CECW-EG

Engineer 

Pamphlet

690-2-3

Department of the Army

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Washington, DC 20314-1000

EP 690-2-3

15 February 1998

Engineering and Design

GUIDELINES FOR THECAREER 

DEVELOPMENT OF GEOTECHNICAL 

ENGINEERS

Distribution Restriction Statement

Approved for public release; distribution is 

unlimited.
 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY EP 690-2-3

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

CECW-EG Washington, DC 20314-1000

Pamphlet

No. 690-2-3 15 February 1998

Engineering and Design

GUIDELINES FOR THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT

 OF GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS

1. Purpose.

a. The US Army Corps of Engineers

(USACE) must continue to develop and

maintain a highly-trained and experienced

geotechnical staff to support the engineering

activities associated with the civil works

program. The guidance in this pamphlet

describes the experience, education, training,

and skill development opportunities that Corps

geotechnical members should have to ensure

that USACE maintains the essential geotechnical capabilities required to support the

USACE planning, design, construction,

operation and dam safety mission. This

information should be used by geotechnical

engineers in USACE in the preparation of

Individual Development Plans (IDP) for their

individual career development especially in the

technical arena.

b. The Army Civilian Training, Education

and Development (ACTEDS) (reference 3g)

provides guidance on the types of experience,

training, education, and career planning which

are recommended for progression to the key

leadership positions in the career program.

However, the principal emphasis of ACTEDS

is on developing leadership and management

skills. The guidance provided in this pamphlet

provides guidelines for development of

technical and professional skills which are not

detailed in the ACTEDS. The two documents

should be used together to help managers and

careerists develop organizational and

individual development plans for technical and

supervisory positions in geotechnical

engineering in USACE. 

c. This pamphlet should be used as guidance for development of individual career

plans. The experience, education, training,

and skill development opportunities suggested

are those considered necessary for the member

to perform the assigned tasks; however, the

suggested experiences are not to be considered

as absolute requirements.

2. Applicability. This pamphlet applies to

all USACE elements having civil works

responsibilities.

3. References.

a. AR 690-1-950, Civilian Personnel

Career Management, Chapter 11.

b. DA Pamphlet 690-43, Supervisors

Guide to Career Development and Counseling

for Career Program Employees.

c. DA Pamphlet 690-46, Mentoring. 

d. ER 350-1-416, Headquarters, US

Army Corps of Engineers (HQUSACE)

Centrally and Locally Sponsored Long-Term
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(LTT) Program.

e. ER 350-1-420, 5 - Year IDP and

Development Assignments.

f. ER 690-1-958, Army Civilian Career

Program for Engineers and Scientists

(Resources and Construction).

g. Memorandum, CEHR-C, 3 December

1990, Subject: Army Civilian Training,

Education and Development (ACTEDS) for

Engineers and Scientists.

4. Distribution. Approved for public

release, distribution is unlimited.

5. Responsibilities.

a. Professional development of the geotechnical workforce is both the ongoing

responsibility of the Corps of Engineers and

the individual Corps geotechnical member. By

fostering individual professional development

through training, education, and/or

developmental opportunities that are directly

linked to the job responsibilities, the Corps

enhances development of its corporate workforce. A viable, proactive corporate

professional development plan promotes

optimum performance of team members in

their present jobs and provides a reservoir of

job skills to meet future Corps needs, while

providing careerists opportunities to achieve

career goals. 

b. Supervisors, managers and Career

Program Managers are responsible for making

the careerist aware of career development

programs and providing opportunities to meet

corporate needs, but the ultimate responsibility

for career development rests with the careerist.

In order to be qualified to assume or apply for

positions when the opportunity arises,

particularly for those positions with advancement potential, the careerist should develop an

individual development plan which states

career goals, identifies specific positions

associated with those goals and includes any

training, education, or skill development

required for desired positions. The plan

should provide for attainment of plan

objectives in a deliberate, progressive manner.

While many opportunities for professional and

career development are available to the

member at Corps expense during work hours,

the careerist should also consider opportunities

that are available at individual expense during

non-work hours.

6. Nature and Scope of Geotechnical 

Engineering.

a. Geotechnical engineering is that

portion of civil engineering that deals with all

aspects of the theory and practice of soil

mechanics. In particular, it includes the

following activities for the planning, design,

construction, operation, and rehabilitation of

civil works projects: site evaluation, selection

and characterization; subsurface investigations

and exploration; institute and laboratory

testing; foundation design for embankments

and other major structures; design of earth and

rock-fill dams; levee design; seepage

investigations, dewatering and seepage control

systems; developing performance parameters;

instrumentation and monitoring systems;

pavement design; forensics and performance

evaluation; and the engineering evaluation and

designation of natural construction materials

for use as construction materials. 

b. The scope includes all field
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investigations; laboratory and field testing;

design of geotechnical features including

analyses and documentation; technical review;

development of contract documents and

instructions to construction personnel;

coordination and visits to construction sites;

and monitoring and evaluation of the

performance of completed civil works

structures.

