Interior Designer

About the role

This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Chief of the Facilities Management Service at the Boise VA Medical Center (BVAMC). This position serves as the Interior Designer responsible for managing an integrated Interior Design Program through the conceptualization, planning, development, supervision, and implementation of work pertaining to Interior Design.

What you will do

• This position involves a multi-grade career ladder.
• The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS11, however a selection can be made at any of the following grade levels: GS-09, GS-11.
• At the GS-09 grade level, you will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11.
• Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Serves as a Consultant Adviser, Specifier, and Designer of all spaces involved in new construction and renovation drawings provided by Architects/Engineers, as well as the Designer for In-House Construction Crew; Develops and directs planning and scheduling of short and long range interior improvement projects; Investigates, researches, selects, and specifies furniture, furnishings, and accessories with input from users; Prepares technical drawings and specifications for Station-Level, Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) and Minor construction projects consistent with generally accepted engineering and construction practices.
• Prepares floor plans, finish plans, furniture plans, elevations, finish schedules, presentation boards, and cost estimates that are complete and accurate; Works closely with Facility Management Service personnel to assure suitable materials and colors are used in all construction projects; Reviews architect submittals for compliance with regulations and facility design criteria, acting as a Technical Representative for design and finish matters; Monitors, inspects, and certifies that work completed by contractors meets contract specifications; Administers and supervises service contacts for interior design projects such as with the installation of artwork, carpet, window coverings, custom millwork, and systems furniture; Responsible for the design, cost estimates, inspecting the work, and certifying that the final product meets contract specifications; Collaborates closely with the Medical Center Facility Management staff to track, identify, record, coordinate, and inform of Project Progress; Supervises and manages flooring replacement projects and remodel projects by coordinating, directing and inspecting work to ensure proper design, material use, and installations are completed as designed on time and in budget; Reviews shop drawings, contract drawings, and manufacturer' equipment drawings making necessary changes to insure proper fit and operation; Researches acoustical performance, appropriate ergonomics, adequate lighting, and color coordination; Originates and enters orders for furniture, signage, window coverings, privacy curtains, floor coverings, art work, ambient lighting, accessories, and interior landscaping; Meets with requestors to evaluate ergonomic concerns.
• Selects products and coordinates installation.
• Follows up to assure products selected meet the needs; Develops and maintains standardization of Color Schemes/Themes and Signage and Wayfinding system; Advises and recommends improvements for all patient care environments including; Primary Care, OR, ICU, SDU, 2MS, CLC, Hospice, RSAT, Behavioral Health, Optical, Dental, Sleep Lab, Research, Women's Wellness Center, and Blood Lab; Advises and recommends improvement for all employee work environments including; offices, labs, kitchens, shops, industrial, laundry, warehouse, garages, etc.; Assures that all furnishings used meet all the applicable life safety and environmentally preferred standards; Assess pre-occupancy conditions and conducts post occupancy assessments; Evaluates and complete technical reviews for Contracting Officers making recommendations of vendors to Contracting Officers; Prepares project budgets and yearly furniture and finishes budgets; Prepares budgetary figures for construction projects for supplemental agreements; Coordinates the activation process for newly completed buildings and renovations; and Performs other duties as assigned.
• Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.
• Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm MST Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Position Description/PD#: Interior Designer/PD604160 and PD604150 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized This is an open-continuous announcement.
• Positions will be filled as they become available.
• The first cut-off date to consider applications for referral to the selecting official will be October 2nd, 2026, the remaining cut-off dates will be at 2-week intervals.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.
• In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment.
• The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.
• A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
• Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

GS-9 Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.

To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree with a major study in interior design or other field that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in interior design, interior architecture, or interior environmental design; or passage of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination or LL.

B. or J.D, if related that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials.

Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.

You must have an combination of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level.

The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do to the work of this position (i.e., interior design or other field that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in interior design, interior architecture, or interior environmental design).

NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required. GS-11 Education : Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.

To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree with a major study in interior design or other field that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in interior design, interior architecture, or interior environmental design; or passage of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination or an LL.M. if related that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.

You must have an combination of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level.

The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do to the work of this position (i.e., interior design or other field that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in interior design, interior architecture, or interior environmental design).

NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: ***

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

Preferred Experience: Healthcare interior designers are responsible for creating spaces that are not only functional but also conducive to healing and comfort. They work closely with healthcare professionals to ensure that the design meets the specific needs of medical departments, patient rooms, waiting areas, and staff workplaces.

Key responsibilities include: Space Planning: Analyzing available space to create efficient layouts that support medical services and patient traffic. Patient-Centered Design: Creating environments that promote healing and comfort, using color schemes, lighting, and furniture to reduce stress and anxiety.

Safety and Infection Control: Ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Materials and Furnishings Selection: Choosing materials that are easy to clean, sanitize, and meet safety standards.

Ergonomics and Accessibility: Designing spaces that are accessible to all ergonomics to prevent strain and discomfort for patients and staff. Healthcare interior designers play a crucial role in shaping environments that enhance patient experience, boost staff productivity, and support clinical excellence.

They are essential in creating spaces that balance functionality, flexibility, and human experience, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary/Rank etc. Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held References, current or recent supervisor Do not include the following types of information in your resume: Classified or Government sensitive information Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume.

Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. The experience stated in your resume must support your assessment responses. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications.

To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Documents you must provide

• Resume The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
• You will not be contacted for additional information.
• Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Proof of Marriage Status Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.
• If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.
• In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
• Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
• NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
• Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
• HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
• HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
• VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.
• HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
• HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.
• HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
• Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion.
• The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement.
• Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required assessments and documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued, and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified.

If initial application submission is updated and resubmitted with a new resume, only the most current resume will be reviewed for consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application.

Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.

If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision.

You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement.

To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job.

Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at ***