Grace on Pace

Tag - Foreign Service Construction Engineer

Foreign Service European Bureau

May 17, 2015
Jeff Grace
Career, Travel
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Foreign Service Construction Engineer – European Bureau

My first three months working in the Foreign Service European Bureau as a Foreign Service Construction Engineer have been a whirlwind of on the job training and travel.  As a Construction Executive within the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations in DC, I focus on supporting Project Director’s in the field and representing the Construction Management division as part of the Core Project Team during design. A large part of my job is contract management, working with the Contracting Officers that issue and modify contracts. Whether it be a request to add work to the contract or an equitable adjustment to the contractor, we are responsible for all the technical requirements for the modification.  All of our projects revolve around supporting U.S. interests in the following European countries:

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Although we are not currently working in every country, the seven year average life span from design to accreditation has us working in many of them.  Most of the lime light goes to the large scale embassy’s and consulate’s under construction in our region pictured below, but the smaller projects tend to be just as much contract management work.

Oddly, my first trip as a diplomat did not take place in the European Bureau, but rather the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. As part of our on the job training, a colleague and I were sent to Suriname for a week to shadow a Project Director on a New Embassy Campus being constructed in Paramaribo. It was a great to finally see a project underway and experience what 400 workers can do in a day. Also, as an added bonus, our trip overlapped a milestone achievement and the corresponding topping out ceremony. To be honest though, one of the best parts of the trip was our layover in Aruba. Seven hours gave us just enough time to stash our bags and take a dip.

For my first real work trip, I traveled to Lithuania for a project I inherited from a colleague leaving for his first overseas post. The three-phased project is being implemented on an existing 10-acre site in central Vilnius, where site work of the major rehabilitation project included in Phase I was completed in 2010. Phase II, designed by Kling Stubbins of Washington, DC, includes the expansion of the Post Communications Center (PCC); heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and sprinkler system upgrades; and egress. Since it was going to be a long trip, I decided to book Jennilou and Esmei a ticket to follow along. Despite working six days a week for most of the time, we did manage a few evening strolls around old town.

The highlight of the trip was a weekend getaway for Jennilou’s first Mother’s day. After renting a car in Vilnius, we headed north to Latvia, with stops at Trakai Island Castle, the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai, and Rundale to visit its opulent palace – the Baltic’s version of Versailles, built by the architect responsible for St Petersburg’s Winter Palace.

After a morning spent exploring the dizzying array of of decorated facades in Riga, we skipped east to take in the crumbling castles in Sigulda before making our way back to Vilnius.

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Despite the small sample size, as far as I can tell, I’ve found my dream job.  My colleagues keep telling me the only downside was the administration work while living in DC during their first tour. If this is the worst part, I can’t wait to see what’s next.


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Foreign Service Specialist Orientation

February 13, 2015
Jeff Grace
Career
4 Comments

Foreign Service Specialist Orientation – 136th Class

My first day of Foreign Service Specialist Orientation and government employment began at the Harry S Truman Building or headquarters of the United States Department of State. It was very professional and organized throughout the day. We recited the oath of office, filled out new employee paperwork, obtained our IDs, and received a variety of new hire briefings. I ended up sitting next to a Diplomatic Security candidate from California who had drove five days to arrive in DC. My new colleague was also fluent in Arabic. Everyone seemed to be happy, friendly, and extremely intelligent.

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On day two, and for most of remaining training, we attended the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC). The campus is the government’s primary training institution for officers and support personnel of the U.S. foreign affairs community, preparing American diplomats and other professionals to promote U.S. foreign affairs interests overseas and in Washington, DC. The facility is on a beautiful 72-acre campus which provides over 500 training courses to more than 30,000 people a year.

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To sum it up, orientation was a fire hose of information designed to give us a starting point of what the State Department and Foreign Service is really about. At times it was an overload of information and things did not always apply to me specifically, but I can appreciate the need for a reference point as we assume our new roles. I had absolutely no free time in the evenings between homework (additional computer-based training), selling our house, finding an apartment, and trying to function as a whole with a 3 month in our temporary apartment at Oakwood.

