Facility Operations Specialist (Utility System) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CPP-2025-063 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $117,962.00 to $153,354.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/26/2024 Close Date 12/23/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief of Operations, Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations, Assistant Director, Utility Services Division, Utility Distribution Branch. The incumbent is a Facility Operations Specialist (Utility Systems) for the Capitol Power Plant (CPP) and is responsible for the operation and operational maintenance of the steam and chilled water Utility Distribution Systems (UDS) and associated auxiliary equipment.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens. Please be advised that federal retired annuitant candidates may only be considered as a temporary employee if the role can be filled in that capacity.

Duties

The Steam and Chilled Water Utility Distribution System serves all the buildings located throughout the Capitol Hill complex via underground utility tunnels.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confined Space Certification to inspect underground utility tunnels.

This position requires a valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operator’s license.

Major duties: 

Utility Management (40%)

Serves as facility operations specialist to the Utility Distribution Branch for all issues related to distribution utility management, operations and maintenance, utilities operations management, quality assurance and maintenance contract compliance.

Using the Facilities Condition Assessment, other inspections, WebTMA analysis and client input, the incumbent develops program requirements to perform preventive maintenance, scheduled and unscheduled work and facility sustainment.

The incumbent utilizes a comprehensive knowledge of facility-related operating functions pertaining to high-pressure steam (150 psi) and large diameter chilled water systems to identify critical issues and determine how they may be resolved.

Conducts regular surveys and tours to determine existing layout and conditions of work areas, facility conditions, and system operational status.

Manages and maintains facility information, correspondence and other pertinent records for required retention periods.

Works to develop photographic database capabilities to enable better project management and budget justification.

Develops and implements a program to track recurring work such as repetitive service calls.

Participates in long range planning and evaluation of work operations. Through operations inspections and analysis of work record results, evaluates contractor performance and quality of executed work.

Assists with the operation and maintenance of the UDS and its assets and provides insight in determining potential energy conservation measures.

Confers with service contractors and material suppliers on the status of activities and deliverables.

Project Management (20%)

This position provides project management in support of small-scale facilities, utility management operations and repair projects.

Serves as a Project Manager with responsibility to develop and manage the design and construction of minor renovation projects.

Serves as a technical specialist and a key source of information for assigned areas of accountability.

Performs: (1) life-cycle project management expertise; (2) coordination and execution of project planning and programming; (3) conceptual design development support to include development of statement of work, market research and government estimates; (4) equipment installation; (5) commissioning; and (6) post action evaluations. Responsible for development and management of studies.

Consultant/Contractor Oversight (25%)

Serves as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for contracts such as annual Health and Safety Audits, General UDS Operations and Maintenance, vehicle maintenance and other contract support.

Monitors contract fund balances, the status of projects and contract modifications and recommends fund realignments as needed.

Technical Advice and Guidance (15%)

Provides guidance, technical advice, and consultation on program and project administration. Contributes to the resolution of technical difficulties that are amenable to changes in approach, criteria or requirements.

Utilizes professional expertise to develop and review: (1) technical specifications; (2) construction documents; (3) internal government cost estimates; (4) construction cost estimates; (5) statements of work; and (6) work plans for construction projects and professional design services.

Observes and monitor repair/construction and maintenance operations to identify unforeseen problems.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
  • You must meet the education requirements for an engineer.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Confined Space Certification to inspect underground utility tunnels.

This position requires a valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operator’s license.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and 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 Qualifications 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. 

Candidates for the GS-13 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. 

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having experience:

(1) Professional knowledge of and skill in applying a comprehensive range of principles, concepts, and practices in the facility maintenance and operations arena;

(2) Comprehensive knowledge and/or experience as a technician in engineering fields related to steam and chilled water systems, utility distribution systems and system devices such as pressure-reducing valves, steam traps, and isolation valves.

(3) Experienced analytical ability to develop, plan, review and execute utility maintenance and repair projects.

(4) Experienced cost estimating, project financial planning and cost control. Adept at justifying budgetary requirements for both programs and specific projects;

(5)  Professional knowledge and training in contracting procedures to interpret contract specifications and serve as COR, and;

A valid D.C. or State motor vehicle operator’s license.

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- engineering, industrial arts, property management, or business administration, OR meet the qualifying specialized experience.

Additional information

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.

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.

A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.

Selected applicant(s) may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate credit towards annual leave accrual based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credit will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant profile submitted. As such, if you are a new employee to the Federal Government or a rehire, it is important that you provide a work history that lists all directly related positions held, and it must include the dates of employment (month/day/year).

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.

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: 

- Utility Management 

- Project Management

- Consultant/Contractor Oversight

- Technical Advice and Guidance

- Oral and Written Communication

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).


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

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.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education:

Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part of foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing. 

Supporting Documentation:

If you wish to attach your documents, you can upload your documents when you register or update your information on the Architect of the Capitol application site which you access through the USAJOBS site.

Your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of this job announcement.

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

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.

Agency contact information

Nyika Humphries
Address
Architect of the Capitol
2nd and D Street, S.W.
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

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.


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


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