 c. The Corps of Engineers has technical

capability requirements which are unique to

the mission. To satisfy these requirements, the

Corps must maintain a cadre of trained and

experienced professional geotechnical

engineers to ensure safe design, construction

and operation of dams, levees and other flood

control projects. Examples of these essential

technical capabilities are:

(1) exploration and testing for dams

and levees,

(2) foundation design for dams and

levees,

(3) embankment design for dams and

levees,

(4) seepage evaluations and

 groundwater modeling,

(5) design of dewatering, seepage and

 uplift control systems,

(6) emergency response for flood

fighting and evidence of distress,

(7) developing performance

parameters for embankment dams

 and levees,

(8) monitoring actual performance of

embankment dams and

(9) evaluation and testing of

construction materials for embankment dams and levees for design

and construction control.

d. Technical tasks performed by geotechnical engineers from entry level GS-5/7/9

through GS/GM-15 managers are defined in

Appendix A. Knowledge, skills, and abilities

(KSA) which the geotechnical team member

must possess in order to perform these tasks

are listed in Appendix B. These tasks and

competencies were identified by a group of

highly experienced geotechnical Corps

members selected from both field and

headquarters organizations with varied

geotechnical responsibilities. Additionally, the

tasks were verified through a survey in which

every USACE organization with geotechnical

capabilities had the opportunity to participate.

7. Professional Development.

a. General. Professional development is

multifaceted. It may include, but certainly is

not limited to, formal academic education,

short-term and long-term training, seminars,

correspondence courses, on-the-job training,

on-the-job developmental assignments,

developmental assignments on other than

assigned job, and involvement in professional

societies, associations, and activities.

Appendix C lists the professional development

considered necessary for the geotechnical

careerist to acquire the technical

competencies, defined by the KSAs, which are

needed to perform essential tasks at a given

grade level. The professional development

requirements have been divided into three

categories: formal training, on-the-job training,

and developmental assignments. These

categories are discussed below.

b. Formal training. 

(1) Short-term training. This type of

training usually consists of organized study
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offered as short courses by various

government sources (i.e., the ProponentSponsored Engineer Corps Training Program

(PROSPECT) courses) and nongovernment

vendors in a traditional classroom setting.

Officially, short-term training is less than 120

days in duration. The length of short-term

training varies. Also included in this category

are formal correspondence courses and

developmental assignments or programs less

than 120 days in duration. (For the purposes

of this guidance, developmental assignments

are listed separately from formal training.)

(2) Long-term training. Training and

education to which a member is assigned on a

continuous, full-time basis for more than 120

calendar days is counted as long-term training.

Selection of members for long-term training is

competitive. The assignment may be to either

Government or non-Government facilities,

such as the senior service colleges, fellowship

programs, and university programs. (For the

purposes of this guidance, developmental

assignments are listed separately from formal

training.) See ER 350-1-416 for additional

information on long-term training.

 

c. On-the-job training. On-the-job

training (OJT) is one of the most effective

ways to learn a new task/skill. OJT may

consist of intensive short-term instruction and

practice or may be a long-term continuous

process. While the OJT does not have to take

the form of traditional formal instruction, the

OJT should be planned to teach essential

elements of the task/skill in a sequential

manner which will facilitate learning. As the

name implies, OJT is done at the job site,

usually in a one-on-one situation between the

learner and a skilled task performer who serves

as a mentor for the learning of that task/skill.

Positive aspects of OJT include the

opportunity to learn the task/skill from a

member who currently performs the task, the

opportunity to perform the task on an actual

project while using actual materials and

equipment, the mentor’s review of the

learner’s work, and the feedback provided by

the mentor to the learner. 

d. Developmental assignments. 

Temporary assignments to different positions

can provide the opportunity for a careerist to

develop new knowledge, skills, and abilities in

a job situation. The knowledge, skills, and

abilities may lead to future capabilities for the

organization as well as foster individual career

development. Developmental assignments of

less than 120 days are counted as short-term,

while assignments in excess of 120 days are

counted as long-term training. (See

paragraphs 7b (1) and (2) above.)

8. Professional Registration. Professional

registration in a state of an individual’s choice

should be a career goal of each geotechnical

engineer. AR 690-1-950, Chapter 2 identifies

key positions in the district, MSC and

Headquarters which require professional

engineer registration. Team members aspiring

to fill one of these key positions should include

development of knowledge, skills, and abilities

which would enable them to acquire the

required registration in their IDPs.

9. Professional Society Participation.

Participation in a professional society or

organization provides for the exchange of

technical information and experiences with

other federal and private practice geotechnical

engineers. Geotechnical engineers are

encouraged to be active members in the
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professional societies of their choice.

Membership in these organizations provides

self-development, enhances the individual’s

professional network and assists in maintaining

state-of-the-art technical knowledge and

capabilities in USACE.

10. USACE Technical Committees. Geotechnical engineers are encouraged to actively

participate as a member of USACE technical

committees and task groups. These activities

assist in the evaluation of methods,

procedures, and practices in USACE and the

civil engineering profession for applicability in

the design construction, and operation of civil

works projects. Task groups also assist in

establishing technical criteria and standards by

drawing on the indivi&ual experiences and

expertise in the geotechnical community.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

c

3 Appendices

APP A- Geotechnical Technical and

Managerial Task Inventory

APP B- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

APP C- Technical Career Development Plan

for Geotechnical Engineers

11. Summary. The individual employee is

responsible for establishing his or her career

goals and developing the plan to achieve them.