One of the most exciting days of orientation is a ritual called “Flag Day.” As a tradition in the Foreign Service Specialist orientation class, it’s truly an amazing moment. Preceding the event, everyone in the class is given a bid list with potential posts to rank order. The Career Development Officer’s compile their lists and reveal the onward assignments by presenting a flag as we gather together with our families.  Some people jump and cheer, while others suffer temporary shock. For Foreign Service Construction Engineers, it’s a bit uneventful as we know our first assignment will be Washington DC or  Arlington Virginia and the following flag to be specific. However, after getting to know your colleagues so well over the orientation, it’s awesome to see them with their families so thrilled to finally know where they are headed.

Virgina Flag

An unexpected surprise from Flag Day was a folder containing the region I would be assigned to in Washington. We were told Africa and Near East Asia were up for grabs and with little preference for either, my colleague and I had simply flipped a coin and bid accordingly. However, when we received our envelope, I had been assigned Europe and she had received East Asia Pacific. If this sounds a bit confusing, below is a map of how the State Department sees and refers to the world.

Map

The culmination of orientation was a final swearing in at the Harry S Truman Building. The morning before the event, we were informed (S) would be performing the oath. I didn’t think much of it at the time, perhaps because I was so tired, but when I met Jennilou at the entrance to help with the stroller, she told me she had overhead that Secretary Kerry was presenting. Ohhh, the (S) at the top of the organizational chart, I realized embarrassed. We all sat a bit star struck as we recited…

I ________, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

Swearing In 3

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Foreign Service Construction Engineer Appointment Offer

December 3, 2014
Jeff Grace
Career
5 Comments
Foreign Service Construction Engineer Appointment Offer
Foreign Service Appointment – Construction Engineer Position

I am officially in!

Yesterday, I received an official employment appointment e-mail and have decided to join the Foreign Service.  The training class will start on Monday, January 26th, followed by my initial post in Washington D.C.:

The Registrar’s Office is pleased to extend an appointment offer for the January 26th, 2015 – Foreign Service Specialist Orientation Class for Construction Engineers (Con Eng).

A little background of what I will be doing…

A Foreign Service Construction Engineer (FSCE) is an engineer or architect, in the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations working specifically in the Office of Construction Management, responsible for managing Department of State construction projects overseas. The FSCE is a member of a U.S. Government team that ensures construction is professionally performed according to applicable plans, specifications, schedules, and standards. The FSCE must adhere to the highest standards of integrity, dependability, attention to detail, teamwork and cooperation while accepting the need to travel, to live overseas, and when necessary, to live away from family.

While extremely excited about the opportunity, there’s no doubt, it has been a tough decision. I can’t help having regrets about leaving my family, company, and community. I have lived here my whole life. My parents have lived here their whole lives and even my grandparents lived here their whole lives. I absolutely love Vermont and will always consider it my home. I love my friends, job, kids I coach, hunting, fishing, playing softball, and most of all my family. In the end, it came down to pursuing a dream. I truly believe, serving in the US Department of State will be rewarding career opportunity. It will allow Jennilou to pursue her degree choice at URI in International development while allowing Esmei to grow up with a world view that a child would not acquire in the United States.

For those interested in the journey, here is a timeline from the day I originally applied to the position:

  • April 30th, 2014: Foreign Service Construction Engineer: Accepting applications.
  • May 27th, 2014: Submitted my application online
  • May 28th, 2014: Vacancy Announcement Closed
  • June 11th, 2014: Foreign Service Construction Engineer: Accepting applications Again.
  • July 9th, 2014: Vacancy Announcement Closed
  • July 15th, 2014: Invited for Oral Assessment on August 18th, 2014 @ 9:00am
  • August 18th, 2014: Passed Oral Assessment with Score of 6.0 out of 7.0 (5.15 Passing)
  • August 21st, 2014: Submitted My Security Clearance Documentation
  • September 3rd, 2014: Submitted My Medical Clearance Documentation (Waiting for Jennilou to Heal and Baby to Grow Before Submitting Theirs)
  • September 17th, 2014: Received Worldwide Medical Clearance
  • September 19th, 2014: Contacted by a Security Investigator
  • September 21st, 2014: Interviewed by Security Investigator
  • November 4th, 2014: My Neighbor Called To Say He Was Interviewed by a Security Investigator (Last One of the 12 People That I Know Of)
  • November 10th, 2014: Received e-mail Indicating I have been granted a Favorable Suitability Clearance for the Foreign Service Register
  • November 10th, 2014: Received followup e-mail Indicating I am Placed #4 of 6 on the Foreign Service Register for Construction Engineers
  • November 26th, 2014: Foreign Service Construction Engineer: Accepting applications Again.
  • December 2th, 2014: Foreign Service Construction Engineer Appointment Offer

