Architect/General Engineer (Specifications/Project Control)

About the role

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Chief Engineer. The selectee serves as an Architect or General Engineer with a specialty in construction specifications, process improvement, and developing policy or guidance documents.

What you will do

• The selectee will be responsible for the preparation and review of construction contract specifications, implementing a lessons learned program, implementing project controls and process improvements, and developing or updating policy and/or guidance documents.
• Major Duties: Architecture/Engineering Specification Development and Maintenance Develops, revises and updates AOC guidance for preparing specifications for use on all types of projects, including “prescriptive” and “performance”.
• Prescriptive specifications are further subdivided into descriptive, reference standards and proprietary specifications.
• Project specifications are an integral part of contracts for service, construction, repair and renovation work.
• Keeps abreast of new developments in specification processing systems and provides consultative services to Associate A/E firms and AOC Project Managers on the AOC's use of Master Specifications which is the primary specification system used by the AOC, other Federal construction agencies, and most consulting Architects and Engineers.
• Evaluates and selects reference information to be included in the AOC Specifications and Standards library; Maintains the agency's specifications and materials library and its resource guides; Ensures that preservation and sustainability are principal considerations in using codes, standards and design build for historic structures, emphasizing conservation and restoration criteria.
• Develops and maintains guide specifications for AOC-wide use.
• Reviews and provides comments and recommendations on the various design stages of project drawings and specifications developed under contract by Associate A/E firms and by AOC personnel.
• Separate review actions may include all or part of particular design stage submission.
• Reviews project designs to assure that they meet contractual policies (i.e., maximum competition and equitable basis for bids); that the drawings and specifications describe the complete work in a complimentary manner without conflicts, duplications, or omissions; that the equipment, materials, products, and systems selected are technically adequate and of the appropriate quality as reflected by current design criteria and policy; that the fabrication, manufacturing, and construction practices required allow the Contractor to efficiently provide the work while facilitating contract administration and construction inspection.
• Guides design team efforts in the development and preparation of project specifications.
• Lessons Learned Program / Process Development and Process Improvement Develops, coordinates, implements, and leads the AOC's Lessons Learned Program.
• Reviews all lessons learned entered by end users in AOC's Project Management Information System (PMIS) for data quality and to ensure the scope of the lesson and the solution is accurately captured.
• Conducts a lessons learned workshop at the completion of major construction project with the project team and stakeholders; Collects and summarizes lessons learned that had the greatest impact on the project (cost, schedule, scope, etc.,) and conducts an out brief at project closeout.
• Ensures lessons learned are captured in PMIS for future use on other projects. leads working groups, assigns initiatives for collaboration, and works with other subject matter experts or managers in the development of technical solutions to address gaps in processes and procedures; Drafts technical solutions and makes recommendations to senior management for implementation.
• Document and Process Control Develops and updates written SOPs, user manuals and process documents.
• Review design and construction documents for compliance with AOC standards, policies and guidelines, constructability standards, professional practice, construction specifications, project design documents and cost engineering as well as procurement documentation.
• Acts as a Project Manager and Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for contracts and task orders.
• Review and provide professional guidance on the various design stages of project specifications developed under contract by A/E firms and by AOC personnel.
• Develops contracts and task orders for the acquisition of consultant-prepared services related to construction quality, specifications and safety .
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C.
• 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C.
• 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.

Education

In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements for this position, applicants must possess the following: Education Required for Architects: Degree: architecture; or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems --OR-- Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished: (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by at least one of the following: Related Curriculum: Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted. Experience: An applicant lacking a degree in architecture must have had l year of experience in an architect's office or in architectural work for each year short of graduation from a program of study in architecture.

In the absence of college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that the applicant has acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture.

For a detailed explanation of the related curriculum or experience, please visit the following website at *** Education Required for Engineers: Bachelor's degree in professional engineering: To be creditable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: -- statics, dynamics; -- strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); -- fluid mechanics, hydraulics; -- thermodynamics; -- electrical fields and circuits; -- nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and -- any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. --OR-- Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished: (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) current registration as a professional engineer by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico; (b) evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination or the written test required for professional registration; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences that are fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field.

For a detailed explanation of the related curriculum or experience, please visit the following website at *** Transcripts are required upon selection.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment.

Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part of foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree.

You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing if selected.

How you will be evaluated

Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.

Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement.

The self-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies: Broad knowledge of Engineering/Architectural concepts, principles, and practices Knowledge of Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) for construction projects Project Management Contract Management Oral Communication Written Communication Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating.

You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions.

Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non-selection or disqualification from further consideration.

Please note that a complete application is required for consideration.

(Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application). You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Documents you must provide

• The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.
• To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire.
• The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information.
• No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.
• Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.
• Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC's Human Capital Management Division.
• If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process.
• At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.
• For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status.
• If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.
• If Veterans' preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).
• Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.

Benefits

A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc. The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.

What to expect next

You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You can check the status of your application by logging into ***

You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings' to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes.

Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.

Additional information

Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement.

If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable.

For more information, please visit OPM vet guide If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.

DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC's suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency.

A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test. The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.

The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States.

If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system.

For more information on E-Verify, please visit *** The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Moving expenses are not authorized. Relocation expenses are not authorized. Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol. All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol. Note: Please be advised that federal retired annuitant candidates may only be considered as a temporary employee if the role can be filled in that capacity.