**EM CORPORATE POSITION DESCRIPTION**

General Engineer (Process Cost Engineer), GS-0801-13

Organizational Title: Process Cost Engineer

**[I. INTRODUCTION]{.underline}**

The mission of the Office of Environmental Management (EM) is the
accelerated risk reduction and cleanup of the environmental legacy of
the nation\'s nuclear weapons program and government-sponsored nuclear
energy research. The program is one of the largest, diverse and
technically complex environmental cleanup programs in the world and
includes responsibility for the cleanup of 114 sites across the country.
Based on the recommendations of the National Academy of Public
Administration (NAPA) and the EM Best in Class Project Management
(BiCPM) initiative, essential cost estimating and analysis (CE&A)
services will be provided to EM sites leading up to, during and after
physical site closure.

EM\'s mission has been transformed from a program that indefinitely
managed risk associated with the Nation\'s weapons production program to
a well-defined project that accelerates risk reduction with clear cost,
scope, schedules and project controls as the program transitioned to
cleaning up the legacy of the weapons program. With the completion of a
comprehensive, complex-wide review ordered by the Secretary of Energy,
the estimated cost of the cleanup program decreased by over \$30 billion
and the time to complete cleanup will be shortened by 35 years,
eliminating risks to our workers, our communities, and the environment a
generation earlier than previously planned. Accomplishment of EM\'s
transformation requires driving greater clarity and predictability from
federal business systems and greater accountability for federal managers
and employees.

This incumbent serves as a process cost engineer concentrating on the
technical focus areas of Electrical, Mechanical, Pneumatic, Distributed
Control Systems, and Process-related Operations & Maintenance process
engineering such as HVAC systems, waste disposition systems, and waste
management. Provides technical advice and guidance in order to: (1)
execute EM's cost quality management program; (2) develop independent
government cost and schedule estimates for proposed projects and program
baselines; (3) implement documented and supportable cost and schedule
estimating methods and processes; (4) develop guidance and standards
(e.g., EM Cost Estimating Guide, EM Risk Identification & Management
Guide, etc.), handbooks and other materials for use by program and
Federal Project Directors (project managers); (5) evaluate the technical
assumptions, site characteristics and conditions, contamination
characteristic (type, source, and extent), applicability and
availability of technology, risk considerations, regulatory
requirements, economic considerations, safety and security restrictions,
and other factors upon which estimates are based; (6) evaluate the
validity and accuracy of cost estimates prepared by contractors for
proposed projects, including planning estimates, preliminary estimates,
detailed estimates, risk-adjusted estimates, feasibility
studies/estimates, contract modification estimates, and change control
proposals; and (7) assist others engaged in cost quality management or
related functions; (8) oversee estimator team in the preparation of
estimates and maintenance of the lifecycle baseline.

**[II. MAJOR DUTIES]{.underline}**

Incumbent serves a process cost engineer at the **[assigned
site]{.underline}** to improve quality of project, contract, and budget
baselines, enabling EM Federal Project Directors (project managers) to
successfully execute EM projects within established cost and performance
goals. Assures cost estimate quality in all cost and schedule estimates
performed by DOE and DOE contractors. Provides expert technical advice
and assures consistency and standardization in all facets of cost and
schedule estimating throughout the EM complex. Develops and maintains
cost estimating and analysis standards for cost and schedule estimating.

Incumbent implements documented and supportable cost and schedule
estimating methods and processes. Ensures consistent approaches are used
when establishing project cost and schedule estimates that meet all
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB), the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), DOE, and other
published industry standards.

Develops independent government cost estimates for proposed projects and
program baselines. Independently reviews the basis for conceptual
designs of proposed environmental management programs and projects to
determine and recommend alternative technical methods or designs which
would reduce costs while still meeting all regulatory and DOE
requirements. Evaluates the technical assumptions, site characteristics
and conditions, contamination characteristics (type, source, and
extent), applicability and availability of technology, risk
considerations, regulatory requirements, economic considerations, safety
and security restrictions, and other factors upon which the estimates
are based. Ensure continual improvement of the lifecycle baseline
estimates by revising estimates for actual costs.

