ENGINEER (Civil) - DESIGN
Essential Competencies
ENTRY LEVEL
Description: Performs less complex design duties. Complex design duties are performed under the supervision of a master engineer.
I. Knowledge of Discipline
A. Codes & Compliance
B. Computer Skills/CADD
C. Contract Admin (A/E)
D. Construction Practices/Mgt/Materials
E. Estimating & Life Cycle
F. General Civil Eng. Designs
G. Hazardous Materials
H. Historic Pres. Principles
I. Multi-Disciplinary Teams
J. Materials/Methods
K. Principles of Surveying
L. Regulatory Requirements
M. Roads/Highway/Parking Area Design
N. Storm Water Management
O. Sustainable Practices
P. Waste Water Systems
Q. Water Systems
R. Park/SSO/Central Office Experience
II. Inter/Intra-Personal Skills
A. Building Partnerships
B. Conflict Resolution
C. Customer Service
D. Effective Facilitation
E. Presentation Skills
F. Goal Setting
III. Leadership/Management
A. Creative Problem Solving
B. Negotiation Skills
IV. NPS Environmental-Heritage Ethic
A. Legislative Factors
B. Design Tradition/Future
C. Resource Stewardship
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of civil engineering principles and techniques
General knowledge of NPS ethic, policies and mission
Ability to deal/communicate effectively with others
(listening and team building)
Knowledge of NPS design process and office procedures
General computer proficiency
DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL
Description: Performs more advanced design duties. Collaborates with in-house and external experts.
I. Knowledge of Discipline
A. Codes & Compliance
B. Computer Skills/CADD
C. Contract Admin (A/E)
D. Construction Practices/Mgt/Materials
E. Estimating & Life Cycle
F. General Civil Eng. Designs
G. Hazardous Materials
H. Historic Pres. Principles
I. Multi-Disciplinary Teams
J. Materials/Methods
K. Principles of Surveying
L. Regulatory Requirements
M. Roads/Highway/Parking Area Design
N. Storm Water Management
O. Sustainable Practices
P. Waste Water Systems
Q. Water Systems
R. Project Evaluation
S. Soils Engineering
T. Value Analysis
U. Park/SSO/Central Office Experience
II. Inter/Intra-Personal Skills
A. Building Partnerships
B. Conflict Resolution
C. Customer Service
D. Effective Facilitation
E. Presentation Skills
F. Goal Setting
G. Team Building
III. Leadership/Management
A. Creative Problem Solving
B. Negotiation Skills
C. Measurement/Evaluation
D. Program/Budget Formulation
IV. NPS Environmental-Heritage Ethic
A. Design Tradition/Future
B. Resource Stewardship
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Same as entry level plus:
Skill in applying civil engineering principles/techniques to NPS projects
Ability to deliver briefings and conduct meetings
Sensitivity to customer needs and ability to respond appropriately
General understanding of the many facets of the design process, ability to anticipate problems and facilitate problem solving
Understanding of how design profession functions within NPS organization to help achieve mission
Working knowledge of NPS ethic, principles and policies
Ability to lead in engineering discipline and perform mid-level supervisory duties
FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL
Description: Performs more advanced design duties and project/team coordination. As subject matter expert, collaborates with in-house and external resource personnel.
I. Knowledge of Discipline
A. Codes & Compliance
B. Computer Skills/CADD
C. Contract Admin (A/E)
D. Construction Practices/Mgt/Materials
E. Estimating & Life Cycle
F. General Civil Eng. Designs
G. Hazardous Materials
H. Historic Pres. Principles
I. Mgmt of Multi-Disciplinary Teams
J. Materials/Methods
K. Principles of Surveying
L. Regulatory Requirements
M. Roads/Highway/Parking Area Design
N. Storm Water Management
O. Sustainable Practices
P. Waste Water Systems
Q. Water Systems
R. Project Evaluation
S. Soils Engineering
T. Value Analysis
U. Park/SSO/Central Office Experience
II. Inter/Intra-Personal Skills
A. Building Partnerships
B. Conflict Resolution
C. Customer Service
D. Effective Facilitation
E. Presentation Skills
F. Team Building
G. Goal Setting
III. Leadership-Management
A. Creative Problem Solving
B. Negotiation Skills
C. Measurement/Evaluation
D. Program/Budget Formulation
IV. NPS Environmental-Heritage Ethic
A. Legislative Factors
B. Design Tradition/Future
C. Resource Stewardship
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Same as developmental level plus:
Leadership in civil engineering discipline and in complex, multi-disciplinary project development/production. Manages multi-disciplinary teams
Complete understanding of NPS ethic/policies
Ability to deliver professional presentations and chair meetings
Ability to achieve customer satisfaction
Ability to provide technical supervision and career planning to others within the discipline
Ability to complete high quality products on time and within budget
***At expert level (GS-14/15) for future specialist career path:
Ability to represent NPS before other agencies/commissions;is recognized as agency's expert/leader in discipline and/or
multi-faceted programs
Additional management/leadership skills are identified under the leadership/management career competencies
National Park Service
Training and Development Division
Essential Competencies
d-engciv.htm