There is a lot to wrap my head around now that it is finally official.  All I can think about are the things that need to be done before we leave…

  • Train a replacement at my current job
  • Sell the house (Listing if you know someone interested)
  • Buy Suits
  • Neuter Timber
  • Decide whether to Keep / Store / Sell our stuff
  • Find A Place to Live in Washington D.C.
  • Be a good Husband / Father

However, before we leave, all I want to do is spend as much time with my family and friends as possible.  Maybe we need to organize another barn party!

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On The Foreign Service Register (FSCE)

November 10, 2014
Jeff Grace
Career
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Foreign Service Register (FSCE) Diplomatic Security
Foreign Service Register – Construction Engineer Position

I am officially on the Foreign Service Register!

On behalf of the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service, I am pleased to inform you that you have been granted a favorable suitability clearance and your name has been added to the register for those awaiting appointment to the Foreign Service as a Construction Engineer.

A lot has happened since my last post, including the birth of Esmei, our beautiful baby Girl.  Thinking about a career change has obviously played a second fiddle, but regardless, this is wonderful news.  For those currently involved at various other stages, here is a timeline from the day I originally applied to the position:

  • April 30th, 2014: Foreign Service Construction Engineer: Accepting applications.
  • May 27th, 2014: Submitted my application online
  • May 28th, 2014: Vacancy Announcement Closed
  • June 11th, 2014: Foreign Service Construction Engineer: Accepting applications Again.
  • July 9th, 2014: Vacancy Announcement Closed
  • July 15th, 2014: Invited for Oral Assessment on August 18th, 2014 @ 9:00am
  • August 18th, 2014: Passed Oral Assessment with Score of 6.0 out of 7.0 (5.15 Passing)
  • August 21st, 2014: Submitted My Security Clearance Documentation
  • September 3rd, 2014: Submitted My Medical Clearance Documentation (Waiting for Jennilou to Heal and Baby to Grow Before Submitting Theirs)
  • September 17th, 2014: Received Worldwide Medical Clearance
  • September 19th, 2014: Contacted by a Security Investigator
  • September 21st, 2014: Interviewed by Security Investigator
  • November 4th, 2014: My Neighbor Called To Say He Was Interviewed by a Security Investigator (Last One of the 12 People That I Know Of)
  • November 10th, 2014: Received e-mail Indicating I have been granted a Favorable Suitability Clearance for the Foreign Service Register
  • November 10th, 2014: Received followup e-mail Indicating I am Placed #4 of 6 on the Foreign Service Register for Construction Engineers

It’s fantastic to have made it this far in the process, but without knowing exactly how many positions State is looking to fill this year, being ranked fourth on the Foreign Service Register is a bit unsettling.  I thought I would have been higher with my test score, but without any bonus points for knowing a foreign languages or having prior experience with the Federal government, I will have to take it.  Nevertheless, after nearly six years of applying to the position, I’m extremely happy to be at the final final step before an appointment. With any luck, I will be chosen for the upcoming Orientation for Foreign Service Specialists I found planned for January 26th on the Foreign Service Institute Training Services Course Schedule.

CaptureAt this point I don’t believe there is anything else I can do, but sit back and enjoy the moment.  And to start, that means trying to get some rest….

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Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment (FSCE)

August 19, 2014
Jeff Grace
Career
12 Comments
Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment
Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment Day (FSCE)
Yesterday was my Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment for the Foreign Service Construction Engineer (FSCE) position.  Again, I did have to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), so I must intentionally sound vague on some parts of the day.  I arrived Saturday morning (without Jennilou) at Dulles International Airport, giving myself two full days to relax and prepare.  As much as I would have loved for Jennilou to come, I felt the isolation would get me in the zone.  Besides reviewing the recommended Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment books and writing practice essays, I did manage to see a few of the museums, get a hair cut, iron my suit, take a dip in the pool, run, eat, and nap.