The immediate supervisor is responsible to

guide and advise the employee and provide

appropriate assignments consistent with the

IDP. Senior geotechnical engineers should

make themselves available to serve in the role

of mentor for new engineers.

Major General, USA

Chief of Stti

5
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APPENDIX A

 GEOTECHNICAL TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL TASK INVENTORY

This appendix contains a listing of the technical tasks performed by geotechnical engineers

from the entry levels (GS-05/07/09) through the Technical Expert (GS-15). Managerial,

technical and advisory tasks for the Technical Manager (GM-13/14 and GM-15) are also

included. The geotechnical engineer should make a concentrated effort to develop the skills

and knowledge at each grade level to ensure that he or she obtains an adequate depth of

experience during career development. 

GS-0810-05/07/09 Geotechnical Engineer

PLANNING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

1. Assist in the collection of regional and project site-specific data.

2. Assist in the performance of site reconnaissance.

3. Assist in the development of quantity estimates for investigations and design for

feasibility studies.

4. Assist in the preparation of engineering documentation.

5. Assist in preparation for briefings and meetings.

DESIGNING & ANALYZING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

6. Collect data for developing detailed scope of work.

7. Participate in conducting portions of special purpose geotechnical and materials

investigations.

8. Assist in the preparation of testing instructions and tabulating results for evaluation.

9. Perform calculations and portions of detailed analyses for geotechnical aspects of the

project design.

10. Calculate quantities for materials distribution plans

11. Prepare portions of contract documents.

12. Prepare CADD drawings.

13. Use engineering software application packages.
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CONSTRUCTING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS/ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

14. Collect information and data from field sites for design verification.

15. Reduce and plot data for design verification.

16. Assist in the collection and interpretation of construction control data.

17. Assist in the preparation of geotechnical aspects of post construction reports.

18. Monitor/inspect installation of field instruments.

19. Collect/monitor instrumentation data.

OPERATING AND MAINTAINING GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

20. Assist with geotechnical assistance to operations and maintenance staff.

21. Provide geotechnical assistance to operations and maintenance staff.

22. Perform initial evaluation of data collected from engineering devices at projects.

23. Perform inspections and performance evaluations of geotechnical components of

projects.

24. Make recommendations for additional investigations or remedial actions based on

results of inspections and evaluations.

25. Assist in response to emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes as

geotechnical member of emergency response team.

RESEARCHING AND DEVELOPING GEOTECHNICAL APPLICATIONS

26. Assist in special purpose geotechnical and material investigations by performing

limited portions of investigations under the supervision of senior engineer.

27. Assist in performance of special purpose geotechnical tests.

28. Monitor/collect data from special purpose geotechnical tests.

29. Conduct analysis of test results and investigation findings under guidance of senior

engineer.

30. Conduct literature review to determine research precedents and state of art in area of

research.
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GS-0810-11 Geotechnical Engineer

PLANNING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

31. Research/collect existing regional and site-specific data.

32. Perform site reconnaissance.

33. Assist in site reconnaissance.

34. Assist in determination of scope of investigation and design Initial Project 

Management Plan (IPMP).

35. Initiate site-specific field investigation program.

36. Perform determination of geotechnical aspects for feasibility.

37. Assist in determination of geotechnical aspects for feasibility.

38. Assist in performing geotechnical evaluations for benefit determination.

39. Assist in performing risk analysis.

40. Assist in formulation of conceptual design.

41. Prepare geotechnical aspects of engineering documentation.

42. Prepare materials/briefings for public meetings.

43. Assist in public meetings.

DESIGNING/ANALYZING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

44. Provide input for/prepare detailed scope of geotechnical work.

45. Assist with special purpose geotechnical and materials investigations such as 

excavation unwatering study, landslide analysis, seismic evaluations, dam safety reevaluations and modifications, reservoir rim evaluations, ground water modeling.

46. Develop and conduct detailed field investigations.

47. Select laboratory testing program.

48. Assign laboratory testing program.

49. Evaluate laboratory testing program. 

50. Assist in the design of foundations and excavations, including dredging and disposal

areas.

51. Design foundations and excavations, including dredging and disposal areas. 

52. Assist in the design of earth and rock embankments.

53. Assist in the design of tunnels and underground openings.

54 Design pavements, roadways, airfields, etc.

55. Design less complex containment systems (HTRW), i.e., landfill caps, pond liners, etc.

56. Assist in the design of instrumentation systems.

57. Design less complex instrumentation systems.

58. Design slope protection.

59. Design channel stabilization.
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60. Participate in the design of shore line protection.

61. Assist in the preparation of material usage, excavation and construction 

sequence, and quantity estimates.

62. Evaluate materials for construction.

63. Assist in preparation of engineering considerations for construction personnel.

64. Assist in the preparation of construction contracting documents.

65. Assist in the preparation of concrete mix and shotcrete design.

66. Assist in remedial design and repair of concrete structures.

CONSTRUCTING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS/ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

67. Provide geotechnical assistance to project construction staff.

68. Conduct site visit for design verification.

69. Provide technical assistance for contract modifications.

70. Collect design/construction control data.

71. Interpret design/construction control data.

72. Investigate construction site conditions for foundation treatment and 

fill/concrete placement.

