Ideal Job Description
I have a number of automatic job search agents running, through a number of different sites and services. In the e-mail from one of my agents today was a listing for the position of Environmental Resource Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The description of the job duties is exactly the kind of job I want.
Serves as a plan formulator on a variety of Civil Works investigations. Studies address flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, navigation, storm damage reduction, and multiple purposes. Lead technical team member during the planning phase of civil works projects, culminating in an approved decision document such as letter report, feasibility report, or post-authorization change report. Coordinates with project delivery team to develop plans, scopes of work, and work schedules for the planning phase of Civil Works projects. Prepares, negotiates, and manages professional service contracts. Determines contract scope-of-work. Prepares government fair cost estimates and negotiates contract with engineer consultants. Ensures planning policies and regulations are followed, and is responsible for completion of the decision document.
Unfortunately, I'm not technically qualified for the position (it's at the GS-12 level and I'm only qualified for GS-11) and, as the application process is through an automated system, there's no way for me to squeak around the edges and hope someone sees my potential anyway. I may apply regardless, but the system will automatically kick my application out in the first stage. Truthfully, I think it's possible that I'm not quite ready for the position anyway. I think this is more of a project leader type position, and I need a year or so learning the system and the process of putting together the kind of plans required for projects of this type. I'm okay with that; it's just disappointing when I see a job description that is exactly what I know I want to do...and can't do yet.
It's also frustrating, because I've been seeing a lot of announcements that, while they don't have that ideal set of duties, give me that same feeling of "I can almost do that." On counterbalance, I've also been seeing a lot of announcements where I come in slightly overqualified. If the position interests me, I still apply, but I know that employers don't necessarily want people who are overqualified because they fear losing the investment too soon. Also, a lot of those positions just don't interest me...which I should probably get over. I should be applying for every job for which I am even remotely qualified just to get that first job; then refine my job goals once I'm gainfully employed. I'm having a hard time convincing myself of that, though. I guess I'm afraid that once I get a job I'll be stuck. Stuck doing something I don't want to do, and stuck on a path where I'm not learning the skills and getting the experience that would let me get a job doing something that I'd like. Or maybe it's just inertia.
Serves as a plan formulator on a variety of Civil Works investigations. Studies address flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, navigation, storm damage reduction, and multiple purposes. Lead technical team member during the planning phase of civil works projects, culminating in an approved decision document such as letter report, feasibility report, or post-authorization change report. Coordinates with project delivery team to develop plans, scopes of work, and work schedules for the planning phase of Civil Works projects. Prepares, negotiates, and manages professional service contracts. Determines contract scope-of-work. Prepares government fair cost estimates and negotiates contract with engineer consultants. Ensures planning policies and regulations are followed, and is responsible for completion of the decision document.
Unfortunately, I'm not technically qualified for the position (it's at the GS-12 level and I'm only qualified for GS-11) and, as the application process is through an automated system, there's no way for me to squeak around the edges and hope someone sees my potential anyway. I may apply regardless, but the system will automatically kick my application out in the first stage. Truthfully, I think it's possible that I'm not quite ready for the position anyway. I think this is more of a project leader type position, and I need a year or so learning the system and the process of putting together the kind of plans required for projects of this type. I'm okay with that; it's just disappointing when I see a job description that is exactly what I know I want to do...and can't do yet.
It's also frustrating, because I've been seeing a lot of announcements that, while they don't have that ideal set of duties, give me that same feeling of "I can almost do that." On counterbalance, I've also been seeing a lot of announcements where I come in slightly overqualified. If the position interests me, I still apply, but I know that employers don't necessarily want people who are overqualified because they fear losing the investment too soon. Also, a lot of those positions just don't interest me...which I should probably get over. I should be applying for every job for which I am even remotely qualified just to get that first job; then refine my job goals once I'm gainfully employed. I'm having a hard time convincing myself of that, though. I guess I'm afraid that once I get a job I'll be stuck. Stuck doing something I don't want to do, and stuck on a path where I'm not learning the skills and getting the experience that would let me get a job doing something that I'd like. Or maybe it's just inertia.