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.
See additional Basic Requirement for Architect in the Education tab
GS-07 Qualifications:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes knowledge of architectural concepts and principles as well as the ability to apply basic architectural practices, methods, and techniques to perform, following specific guidance, simple architectural tasks as part of a larger project; knowledge of computer aided design and drafting (CADD) programs to perform drafting assignments; and ability to prepare documents using specific instructions, notes, or sketches involving architectural aspects of a project.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the second lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
OR
Education: One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as engineering or architecture.
OR
Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, such as that identified in Education above. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR(2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR(3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).ORCombination 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) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS-09 Qualifications: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes knowledge of architectural concepts and principles as well as the ability to apply standard architectural practices, methods, and techniques to perform, following specific guidance, relatively routine projects or a portion of a larger and more complex project; knowledge of computer aided design and drafting (CADD) programs to perform routine design and drafting assignments; general familiarity with related engineering disciplines; and ability to prepare layout and detailed drawings and documents using specific instructions, notes, or sketches involving architectural aspects of a project.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-07).
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 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, such as engineering or architecture.
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 first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
GS-11 Qualifications: Specialized Experience:one year of knowledge of architectural concepts and principles as well as the ability to apply a broad range of architectural practices, methods, and techniques to perform, with limited guidance, relatively routine projects or a portion of a larger and more complex project; knowledge of computer aided design and drafting (CADD) programs to perform moderately complex design and drafting assignments; ability to prepare layout and detailed drawings, specifications, and documents with limited instructions, notes, or sketches involving architectural aspects of a project; and basic knowledge of related engineering disciplines, particularly structural, mechanical, and electrical to facilitate proper design considerations.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next 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, such as engineering or architecture.
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.
GS-12 Qualifications: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes professional knowledge of architectural concepts, principles, and practices applicable to a broad range of architectural, engineering, construction management, life cycle management, and related assignments; ability to apply comprehensive architectural practices, methods, and techniques to perform relatively complex projects with complete responsibility; knowledge of design and construction practices and techniques in establishing design parameters and preparing project documents and specifications; knowledge of computer aided design and drafting (CADD) programs to perform complex design and drafting assignments, convey design concepts and ideas, and formulate working drawings; and knowledge of and familiarity with related fields of work (ie various engineering groups) to ensure areas of overlapping responsibilities receive proper design consideration.
This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11)
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify,for this job at the GS-12, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.