73. Prepare post-construction reports.

74. Review and provide technical input for as-builts. 

75. Inspect foundation excavation and treatments.

76. Control embankment placement.

OPERATING AND MAINTAINING GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

77. Provide geotechnical assistance to operations and maintenance staff.

78. Inspect performance of project components.

79. Evaluate performance of project components.

80. Monitor instrumentation data for project performance.

81. Evaluate instrumentation data for project performance.

82. Recommend modifications for identified project deficiencies.

83. Verify dredging condition surveys.

84. Provide geotechnical assistance for emergency operations.

85. Respond to emergencies (natural disasters such as flood fighting, hurricanes, 

earthquakes).

86. Assist in instructing project personnel in formal dam safety training.

RESEARCHING AND DEVELOPING GEOTECHNICAL APPLICATIONS

87. Assist in conduct of special purpose geotechnical and materials investigations.

88. Assist in conducting special purpose geotechnical tests.
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89. Prepare portions of technical guidelines, design guidance, and reports.

90. Review state-of-the-art practices and procedures for Corps applications.

GS-0810-12 Geotechnical Engineer

PLANNING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

91. Formulate conclusions and recommendations based on personal or subordinates'

research and collection of existing data.

92. Perform site reconnaissance.

93. Provide geotechnical recommendation for site selection.

94. Determine scope of investigation and design (IPMP).

95. Initiate site-specific field investigation program.

96. Determine geotechnical aspects for feasibility.

97. Perform geotechnical evaluations for benefits determination.

98. Perform risk analysis.

99. Formulate conceptual design.

100. Prepare geotechnical aspects of engineering documentation.

101. Assure technical review is scheduled. 

102. Prepare materials/briefings for public meetings.

103. Brief public.

DESIGNING & ANALYZING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

104. Prepare detailed scope of geotechnical work.

105. Conduct special purpose geotechnical and materials investigations such as 

excavation unwatering study, landslide analysis, seismic evaluations, dam safety reevaluations and modifications, reservoir rim evaluations, ground water modeling.

106. Develop detailed field investigations.

107. Direct detailed field investigations.

108. Develop design for soil/structure interaction.

109. Select, assign, and evaluate laboratory testing program.

110. Select design parameters.

111. Design foundations and excavations, including dredging and disposal areas.

112. Design earth and rock embankments.

113. Design tunnels and underground openings.

114. Design pavements, roadways, airfields, etc.

115. Design containment systems (HTRW).

116. Design instrumentation systems.

117. Design slope protection.
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118. Design channel stabilization.

119. Design shore line protection. 

120. Prepare material usage, excavation and construction sequence, and quantity 

estimates.

121. Evaluate materials for construction.

122. Prepare engineering considerations for construction personnel.

123. Prepare construction contracting documents.

124. Prepare concrete mix and shotcrete design.

125. Perform remedial design and repair of concrete structures.

126. Perform technical review.

127. Analyze/interpret performance of structures and foundations (forensic).

CONSTRUCTING GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

128. Execute responsibilities of embankment engineer.

129. Provide geotechnical assistance to project construction staff.

130. Conduct site visit for design verification.

131. Provide technical assistance for contract modifications.

132. Collect design/construction control data.

133. Interpret design/construction control data.

134. Direct/advise resident engineer on foundation conditions, treatment, and 

fill/concrete placement.

135. Prepare post-construction reports.

136. Review technical input for as-builts.

137. Provide technical input for as-builts.

 

OPERATING & MAINTAINING GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

138. Provide geotechnical advice/assistance to operations and maintenance staff.

139. Evaluate project performance based on inspection and instrumentation data. 

140. Commend modifications for identified project deficiencies

141. Verify dredging condition surveys

142. Provide geotechnical advice/assistance for emergency operations. 

143. Respond to emergencies (natural disasters such as flood fighting, hurricanes,

earthquakes).

144. Assure technical review is scheduled and performed.

145. Instruct project personnel in formal dam safety training.

146. Accept foundation excavations and treatments.
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RESEARCHING AND DEVELOPING GEOTECHNICAL APPLICATIONS

147. Conduct special purpose geotechnical and materials investigations. 

148. Conduct special purpose geotechnical tests.

149. Prepare technical guidelines, design guidance, and reports.

150. Study/evaluate state of the art practices and procedures for Corps applications.

ENSURING IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

151. Serve on regional boards, as officer in professional organizations, or USACE task

groups.

GS-0810-13/14 TECHNICAL EXPERT 

PLANNING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

152. Review geotechnical recommendation for site selection.

153. Coordinate geotechnical recommendation for site selection.

154. Review scope of investigation and design (IPMP).

155. Coordinate scope of investigation and design (IPMP).

156. Review geotechnical aspects for project formulation.

157. Coordinate geotechnical aspects for project formulation. 

158. Review conceptual design.

159. Coordinate conceptual design.

160. Review geotechnical aspects of engineering documentation.

161. Coordinate geotechnical aspects of engineering documentation.

162. Represent agency at public meetings.

163. Represent agency regionally as a technical expert. 

164. Develop policy, technical criteria and standards for geotechnical input to project

formulation.