Develops cost estimates from the contractors viewpoint requiring careful
analysis and comprehensive evaluation of numerous factors with differing
and complicating circumstances that affect the project. Considers the
nature, type and location of project which impacts labor market and
costs, labor or contractor availability, productivity, special skills,
specialized equipment and testing requirements, transportation and
storage, material requirements and availability, mobilization and
demobilization of equipment, location and accessibility of project
sites, transportation, safety requirements, taxes, insurance, profit,
and other factors that will influence project cost. From conceptual,
preliminary, and final plans and specifications prepares parametric and
engineering cost estimates that are used to support project acquisition
approaches and competitive bidding. Coordinates cost estimating work
with other engineering and technical disciplines, planning teams,
independent project teams, procurement teams, source evaluation boards,
and construction management specialists.

Regularly provides cost estimation services to the **[assigned
site's]{.underline}** Office of Contracting, Office of Financial
Management, and DOE EM HQ Program and Field Offices. Participates on
integrated project teams as the site's cost estimation representative
and assists in project design/development from conception through final
construction.

Regularly evaluates the validity and accuracy of cost estimates;
including conceptual or planning estimates, preliminary estimates,
detailed estimates, risk-based cost estimates, feasibility
studies/estimates, current working estimates, and others.

Manages the acquisition and use of support contractors to produce
independent cost estimates and perform independent non-proponent cost
reviews that are used to judge the validity and accuracy of estimates
submitted to DOE. Develops project specific statements of work,
prescriptive detailed cost and schedule estimating instructions and
procedures including format and guidance that are used by support
service subcontractors providing cost engineering services to EM and the
assigned site. Incumbent functions as a task manager or Contracting
Officer\'s Technical Representative (COTR) responsible for providing
oversight of support service contractors providing cost and schedule
engineering support. In this capacity the incumbent develops the
statement of work for the cost and schedule engineering services being
acquired, conducts technical analysis of contractor's proposal,
establishes pre-negotiation objectives, assists the contracting
officer's representative (COR) during negotiations with contractors, and
develops post-negotiation memorandums to document contracting actions.
The incumbent accepts, rejects, or reviews support services contractor's
deliverables and evaluates their performance. The incumbent devises and
directs corrective action plans when necessary to redirect support
services contractors if needed.

The incumbent prepares initial estimates for use in developing
conceptual proposals, planning purposes, preliminary designs, additive
alternatives, modifications, claims, negotiations, awards, terminations,
contracts, etc. In numerous instances information, precedents, data,
etc., may be 1imited, incomplete or unavailable requiring practical
experience and knowledge of engineering and construction requirements to
develop a reasonable and defensible cost estimate. From brief scoping
statements, design memorandum or rough sketches of proposed
project/concept, the incumbent prepares preliminary estimates of cost to
determine feasibility of project or for funding or budgetary purposes.

The incumbent maintains cognizance of new developments and trends in
cost estimating by reviewing current literature, attending professional
meetings, and visiting other DOE, government and industrial facilities.
The incumbent collaborates with professional societies, such as the
Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International
(AACEI), to assure estimating practices are consistent with established
and newly emerging industry standards and best commercial practices.

Incumbent provides guidance and assistance to other **[assigned
site]{.underline}** staff engaged in cost-related activities. Incumbent
may lead or participates as a member of teams where expertise is
necessary to assure cost estimate quality is achieved.

**[III. FACTOR LEVELS]{.underline}**

**Factor 1 - Knowledge Required by the Position**

Mastery of the advanced concepts, theories, principles, and practices of
engineering (e.g., nuclear, chemical, environmental, construction,
mechanical, electrical, electronic, etc.), in order to develop cost
estimates that include electrical, distributed control systems,
mechanical, HVAC, waste handling and treatment systems, and
process-related operating costs typically associated with operating
facilities (nuclear & non-nuclear).

Working knowledge and experience in the use of established cost
engineering practices, engineering standards, computer-aided cost
estimating systems and market analysis techniques that are used develop
life-cycle cost estimates. Familiarity and experience in developing
resource-loaded schedules, critical path scheduling and analysis
techniques, project progress and cost control processes, progress
measurement and Earned Value management techniques and methodologies
used to track cost and schedule performance.

