Job summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Direct Hire Authority to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: Serves as an Engineer or Architect on the staff of a design organization responsible for planning, and design of new and /or extension, conversion, or modernization of existing buildings or facilities.

Major duties

Evaluate and/or recommend the work of design and construction firms to ensure design excellence and compliance with all regulations and design criteria. Serve as an Architect responsible for planning, and design of new and/or extension, conversions, or modernization of existing buildings or facilities. Conduct investigations of project site to determine feasibility of proposed projects. Evaluate date obtained, incorporating relevant features into design consideration and solutions. Meet with contractors, manufacturers' representatives, and Government agency representative to establish materials and test requirements.

Qualification

NOTE: THIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. REFERRAL TO BE ISSUED EVERY TWO WEEKS WITH THE NEXT CUTOFF BEING 12/31/2024. Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Basic Requirement for Architect: A. Degree: bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in architecture or in a 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 B. 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: (1) Related Curriculum - Degree in architectural engineering provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in statement A above, or (2) Experience: 1 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 any college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that you have acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture.In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience GS-11: One year of specialized experience which includes planning and designing substantial new construction, renovation and improvement projects; developing drawings, plans, schedule and design specification; monitoring and controlling project construction budgets. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09). OR Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. Specialized Experience GS-12: One year of specialized experience which includes designing of predominantly military facilities using Computer-Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) and Building Information Models (BIM) software; work as an architect collaborating with designers, project managers, contract designers, and facility users to develop design strategies and a coordinated design effort which would result in construction and/or renovation of military facilities. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Evaluations

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.