165. Ensure compliance with policy, technical criteria and standards for geotechnical

input to project formulation through quality assurance process. 

166. Perform technical Review (independently).

167. Lead Technical review (independently).

168. Assure Technical review is scheduled/performed.

 DESIGNING & ANALYZING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

169. Prepare detailed scope of geotechnical work.
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170. Conduct special purpose geotechnical and materials investigations such as 

excavation unwatering study, landslide analysis, seismic evaluations, reservoir rim 

evaluations, ground water modeling. 

171. Develop detailed field investigations.

172. Direct detailed field investigations.

173. Review detailed field investigations.

174. Develop design for soil/structure interaction.

175. Review design for soil/structure interaction.

176. Select laboratory testing program.

177. Assign laboratory testing program.

178. Evaluate laboratory testing program.

179. Review laboratory testing program.

180. Select design parameters.

181. Review design parameters.

182. Design foundations and excavations, including dredging and disposal areas.

183. Review foundations and excavations designs, including dredging and disposal areas.

184. Design earth and rock embankments.

185. Review earth and rock embankment designs.

186. Design tunnels and underground openings.

187. Review tunnel and underground opening designs.

188. Design pavements, roadways, airfields, etc.

189. Review pavement, roadway, airfield, etc., designs.

190. Design containment systems (HTRW).

191. Review containment systems (HTRW) designs.

192. Design instrumentation systems.

193. Review instrumentation system designs.

194. Design slope protection.

195. Review slope protection designs. 

196. Design channel stabilization.

197. Review channel stabilization designs.

198. Design shore line protection.

199. Review shore line protection designs.

200. Prepare material usage, excavation and construction sequence, and quantity 

estimates.

201. Review material usage, excavation and construction sequence, and quantity 

estimates.

202. Evaluate materials for construction.

203. Review materials for construction.

204. Prepare engineering considerations for construction personnel.

205. Review engineering considerations for construction personnel.

206. Prepare construction contracting documents.
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207. Review construction contracting documents.

208. Prepare concrete mix and shotcrete design.

209. Perform remedial design and repair of concrete structures.

210. Review remedial design and repair of concrete structures.

211. Perform Technical review (independently).

212. Lead Technical review (independently).

213. Serve as regional technical resource.

214. Serve as technical resource to advise Chief, Engineering Division.

CONSTRUCTING GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

215. Provide geotechnical assistance to project construction staff.

216. Conduct site visit for design verification.

217. Provide technical assistance for contract modifications.

218. Collect design/construction control data.

219. Interpret design/construction control data.

220. Direct resident engineer on foundation conditions, treatment, and fill/concrete

placement.

 221. Advise resident engineer on foundation conditions, treatment, and fill/concrete

placement.

222. Prepare post-construction reports.

223. Review technical direction for as-builts.

224. Provide technical direction for as-builts.

225. Serve as regional technical resource.

226. Provide technical expertise in construction claim cases.

227. Negotiate contract clauses, requirements, and disputes.

 

OPERATING AND MAINTAINING GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

228. Provide geotechnical advice/assistance to operations and maintenance staff.

229. Evaluate project performance based on inspection and instrumentation data. 

230. Recommend modifications for identified project deficiencies.

231. Verify dredging condition surveys (nature of materials).

232. Provide geotechnical advice/assistance for emergency operations.

233. Respond to emergencies (natural disasters such as flood fighting, hurricanes,

earthquakes).

234. Perform Technical review (independently).

235. Lead Technical review (independently).

236. Coordinate dam safety program.

237. Serve as regional technical resource.

238. Assure dam safety training is conducted.
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239. Plan dam safety exercises.

240. Develop dam safety exercises.

RESEARCHING AND DEVELOPING GEOTECHNICAL APPLICATIONS

241. Conduct special purpose geotechnical and materials investigations.

242. Conduct special purpose geotechnical tests.

243. Prepare technical guidelines, design guidance, and reports.

244. Study/evaluate state-of-the-art practices and procedures for Corps applications.

245. Serve as regional technical resource.

ENSURING IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

246. Instruct in PROSPECT geotechnical short courses/seminars.

247. Serve on regional boards, as officer in professional organizations, or USACE task

groups.

GS/GM-0810/1350-13/14 TECHNICAL MANAGER

PLANNING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

248. Provide geotechnical resources to support the production of

planning products.

249. Develop policy used to define the geotechnical portion of planning processes.

250. Review all geotechnical input to the planning process.

251. Represent agency at public meetings.

252. Represent agency regionally.

253. Perform technical review.

254. Lead technical review team.

DESIGNING/ANALYZING GEOTECHNICAL PROJECTS

255. Approve detailed statement of work and product requirement documents.

256. Provide required geotechnical resource management input to

accomplish planning and engineering products and services.

257. Coordinate required geotechnical resource management input 

with other offices in order to accomplish planning and engineering products and 

services.

258. Supervise technical experts and provide technical supervision for planning and
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engineering products and services.

