ENGINEER (Structural) - DESIGN
Essential Competencies
ENTRY LEVEL
Description: Performs less complex design duties. Works on complex design under the supervision of a master engineer.
I. Knowledge of Discipline
A. Codes & Compliance
B. Computer Skills/CADD
C. Concrete Design/Rehabilitation
D. Contract Admin (A/E)
E. Construction Practices/Mgt/Materials
F. Estimating & Life Cycle
G. Hazardous Materials
H. Historic Pres. Principles
I. Multi-Disciplinary Teams
J. Materials/Methods
K. NPS Design Ethic/Principles
L. Principles of Surveying
M. Soils Engineering
N. Steel/Timber Design
O. Sustainable Practices
P. Treated Wood Products
Q. 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 structural engineering principles and techniques
General knowledge of NPS ethic/policies/mission
Ability to deal/communicate effectively with others
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. Concrete Design/Rehabilitation
D. Contract Admin (A/E)
E. Construction Practices/Mgt/Materials
F. Estimating & Life Cycle
G. Hazardous Materials
H. Historic Pres. Principles
I. Multi-Disciplinary Teams
J. Materials/Methods
K. NPS Design Ethic/Principles
L. Principles of Surveying
M. Soils Engineering
N. Steel/Timber Design
O. Sustainable Practices
P. Treated Wood Products
Q. Project Evaluation
R. Value Analysis
S. Park/SSO/Central Office Experience
** additional technical areas:
Knowledge of Masonry Designs
Products Selection
Destructive/Nondestructive Matls Testing
Admixtures
Structural Evaluations
Corrosion Protection
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. Legislative Factors
B. Design Tradition/Future
C. Resource Stewardship
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Same as entry level plus:
Skill in applying structural 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 engineering discipline and perform mid-level supervisory duties
Ability to perform effectively on multidisciplinary teams
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. Concrete Design/Rehabilitation
D. Contract Admin (A/E)
E. Construction Practices/Mgt/Materials
F. Estimating & Life Cycle
G. Hazardous Materials
H. Historic Pres. Principles
I. Mgmt of Multi-Disciplinary Teams
J. Materials/Methods
K. NPS Design Ethic/Principles
L. Principles of Surveying
M. Soils Engineering
N. Steel/Timber Design
O. Sustainable Practices
P. Treated Wood Products
Q. Project Evaluation
R. Value Analysis
S. Park/SSO/Central Office Experience
** additional technical areas: same as developmental level**
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. Legislative Factors
B. Design Tradition/Future
C. Resource Stewardship
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Same as developmental level plus:
Leadership in structural 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 career planning and technical supervision 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
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