Architect Job

Vacancy No. 5P-2024-0060 Department Public Buildings Service
Salary $103,409.00 to $150,075.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/19/2024 Close Date 10/2/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Chicago, ILSpringfield, ILIndianapolis, INBattle Creek, MI


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

As a senior Architect, you will serve as a subject matter expert on professional architectural issues to engineering personnel and other technical and administrative personnel throughout the regional organization by providing highly expert professional and/or technical consulting and services.  

Location of Position:  Public Buildings Service, Region 5, Design & Construction, Project Programs Division.

We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Your application will be considered if you are a: • GSA employee, currently employed in the Public Buildings Service (PBS) in Region 5. • GSA surplus or displaced employee in the local commuting area who qualify for the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) You must be serving on career or career-conditional appointment, or under a noncompetitive Special Appointing Authority which provides for conversion to a permanent position in the Competitive Service.

Duties

This position is located in the Public Buildings Service, Design & Construction (D&C), Project Programs Division. This division is responsible for implementation of national and regional design and construction policy in all production offices. 

This position has job functions that must be executed within specific geographic locations. The official duty station is a federal facility, leased space, or an alternative worksite (typically the employee’s home) within the specified geographic area. Positions include routine telework that are geographically specific to: Chicago, IL; Springfield, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Milwaukee, WI; Detroit, MI; Battle Creek, MI; Grand Rapids, MI; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH and Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; St. Paul, MN and Fort Snelling, MN.  If you are selected for this position, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 45 days. At that time, you may be eligible to request to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency’s telework policy.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Provides technical consultation services in support of General Services Administration (GSA)'s National Design and Construction programs and initiatives such as: First Impressions, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
  • Serves as a recognized technical specialist to all General Services Administration (GSA) regional Architects, Engineers and Building Managers as well as contract architects and construction teams regarding the repair, alteration, maintenance and security issues on all significant, complex or highly visible projects.
  • Develops special projects on policy and criteria for General Services Administration (GSA)'s design program nationwide. Participates on cross-region and multi-discipline work teams assembled for purposes of identifying and solving major technical and policy-related issues.
  • Offers direction on the preparation of detailed fee estimates and the pertinent correspondence, plans, reports, and Architect/Engineer (A/E) contract criteria necessary for project completion.
  • Conducts briefings, discussions, and negotiations with high level agency representatives, General Services Administration (GSA) management, contract architects, construction firms, and external stakeholders to resolve controversies, promote innovative design and construction approaches, and develop consensus on projects with state-of-the-art architectural issues or other sensitive professional matters.
  • Applies new developments and experienced judgment in adapting existing knowledge or applications to fit a unique design or construction issue or situation.
  • Participates in Architect/Engineer (A/E) evaluation and selection process. Assists in the preparation of statement of professional scope of work.
  • Monitors and assesses effectiveness of contractors in meeting contractual requirements, both technical and administrative.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Apply online (See How to Apply section.)
  • U.S. Citizenship or National
  • Meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of closing date
  • Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
  • Register with the Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non­-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
  • Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
  • Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level)

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

  • the exact dates you held  each job (from month/year to month/year)
  • number of hours per week you worked (if part time).    

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here

The GS-13 salary range starts at $103,409 per year.  Salary is determined by the location for which you are selected.  

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ARCHITECTS: A Degree in architecture or related field; OR a combination of college-level education, training, and/or technical experience. For specifics on qualifying education, training, and/or experience - use the following link: Basic Requirements for Architect Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:  

In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience applying a broad understanding of the concepts, principles and practices of professional architecture to the design and construction of small and large complex project(s).  This experience should include:

  • Providing technical guidance of professional architectural principles, concepts, practices and understanding of various architecture and engineering criteria;
  • Interpreting policies, regulations and engineering criteria; and
  • Conducting briefings, discussions, and negotiations in order to resolve issues.

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. 

NOTE: FAILURE TO PROVIDE SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS BY THE CLOSING DATE MAY RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION. 

Education

Note: 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/   

Additional information

This position is eligible for the bargaining unit.

If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage.

Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.

Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement as needed; through other means; or not at all.

GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:

  • Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
  • Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.

Our commitment is:

  • Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
  • Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
  • Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

You will have access to many benefits including:

  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Your responses to these questions must be supported by your resume or your score may be lowered.

  • Mastery of professional architectural principles, concepts and practices required to serve as a technical expert on key design initiatives and policies for the regional Public Building Services (PBS) organization and/or Project Manager for designated major building projects. A bachelor's degree in architecture, supplemented by a number of years of progressively responsible experience on increasing complex projects is required.
  • Knowledge of related engineering fields (outside the incumbent's specialty area) to ensure that areas of overlapping technical responsibilities receive proper consideration; skill is required to apply the latest developments in building design and construction to resolve complex or unprecedented problems.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge and skill to adapt unconventional design and construction practices and techniques, to establish design parameters and prepare project justifications and specifications for plans and designs for unique new construction and major renovation projects which integrate state of the art concepts into the design or construction considerations.
  • Knowledge of and skill in applying concepts and procedures associated with project management, financial management and/or procurement vehicles to achieve project goals and objectives.

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.

Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume so that information will be taken into consideration during the selection process.  If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

If you are eligible under GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.  

Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

CTAP  Eligible - Submit a, b, and c(a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.

College Transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.   

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

How to Apply

Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application.  For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application. 

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

  • Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
  • Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
  • Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete.  If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  • Note:  Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

Need Assistance? 

  • Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - contact mgshelp@monster.comor 1-866-656-6831 Monday-Friday 7AM - 7PM EST, except for Federal holidays
  • Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday-Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline

You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.

Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

Agency contact information

Theresa Gibbs
Phone
(312) 353-8177
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
theresa.gibbs@gsa.gov
Address
GSA, Public Buildings Service
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the closing date/deadline:

  1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
  2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.  
  3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
  4. FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
  5. FINAL COMMUNICATION:  Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.


Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.