259. Develop geotechnical policy and procedures.

260. Manage geotechnical related programs, i.e., dam safety, HTRW

261. Advise the Commander on geotechnical technical issues.

262. Perform technical review.

263. Lead technical review team.

264. Assure technical review process is accomplished.

265. Advise dam safety officer/committee on dam safety remedial designs and repairs.

266. Serve as technical resource in representing the agency regionally.

267. Assure cost-effective design, quality product and services, customer satisfaction.

OPERATING AND MAINTAINING GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF PROJECTS

268. Provide geotechnical expertise/resources to support district O&M programs.

269. Provide geotechnical expertise/resources to support district construction 

programs.

270. Negotiate contract clauses, requirements, and disputes.

RESEARCHING AND DEVELOPING GEOTECHNICAL APPLICATIONS

271. Develop engineering and scientific R&D programs.

272. Supervise/manage engineering and scientific R&D programs.

273. Represent organization on national and international review and policy boards for

technical specialities.

274. Provide technical expertise and information to respond to global disasters and

other emergency situations.

275. Facilitate technology transfer from R&D projects to improve design/construct

criteria and practices.

ENSURING IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

276. Instruct in PROSPECT geotechnical short courses/seminars.

277. Serve on regional boards, as officer in professional organizations, or USACE

task groups.
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

A-12

GS-0810-15 Technical Expert

DEVELOPMENT, REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF AGENCY TECHNICAL

DEVELOPING CRITERIA AND STANDARDS

278. Develop the technical criteria and standards for application on civil works projects

279. Participates in interagency task groups for developing governmentwide criteria and

standards

ESTABLISHING GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS POLICY, PRACTICES AND

PROCEDURES

280. Develop technical policy, practices and procedures for geotechnical engineering

applications

281. Represents USACE on interagency task groups for development of government

wide standards, practices and procedures

TRAINING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

282. Develops technical training for geotechnical engineering applications

283. Monitors and coordinates training and technology transfer

CONSULTATION AND REPRESENTATION

284. Provides technical consultation within USACE

285. Represents USACE on Federal and non-Federal committees and task groups

GM 0810/1350-15 Technical Manager

STAFF SUPERVISION AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL

286. Plans, sets priorities, schedules and supervises activities carried out by the branch

287. Provides advice, counsel and instructions on work and administrative matters

accomplished in the branch

288. Responsible for identifying training needs of the technical staff

289. Provides technical support the Emergency Operations Center 
EP 690-2-3

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A-13

290. Maintains property accountability

PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF AGENCY TECHNICAL

CRITERIA AND STANDARDS

291. Supervises the development of USACE technical criteria and standards for 

implementation in the planning, design, construction, operation, evaluation and 

modification of civil works projects.

292. Represents USACE on national and international committees and working groups

that are developing technical guidelines, criteria and standards.

ESTABLISHING GEOTECHNICAL AND MATERIALS POLICY, PRACTICES AND

PROCEDURES

293. Supervises the development of USACE technical policy for implementation in the

planning, design, construction, operation, evaluation and modification of civil works

projects.

294. Supervises the development of technical practices and procedures for 

implementation in USACE

295. Plans and supervises policy compliance reviews

TRAINING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

296. Supervises and provides oversight for the development of technical training in

geotechnical engineering, materials engineering and engineering geology. 

297. Provides oversight for technical monitorship of the Civil Works Research and

Development Program

CONSULTATION AND REPRESENTATION

298. Supervises the coordination and development of the geotechnical, materials and

geology technology transfer plans.

299. Serves as the functional representative for Geotechnical Engineers, Materials

Engineers and Engineering Geologists.

300. Represents USACE on Federal and non-Federal committees and working groups.

301. Provides technical consultation within USACE and to other Federal agencies, state 

and foreign governments.
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

B-1

 APPENDIX B

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

(KSAs)

This appendix contains the KSAs that the geotechnical engineer must possess for the

corresponding grade level. Skills to communicate in verbal and written form are common

to all grade levels.

GS-0810-05/07/09 Geotechnical Engineer

1. Knowledge of basic geotechnical engineering principles.

2. Skill in use of computer hardware and software (basic and specific to discipline). 

3. Knowledge/ability to communicate technical information orally. 

4. Knowledge/ability to communicate technical information in written formats. 

5. Ability to interrelate effectively with individuals and teams. 

6. Knowledge of organizational structures and functions.

GS-0810-11 Geotechnical Engineer

7. Ability/skill in specialized geotechnical techniques, i.e., specialized geotechnical

techniques, i.e., soil mechanics, geology, subsurface exploration/investigations, 

foundation design, shear strength, lab testing, analytical techniques, slopes, tunnels, etc.

8. Skill in computer applications as applied in geotechnical engineering. 

9. Knowledge of construction methods and processes with respect to geotechnical

aspects of projects. 
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

B-2

 10. Ability/skill to execute geotechnical applications in HTRW.

 11. Ability/skill in geotechnical instrumentation and applications.

 12. Knowledge of inspection/evaluation techniques. 

 13. Knowledge of materials and concrete and their applications. 

 14. Knowledge of risk and uncertainty. 

 15. Knowledge of engineering guidance documents and state-of-the-art, i.e., USACE

criteria such as ER, ETLs, engineering literature/journals.