 

After my failed attempt in Spring 2011,  I had finally made it to the interview stage and I wanted to be fully rested, so I could be at my best.
“Do not spend the night prior to the Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment studying; the extra factoids candidates might cram into their brains at this point will not make a significant difference. Visit a museum, go out to a movie, visit with friends – and get to bed at a decent hour (see “Be rested” above).”
I woke up early and well rested.  Staying at the Holiday Inn Washington – Capital allowed me to relax in my room for awhile before making my way over to the assessment center at 301 4th Street.  Eliminating the need to take a taxi, bus, car, or subway and having to stress about giving myself enough time in case something goes wrong was a great move this time around.  Being able to walk one minute down the street was an absolute blessing.  I arrived at the oral assessment location around 8:40am for a 9:00am interview.  There were three of us who waited in a seat-less lobby for 20 minutes (The last time they had chairs…uhhh), until the secretary fetched us into the elevator and up to testing offices.

The first part of the assessment was a timed Case Management writing exercise.  I was led down a hall with the three other candidates and into a computer lab.  The State Department Oral Assessment Study Guide describes the writing exercise as:
As the first part of the Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment you will be given a scenario describing issues which may typically arise in your specialty in a Foreign Service context. You will be asked to write a1-2 page memo to your supervisor summarizing the situation and providing solutions to the problems you or your supervisor has identified. You do not need to know US Government or State Department rules and regulations – you should rely on your expert knowledge, information presented to you, and your common sense. You will have 45 minutes to complete this section.

As most engineers, I am not the greatest writer in the world and had failed this portion of the test on my previous try.  I stuck to my planned outline and tried to manage my time well.  I didn’t have time to reread anything at the end, but went away feeling much better than the first time I took this portion of the test.

We walked back to the waiting area and I grabbed some water and used the restroom.  I was very nervous, because I had failed the Online Competency Exam on my previous try and knew I needed to score higher on this section for a chance to pass. The exam is a specialized knowledge test described in the Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment Study Guide as:

You will next be given an online competency exam. You will have 45-60 minutes for this section. The test may include English Expression questions, questions dealing with your ability to work with others, and questions appropriate to your area of expertise, such as Microsoft usage; IT problems; hiring laws and procedures; organizing events and VIP schedules; building maintenance issues; contracting and leasing; logistics operations; budgets and accounting; and similar issues that you will be expected to work within your FS specialty. This computer based multiple-choice exam presents a series of technical and/or situational judgment questions. It is intended to measure your job-related knowledge and how you might apply that knowledge on the job. The exam is designed to present more questions than can generally be answered in the time allowed, so candidates should not expect to answer every question.

Again I felt much better about the Competency Exam this time around and was not only able to finish all of the questions, but had time to review over half my answers.  Looking back, having botched my Case Management portion of the test right off the bat in 2011, had really affected my ability to gather myself and push forward the best I could.  With two sections “successfully” down, my adrenaline was pumping as I went back to the waiting room a second time.

In the waiting room, I tried to remain calm and prepare.  I had passed the interview portion in 2011 and my total score was 5.1 out of 7.  A 5.25 is passing, so theoretically, feeling I had done better on the first two sections led me to believe I was going to pass this time.  However, a 5.25 is the minimum passing score and it did not ensure I would be ultimately selected.  I needed to nail the Oral Assessment as well, to achieve my goal of a 5.6.  A few minutes later, I was taken back down the hall to a different room for for the final phase.  The Structured Interview is described in the Foreign Service Specialist Oral AssessmentStudy Guide as:

All candidates participate individually in a Structured Interview conducted by two assessors, one of whom will be a Subject Matter Expert proficient in the functional field being tested. For this portion of the Oral Assessment, assessors will have reviewed portions of your application for employment so they will be familiar with your work history and information you provided in the biographical section of the application. You are expected to respond to questions based on your personal background, experience, and motivation. You should be careful to respond to the questions that are asked, rather than give a response that highlights your qualities or resume but does not reply to the specific question.

