not be filled by a military reservist. In the event of an emergency, the incumbent must continue to perform the E-E duties until relieved by proper authority. Failure to remain in your position may result in separation for the efficiency of the Federal service. Incumbent must complete and sign DD Form 2365 (DoD Civilian Employee Overseas Emergency Essential Position Agreement). Due to the strenuous nature of some deployed assignments, the incumbent may be required to meet certain medical requirements (be free of any health or medical condition that would prevent the employee from performing duties under austere conditions). Incumbent may be subject to medical examination, immunizations (this may include the series of anthrax vaccine immunizations to include annual boosters and other immunizations that may in the future be required), DNA sampling, HIV testing, etc. Adequate medical facilities may not be available within the area of deployment to support certain medical conditions or medications that require special handling.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor

To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).

Qualifications

Candidates will be evaluated IAW OPM Requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.