 16. Knowledge of advanced geotechnical principles.

 17. Knowledge of contracting principles and procedures.

GS-0810-12 Geotechnical Engineer

 18. Ability/skill in conducting effective meetings and briefings. 

 19. Ability to effectively lead teams.

20. Knowledge of the geotechnical aspects of emergency management and operations

21. Knowledge of budgeting principles for nonfinancial managers.

 22. Ability to manage technical engineering design processes for geotechnical products

and services. 

 23. Ability to perform duties of embankment/earthwork engineer.

24. Ability to develop/execute the technical aspects of contract documents and/or scopes

of work for AE contracts

 25. Knowledge of dam safety policies, practices, and regulatory requirements. 
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15 Feb 98

B-3

 GS-0810-13/14 Technical Expert

 26. Ability to execute technical aspects of the planning process

 27. Ability and technical expertise specific to region and geotechnical specialty. 

 28. Ability to apply USACE policies on technical review and quality assurance for

products and services. 

 29. Ability to effectively lead teams.

 30. Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships. 

 31. Ability to apply value engineering principles to geotechnical aspects of projects. 

 32. Ability to apply policies, practices, and regulatory requirements for dam safety.

 

 33. Ability to perform forensic geotechnical investigations.

 34. Ability to serve as geotechnical expert in legal disputes in claims against the 

government.

 GS-0810/1350-13/14 Manager

 

 35. Ability to execute responsibilities and requirements of contracting officer's 

representative. 

 36. Ability to identify customers and their requirements. 

 37. Knowledge of computer systems (software and hardware) for use in planning

equipment requirements, budget projects, workload execution, and training

 requirements.

 38. Knowledge of partnering principles and applications.

 39. Knowledge/ability (advanced) in all geotechnical aspects of projects and 

organizations. 

 

 40. Knowledge/ability in contract negotiations. 
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

B-4

 41. Knowledge/ability in adult learning principles and instructional methods.

GS-0810-15 Technical Expert

42. Knowledge of the “state-of-the-art”geotechnical principles, practices and procedures

as they relate to civil works projects.

43. Ability to develop technical criteria and standards from the “state-of-the-practice”

that are suitable for use in USACE civil works program.

44. Ability to work on interagency task groups.

45. Ability to provide sound, thorough and timely technical advice and consultation on

complex geotechnical problems and issues.

46. Ability to manage large technical programs.

47. Skills and ability to communicate in verbal and written form.

GM-0810/1350-15 Technical Manager

48. Ability to plan, set priorities, schedule and supervise activities of an organization.

49. Ability to assess the technical needs and requirements of a large engineering 

organization.

50. Ability to identify the technical criteria, standards and practices that are needed to

support the organizational missions, goals and objectives.

51. Ability to establish technical policy and procedures for a large engineering 

organization.

52. Ability to provide sound and timely technical advice to senior agency officials.

53. Ability to represent the agency in federal, non-federal and foreign government

 technical activities.

 
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

C - 1

APPENDIX C

TECHNICAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR GEOTECHNICAL

ENGINEERS

Grade Formal Training On-the-Job Training Developmental Assignment

(KSA) (Source)

GS-05/07/09

(1) Drilling and Sampling for Geotechnical field investigations Rotational assignments within the Geotechnical

 Engineering Purposes - assignment for 1 to 3 months Branch

PROSPECT #216

 Lab Testing and/or Analysis Laboratory testing/analysis, District Developmental assignment in Design Branch

of test results (University Laboratory (2-4 weeks)

short course)

(2) Computer Applications for Engineering application packages 

 Engineers and Managers - (slope stability, seepage analyses,

PROSPECT # 19 pile design) taught by senior engineers

(3) Technical briefing - short Prepare and present technical briefings

courses by vendors to the design team/supervisor

(4) Effective Technical Prepare/draft portions of technical reports 

Communications short

course (vendors)

(5) Team Building / TQM / CQI

(in-house)

(6) New Employee Orientation Assigned an organizational mentor Developmental assignment in Design Branch 

(local) and H & H Branch

GS-11

Priority 1

(7) Shear Strength - PROSPECT Six- month assignment in a Planning

Division

# 248

Seepage and Piping -

PROSPECT # 250

Soil-Structure Interaction -

PROSPECT #113

Advanced Computer Application

in Geotechnical Engineering - 

University/vendor - short courses

Priority 2

Dam Safety Course - 

PROSPECT #028

Seismic Design for Buildings - 

PROSPECT #027
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

C - 2

Grade Formal Training On-the-Job Training Developmental Assignment

(KSA) (Source)

GS-11 (continued)

Seismic Stability Evaluation of 

Embankment Dams - PROSPECT

 #247

Geotechnical Aspects of HTW -

PROSPECT #395

Priority 3

Stream-bank Erosion and 

Protection - PROSPECT #285

Fundamentals of Grouting -

 PROSPECT #217

Ground Modification and 

Improvement - PROSPECT #249

Intensive Course in Geotechnical 

Engineering (Virginia Tech)

