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This role is in the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE). This is a standard position description designed for use in any organizational unit within OCE to aide in the flexibility of responding to the needs of Congress and the Supreme Court in support of our mission to Service, Preserve and Inspire.
Learn more about this agency12/16/2024 to 01/02/2025
$139,395 - $181,216 per year
GS 14
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
14
Yes
Yes
OCE-2025-100
824193100
See Requirements section of this announcement for information on who may apply.
Supervisory Duties
Exercises the full range of supervisory responsibilities for a team of staff with additional assigned employees supporting efforts across OCE. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for employees, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system, establishes performance goals, and develops individual development plans. Provides guidance on performance evaluations, including due dates, adequacy of the plans and evaluations. Develops performance improvement plans (PIPs), recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters. Initiates disciplinary measures as appropriate to the authority delegated in this area. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Provides for employee skills enrichment and development through identification of opportunities for coaching, mentoring, and training and strives to achieve a standard level of work and collegiality across the team.
Responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by taking positive steps to ensure the accomplishment of EEO objectives and by adhering to nondiscriminatory non-retaliatory employment practices regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, or disability. Specifically, initiates nondiscriminatory practices in the following: (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all employees; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of employee skills and abilities.
Senior Responsibilities
Trains or arranges for the training of the cost estimating group in methods and techniques of cost estimating. Monitors and reports on the status of work, checking on progress and reviewing completed work to see that the supervisor’s instructions on work priorities, methods, deadlines and quality have been met.
Reports to the supervisor periodically on work accomplishments, problems, progress in mastering tasks. Estimates and reports to the team on progress in meeting established deadlines for completion of assignments, projects and tasks and ensures that all team members are aware of and participate in planning for achievement of goals and objectives.
Defines and reports the results of capturing and reporting metrics related to independent government estimates (IGE’s), professional fee proposals, construction bid costs and final project costs. Reports findings to the supervisor on at least an annual basis.
Cost Estimating
The incumbent serves as a recognized expert on construction cost estimates for AOC appropriation requests presented to Congress. Prepares and oversees the production of studies, designs and construction cost estimates for proposed new construction, restorations and alteration projects. Develops cost estimates for new construction, interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol. Works from outlines, schematic drawings, previous projects or field surveys taking into consideration the unique requirements for historic preservation within the national settings of the Architect of the Capitol.
As Chief Cost Estimator, provides instruction and technical guidance to the cost estimating group. Serves as COR or delegates the COR responsibilities to members of the cost estimating group for the “Estimating Services” contracts. Directs the development and updates to the AOC customization template that is used to produce all estimates.
Analyzes and reviews cost estimates developed for projects from consultant architectural and engineering firms for new work. Identifies and analyzes problems arising in project constructability and works with project managers to resolve under-estimates based on required adjustments.
To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below:
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at OPM qualification standards
Specialized experience: is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Candidates for the GS-14 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower (GS-13) grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience for this position is defined as having experience that demonstrates all of the following:
Developing cost estimates for new construction and/or interior and exterior alterations, restorations, additions and repairs to existing structures; Reviewing and revising cost estimates for accuracy and compliance with applicable standards; Performing cost estimates using SUCCESS Estimator, RIB U.S. Cost, Cost OS or equivalent cost estimating software; and Working with engineers, architects, and contractors to ensure estimates are in compliance with project budget and cost projections.
Prepares and oversees the production of cost estimates for professional fees of architectural and engineering firms. This includes professional fees for the development of programs of requirements, studies, designs and construction drawings for projects.
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 http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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:
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).
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.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.
NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.
All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.
If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.
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 http://www.usajobs.gov. 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
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/824193100. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is to serve Congress and the Supreme Court, preserve America's Capitol and inspire memorable experiences. The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development and preservation of 18.4 million square feet of buildings and more than 570 acres of land throughout Capitol Hill. The AOC provides a welcoming and educational environment for millions of visitors through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and the US Botanic Garden. Learn more at https://www.aoc.gov/careers. The AOC prides itself on its Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Safety and Empowerment (RISE).