Again, I walked out of the interview feeling I did better than last time, but still could not keep from second guessing myself as I waited impatiently in the lobby to be called.  To be honest, I made an attempt to leave my belongings in the lobby as I was called down the hall.  My thought being that the assessors would only ask me to bring my belongings with me if I failed because surely I would need to return for paper work if I passed.  “Oops…you forgot to grab your brief case,” said the assessor.  The thin manila envelope that he was carrying also looked a lot like the one that contained the rejection letter for my previous attempt. My heart sank…I was devastated.

I walked into the room and as I made a motion to sit defeated in the empty chair, one of the assessors blind sided me with a smile and firm hand shake.  “Let me be the first to congratulate you on passing the Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment”.   Turns out the thin manila envelope contained a single white sheet of paper with a check mark in every box… a whopping score of 6.0 out of 7.0.  I was very happy.

When I failed before, I was discretely shown the door and never saw any of the other people I’d spent the day with, so this was all new to me, this time I got to actually enjoy strolling around the room proudly checking out the photos.  “One day that could actually be me,” I thought to myself.  Turns out the next hour or so went very smoothly, as I had prepared all of the information in my packet beforehand and only needed to be finger printed and sign a few forms.  At the end I strolled out onto the street a changed man with a conditional offer for employment as a Foreign Service Construction Engineer.  Thankfully it was Moe’s Monday… I needed to celebrate.
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Foreign Service Construction Engineer Application

July 14, 2014
Jeff Grace
Career
2 Comments
Foreign Service Construction Engineer Application
Foreign Service Construction Engineer Application – Referred for Additional Consideration

Today was a good day. I received a letter that I have passed the Qualifications Evaluation Panel for the Foreign Service Construction Engineer Specialist position and have been “Referred for Additional Consideration”.  My oral assessment is scheduled for August 18th in Washington DC.  It feels great to have the opportunity to prove myself again after over three years of dwelling on my previous squelched opportunity.   There are few things I need to do:

  • Submit “Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service Assessment Confirmation”
  • Update my SF-86 Questionnaire for National Security Positions (My previous information is still in the system from Spring 2011, so I only need to add countries I have traveled to since 2011 and my new address)
  • Complete DS-7601 Authorization to Conduct Criminal History Inquiry For Spouse
  • Book Hotel at the Holiday Inn Washington-Capital (I tried to save a few bucks three years ago and the added stress of navigating the public transportation was not worth the savings.)
  • Book Flight (Driving 10 hours one way last time was too much.)
  • Study!!!

Its probably going to cost around $600 for the weekend (plus a vacation day), but I need to go all in this time.  If I don’t pass the test, I don’t want it to be because I’m not rested, relaxed, and prepared.  On my last attempt at the Foreign Service Construction Engineer application, I did have to sign some non-disclosure agreements (NDA), so I will not go into detail on what I plan to study.  However, I did find an updated US Department of State Foreign Service Specialist Oral Assessment Study Guide in addition to the regular study guides available online…


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4th Times A Charm? Applying for the Foreign Service Construction Engineer Position

May 28, 2014
Jeff Grace
Career
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Foreign Service Construction Engineer Specialist
I have again applied for the Foreign Service Construction Engineer Specialist position this Spring.  With outright failed attempts in Fall 2010, and Winter 2012 sandwiched with an invitation but unsuccessful oral assessment in the Spring of 2011 (Scored 5.1 out of 7), I guess I am a glutton for punishment.  However, based on my research (see links below), it will be more than worth the effort, if it works out this time.
Job Description
Construction Engineer Felton Shares Her Journey to the Foreign Service
Bureau of Overseas Building Operations
U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Overseas Building Operations – Design and Construction Program
American Foreign Service Association Blogs

It’s been a long time since I first applied and while a career in the Foreign Service continues to be dream of mine, in some ways, applying for the position feels like attempting to abandon the people I care about while leaving a very good job and life here in Vermont.  It’s certainly going to be a tough decision, but at this point, I don’t want to give up on my dream of having the chance to see the world and building world class projects for a just cause.


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