Professional conferences and

seminars

(8) Priority 1

Groundwater Modeling, -

PROSPECT # 108

CADD, slope stability; seepage 

modeling, digital terrain modeling 

(vendor, university and a Intergraph 

short courses)

Priority 2

Pile design; soil reinforcement

(vendor, university, a Intergraph 

short course)

(9) Earthwork I-QV - PROSPECT Six-month developmental assignment

# 040 in a construction field office

Earthwork II-QV - PROSPECT

 #200
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

C - 3

Grade Formal Training On-the-Job Training Developmental Assignment

(KSA) (Source)

GS-11 (continued)

(10) Clay Liner Design, Basic Spill

Response, vendor or university 

Safety and Health for Hazardous

Waste Sites - PROSPECT #351

Safety and Health for Hazardous 

Waste Sites-8 - Hour refresher -

PROSPECT #766

HTRW Overview (identification 

of toxic waste) - PROSPECT 

# 350

(11) Instrumentation - university Assignment to dam safety organizational

short course unit and participate in periodic inspections

(12) Dam Safety Course - Participation in Periodic Inspection/Continuing

PROSPECT # 028

Training Aids for Dam 

Safety (TADS)

Nondestructive testing - 

vendor or university short 

course)

(13) Various short courses Two to four week assignment at a district laboratory

seminars in laboratory

testing

(14) Probability and Reliability

in Geotechnical Engineering -

PROSPECT #279

(15) Required or supplemental 

reading for self-development in

Corps technical libraries, 

professional organization

memberships

(16) Groundwater Modeling -- Soil/structure interaction, seismic Long term training in geotechnical

PROSPECT #108 evaluations and foundation design engineering - graduate level

Advanced short courses, 

seminars, and conferences)
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

C - 4

Grade Formal Training On-the-Job Training Developmental Assignment

(KSA) (Source)

GS-11 (continued)

(17) A/E Contracting -

PROSPECT # 004

A/E Cost Contracting -

PROSPECT #292

Specification Writing -

Construction PROSPECT #185

GS-12 

(18) Short courses or seminars Conduct briefings

universities and vendors

(19) Leadership development Assignments as team leader

programs ( DA sources)

(20) Assignment as technical assistant Participation in emergency management

for emergencies exercises with FEMA

(21) Operating Budget Applications 

for Non-financial Managers -

PROSPECT #746

(22) Applying design policies and procedures

as technical manager

(23) Developmental assignment to construction

field office for 6 months

(24) A/E Contracting - 

PROSPECT #004

See KSA #17.

(25) See KSA #7, 10, 11 and 12. Developmental assignment at an MSC

GS-13/14

(26) Developmental assignment to planning 

element for 6 months

(27) Advanced technical specialty

short courses, (seismic, coastal,

 wetlands; etc.) as required for 

the regional area

(28) Developmental assignment at MSC or 

USACE
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

C - 5

Grade Formal Training On-the-Job Training Developmental Assignment

(KSA) (Source)

GS-13/14 (continued)

(29) Middle Managers Course

(TRADOC)

Federal Executive Program

(OPM)

(30) Value Engineering Workshop Serve as VE team member or leader 

PROSPECT # 110

(31) Active participation in professional Developmental assignment in MSC or HQ

organizations such as ASCE, USCOLD, Dam Safety Office

ACI, ASDSO

Prepare and present technical papers at

ASCE, USCOLD, ACI, ASDSO

conferences

(32) Assignments in Operations Division

((33) Masters level course work

in geotechnical engineering

GS-13/14 Manager

(34) Assignment as COR for an A/E contract

(35) Support for Others Seminar Active participation in professional Developmental assignment in project

such as ASCE, USCOLD, ACI management

and ASDSO

Serve on regional committees and task 

forces/groups

Attend local/regional seminars, 

conferences, and conventions

(36) Read newsletters and technical

journals.

(37) Partnering training, local vendors

Team Building - See KSA #5.

(38) See KSA #35.

(39) Specialty courses and seminars
EP 690-2-3

15 Feb 98

C - 6

Grade Formal Training On-the-Job Training Developmental Assignment

(KSA) (Source)

GS-13/14 Manager (continued)

(40) A/E Contracting - PROSPECT

#004 - See KSA #17

Negotiating, Bargaining and 

Dispute Resolution - 

PROSPECT # 306

(41) Instructional Methods - PROSPECT #064

GS-15 Technical Expert

(42) Masters level work in 

Geotechnical Engineering

(43) Review of the criteria and standards used in

other agencies and the profession

(44) Assignment to an interagency working group

(45) ` Involvement in the independent technical review 

of complex projects or modifications

(46) Manage soils portion of the Civil Works

Research and Development program

(47) Effective writing - 

local

GM-15 Technical Manager

(48) Work management - local

(49) Interagency review groups for technical needs

(50) Short courses and seminars Working meetings within the organization for 

development of technical criteria and standards

(51) Leadership courses - Participation in professional organizational work groups

local, Federal Executive

Institute - OPM

(52) Effective briefing Formal presentation to peers and Chief, Engineering

techniques - local Division

(53) Serve as representative on interagency and other task groups