ARCHITECT

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a professional architect, performing design, project programming, construction management/monitoring duties and improvement projects of real property facilities and infrastructure, including utility systems in support of a military installation. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.

Duties

Performs planning and design work for substantial multi-phase new construction, renovations, and improvement projects for real property facilities, including utility systems, utilizing a professional knowledge of architecture. Manages projects for new construction, renovations, and improvements to real property facilities and maintains surveillance over construction contractors utilizing a professional knowledge of architecture to ensure overall compliance with contracted specifications, schedules, etc. Plans, programs, budgets, and executes required projects in support of assigned programs. Performs work in facilities operations and maintenance (O&M) functions. Provides consulting services and project coordination. Collects data and evaluates factors which affect the application of concepts, principles, theories, and methods required to observe, examine, measure, analyze, map, and describe physical and technical features and phenomena. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Architecture Series 0808. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Education: Degree in 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 as satisfying in full the basic requirements, provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in paragraph A. The curriculum for a degree in either architecture or architectural engineering covers function, esthetics, site, structure, economics, mechanical-electrical, and other engineering problems related to the design and construction of buildings primarily (but not exclusively) intended to house human activities. The courses required for a degree in architecture generally place emphasis upon planning, esthetics, and materials and methods of construction, while the courses for an architectural engineering degree place equal or greater weight on the technical engineering aspects such as structural systems, mechanical systems, and the properties of materials. Because of this difference in emphasis, persons with degrees in architecture may have a preference for work assignments that offer greater opportunities for them to express their artistic and creative abilities. As a result, they may be more concerned with planning and design aspects of architecture, and persons with degrees in architectural engineering may be more engaged in aspects emphasizing technical engineering considerations. 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. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes professional knowledge of architectural concepts, principles, and practices applicable to a broad range of architectural, engineering, construction management, life cycle management, etc. and related assignments; Knowledge of design and construction practices and techniques in establishing design parameters and preparing project justifications and specifications; Knowledge of drafting techniques and conventions and drafting skills sufficient to convey design concepts and ideas and formulate working drawings; Knowledge of and familiarity with related fields of work such as architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, structural and environmental engineering sufficient to ensure that areas of overlapping responsibilities receive proper design considerations; Comprehensive knowledge of the installation/command mission and organization; Broad understanding of state and local jurisdictions over the use of land and natural resources, the construction of facilities and utilities, and the distribution of utilities services. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Professional knowledge of architectural concepts, principles, and practices and familiarity with engineering disciplines. 2. Knowledge of a broad range of architectural standards, methods, practices, and techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulations; of standard contracting regulations, practices, and procedures as it relates to facilities engineering; knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements as outlined in applicable standards, regulations, and/or technical orders; of environmental principles, practices, procedures, laws, regulations, and current legislative issues; of work classifications and the regulatory and statutory restrictions on the expenditures of appropriated and non-appropriated funds. 3. Knowledge of automated data processing concepts, systems capabilities, and economic usage to effectively accomplish assigned functions; and knowledge of program planning and budgeting cycles, financial control and budget systems and management. 4\. Knowledge of aesthetic and functional design techniques and skill in preparing project documentation, to include preliminary drawings, sketches, and construction drawings; and technique / skill in drafting sufficient to convey design concepts and i