Knowledge of environmental engineering practices in order to review and
fully understand the concepts, designs, and plans for proposed
environmental remediation projects and programs, and to evaluate and be
able to apply new environmental technologies when developing cost
estimates that evaluate alternative approaches under consideration.
Ability to serve as a centralized cost engineering resource that
provides cost, schedule, and risk management services in support of DOE
EM programs (environmental restoration, waste management, nuclear
facility deactivation and decommissioning, capital construction of
technically complex process facilities, and Operations & Maintenance
(O&M) of existing technically complex facilities).

Knowledge of and experience in applying the concepts, principles, and
methodologies of value engineering/management, and performing technical
risk, cost benefit, and economic analyses. Ability to develop
construction cost estimates and cost estimates for operations,
maintenance, and manufacturing costs for continuous process operations.
Incumbent is trained and experienced in developing cost estimates that
include electrical, mechanical, HVAC, waste handling and treatment
systems, and process-related operating costs typically associated with
operating facilities (nuclear & non-nuclear). Incumbent has knowledge
and experience estimating maintenance and operational (M&O) work and can
quantify all required direct, variable, semivariable, indirect, fixed,
and distributed costs to arrive total throughput or production costs for
a given process. The incumbent should have experience or specific
knowledge related to developing cost estimates for processes or systems
that are subject to or meet quality assurance program requirements for
nuclear facilities (ANSI/ASME NQA-1).

Knowledge of and skill in applying program management principles,
concepts, and techniques including program planning, objective milestone
establishment, scheduling, control and resource analysis and allocation.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local government environmental laws and
regulations, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act
(CERCLA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and NRC regulations (Title 10 Code of
Federal Regulations).

Demonstrated experience in providing independent analytical support,
advice, and recommendations to agency or organizational senior
management. Skill in oral and written communication to effectively and
persuasively deal with all levels of management officials at DOE and its
contractors regarding the implementation, methods, and benefits of DOE
EM's cost quality management program.

**Factor 2 - Supervisory Controls**

The supervisor provides administrative direction with assignments made
in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. As a practitioner in
the costing, scheduling and managing of projects, results of the work
are considered technically authoritative and are normally accepted
without significant change. Review of work concerns such matters as
fulfillment of program objectives, and the effect of advice and
influence on the overall program. Recommendations for new projects and
alteration of objectives usually are evaluated for such considerations
as availability of funds and other resources, broad program goals or
national priorities. Work which is highly sensitive, or which may impact
or relate to legal commitments, is reviewed for consistency and
compatibility with DOE and regulatory policies; for consistency with
other work within the organization; and for impact on budgets and
political sensitivities of DOE, DOE contractors, regulatory agencies,
and stakeholders.

Mentors junor estimators in the use of estimating software and in
applying estimating procedures.

**Factor 3 - Guidelines**

Written guidelines include DOE Orders, policy statements, protocols,
manuals, handbooks, and guidance; engineering texts, technical
handbooks, and other technical publications; and standard cost/schedule
estimating and project control manuals and practices. Guidelines are
often broadly stated, unspecific, of limited use, or are otherwise
inadequate in dealing with complex or unusual problems. Some DOE
guidelines must be used selectively, as they are intended for management
programs that are too comprehensive to be practical or cost effective
for most field applications. The incumbent exercises judgment and
ingenuity in deviating from traditional methods that may be available,
adapting and developing new methods as required. As a practitioner in
cost estimation techniques, the incumbent will lead development of
guidance and standards, handbooks and other materials for use by DOE
programs, and project managers in the field.

**Factor 4 - Complexity**

The employee must manage independent cost estimates (including
life-cycle cost estimates) of complicated environmental restoration,
waste management, nuclear materials and facility stabilization,
decontamination and decommissioning, and research and development
projects. The employee must be especially versatile and innovative in
adapting, modifying, or compromising with standard guides and methods in
order to originate new criteria and to develop new information.
Complexity is increased by the fact that each of the cleanup projects
are typically governed by Federal, state and local laws, rules, and
regulations which in many cases conflict or must be applied in a context
not originally envisioned.

Typically DOE's nuclear and non-nuclear facilities are very complex and
involve complex technical processes used to treat or immobilize
hazardous chemicals or highly radioactive level waste. The employee must
be have experience developing cost estimates for processes or systems
that are subject to or meet quality assurance program requirements for
nuclear facilities (ANSI/ASME NQA-1).

**Factor 5 - Scope and Effect**

The purpose of the work is to serve as an authority on cost estimating
and value engineering for EM. The incumbent also participates and serves
as a resource for DOE complex-wide cost management activities.
Activities include participation on independent validation and
independent cost estimation teams and participation on DOE complex-wide
teams promoting cost engineering performance improvement. The incumbent
also provides technical expertise and support to other Federal agencies
as necessary.

**Factor 6 -Personal Contacts**

Personal contacts are made with program officials of DOE (Headquarters
and Field) and contractor organizations, as well as other business
consultants, to justify and defend recommendations which impact on
major, high dollar EM programs and projects. Contacts occur on an ad-hoc
basis and in unstructured settings. The incumbent is often required to
be influential in negotiations with others to arrive at a consensus on
actions to be taken or other issues.

**Factor 7 -Purpose of Contacts**

Purpose of contacts is to justify, defend, negotiate or settle highly
significant or controversial cost estimating and value engineering
matters. Incumbent must facilitate resolution of issues and conflicts,
which arise between the various stakeholders. The engineer is generally
viewed as an "honest broker" who is called upon to provide leadership
and to serve as a buffer between contending factions. Persuasion and
tact in dealing with people having diverse, often hostile, viewpoints or
attitudes regarding outcomes, is frequently required.

The employee is recognized throughout the DOE complex as a process cost
estimator engineer and, as such, assists program/project managers and
other cost professionals, DOE complex-wide, to gain the knowledge and
skills required to apply the concepts, principles, and methodologies of
value-engineering studies, technical risk analyses, cost-benefit
analyses, and cost estimation techniques for environmental management
projects and programs. This would include construction, waste handling,
environmental investigation and remediation, nuclear materials and
facility stabilization, research and development, and prototype
demonstrations.

**Factor 8 - Physical Demands**

Most of the work is sedentary in nature; some minor physical exertion
may be required. Some walking, standing, and climbing is required during
visits to project work sites and DOE-owned facilities.

**Factor 9 - Work Environment**

Most work is performed in a normal office setting, which is adequately
lighted, heated and ventilated. On occasion the employee will visit
remote field sites and project locations to assess site conditions that
may influence project cost and schedule estimates. During site visits
the employee will be required to wear applicable safety equipment (i.e.,
hard hats, steel toed safety shoes, and applicable eye/hearing
protection). The employee may be exposed to potential risks from
ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and must wear a dosimeter.

[**IV. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS**]{.underline}

Occasional travel may be required.

The incumbent of the position is an EM employee and may be assigned to
any of the EM field locations: EM Consolidated Business Center, Richland
Operations Office, Office of River Protection, Savannah River Operations
Office, Carlsbad -- Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP),
Portsmouth-Paducah Projects Office (PPPO), or the various locations of
the HQ EM 3.2 - Office of Site Support and Small Projects (i.e.,
Brookhaven National Laboratory, Grand Junction, Inhalation Toxicology
Laboratory, Separations Process Research Unit, the Oakland Projects
Office, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Energy Technology
Engineering Center and the West Valley Demonstration Project).  In
addition, EM has projects to complete at the Chicago Operations Office,
the Idaho Operations Office, the Oak Ridge Operations Office, and at
various site offices within the DOE complex.

[***Use as applicable***:]{.mark}

-   This position requires the incumbent to sign a mobility agreement.
    At the time of site closure or when the work is no longer necessary,
    the employee understands that he/she will be reassigned to a new
    position at another EM site at a different geographic location.

-   The duties and responsibilities of this position may require the
    incumbent to have access to highly classified documents and/or
    materials which are related to the nuclear weapons program protected
    by the Atomic Energy Act. The position demands the highest degree of
    public trust and requires the incumbent to possess a DOE "L" level
    security clearance.

-   The duties and responsibilities of this position may require the
    incumbent to have access to highly classified documents and/or
    materials which are related to the nuclear weapons program protected
    by the Atomic Energy Act. The position demands the highest degree of
    public trust and requires the incumbent to possess a DOE "Q" level
    security clearance.

***[NOTE: If a security clearance is required, you must also use the
following statement:]{.mark}***

This position requires a security clearance and is subject to drug
testing. The selectee must test negative prior to being appointed to
this position and will be subject to random testing thereafter. Failure
to pass subsequent tests could result in disciplinary action, up to and
including removal from the Federal service.