Interior Designer Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. VAR002941 Department Library of Congress
Salary $68,405.00 to $88,926.00 Grade 09 to 09
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/6/2024 Close Date 12/20/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position serves as an Interior Designer for Space Utilization Planning and Design (SUPD), Facility Services Division, Integrated Service Support Directorate, Library of Congress (LOC). Incumbent works under the general supervision of the SUPD Project Supervisor receiving technical direction and specific policy guidance from SUPD staff. The incumbent executes assignments that often involve organizing and managing the activities of several different service providers.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Anyone may apply - By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired, provided that other legal requirements are met and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position.

Duties

The work is largely evaluated in terms of work accomplished especially when uniquely different or sensitive projects are involved. Completed work is reviewed and evaluated in terms of overall effectiveness in achieving the goals of soundness of overall approach, conformance with controlling management policies, thoroughness, quality of results, and timeliness of completion.

Consults and provides advice in a specialized area of planning to obtain cooperation and agreement on specific plans and projects. Such assignments may vary in size, scope, and complexity. These may relate to preparation of either recommendations, statements, plans, drawings and specifications, or some combination thereof, for interior design and construction projects, including those for special use facilities, equipment and/or furniture needed for office or Library operations.

Influences decisions in assigned areas by analyzing user requirements and the availability of furnishings to satisfy these needs. Prepares preliminary space plans for proposed projects, including detailed specifications, to evaluate alternatives.

Provides factual information on space layout and interior design plans, including initial layout and workflow of the office(s). Provides advisory services on well-established matters, such as space, furniture, finish and planning standards and the project execution process.

Assists in the development of interior design standards for furniture and furnishings. Prepares cost estimates and recommendations for annual furniture and ergonomic furniture replacement as requested. Evaluates interior design program and helps evaluate/select product based on function, quality, appropriateness, cost, replacement requirements, and aesthetics.

Provides advice and information on a wide-range of projects, including project status, progress, and/or problems to supervisor or upper-level management, as required. Conducts independent investigations and feasibility studies in response to renovation and construction of both unoccupied space and reconfiguration of existing space.

Prepares detailed request for ordering interior materials/furnishings, such as furniture, window, floor and wall coverings, artwork and framing, lighting, bulletin boards, and a variety of other interior design furnishings and materials. Prepares necessary administrative paperwork, including specific requirements, scope of work, schedules, cost estimates, vendors list, and reference drawings. Manages or assists in managing programs responsible for the evaluation of technical proposals. Reviews written proposals and technical shop drawings; conducts site visits and performs acceptance of contract deliverables, reviews and approves invoices.

Serves as the authorized contracting officer's technical representative, representing the contracting officer in the technical phase of the project. Working with contractors and laborers, supervises furniture and equipment installations.

Holds conferences and interviews with clients, management and office personnel to define scope of work; analyzes work functions and requirements; gathers data relating to details of furniture, equipment, utilities and any other special needs. Develops block allocations of assigned space that incorporate functional adjacencies and prepares plans showing detailed layouts of furniture and partitions for entire project. After client approval, and following all established CAD standards and procedures, prepares scaled layouts and detailed drawings delineating furniture, partitions, carpet, utilities, security requirements and drawings for custom items as required, using CADD and graphics software.

Confirms the availability of inventoried furniture to satisfy project’s needs. Create work orders associated with Demand Work Orders (DWOs) or facility plan projects in an automated work order system. Conducts inspection of work during construction and installation phase to insure compliance with design requirements. Provides data on a wide range of project status information including project status, progress and /or problems to their supervisor. Prepares necessary plans, work requests and contractor support documentation to facilitate a move.

Performs other duties as assigned.

The Interior Designer position reports directly to the Space Utilization Planning and Design (SUPD), Facility Services Division, Integrated Service Support Directorate, Library of Congress(LOC).

This position is located in Washington, DC.

The position description number for this position is 404326.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment

Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

  • Ability to perform space planning and interior design functions.**
  • Ability to utilize industry standard CAD software and other technology to support interior design work.**
  • Ability to meet and deal with others.
  • Ability to implement interior design projects.
  • Knowledge of regulations, policies, codes, CAD standards, and procedures associated with interior design and project implementation for commercial and/or federal buildings.
  • Ability to effectively plan, direct and manage a variety of projects given limited time and resources.
  • Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- interior design or other field that included or was supplemented by at least 30 semester hours in interior design, interior architecture, or interior environmental design; or passage of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination.

OR

Experience

General Experience (for GS-5 positions): Experience that provided a basic knowledge and understanding of interior design and the design process. Experience may have been gained in work such as interior design assistant or technician, architectural drafting, space planning, furniture/furnishings design, or other positions that require the practical application of design principles in a structured design process. The work of crafts persons or hobbyists in the following fields is not qualifying: painting, fiber art, weaving, woodworking, carpet installing, etc.

Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience that required the performance of work concerned with the design and alteration of interior spaces to meet functional and aesthetic needs such as:

  • Identifying, researching, and creatively solving problems pertaining to the function and quality of the interior environment.
  • Performing services relative to interior spaces, including programming, design analysis, space planning and aesthetics, using specialized knowledge of interior construction, building systems and components, building codes, equipment, materials, and furnishings.
  • Preparing drawings and documents relative to the design of interior spaces in order to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
  • Coordinating and integrating the mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering disciplines within the interior context.
  • Managing projects, developing cost estimates, evaluating bid proposals, reviewing construction documents, participating in on-site construction visits, conducting pre- and post-occupancy evaluations, developing standards for efficient space management, etc.

You must submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.

Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.

Additional information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process

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 email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application.  Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
 
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

A “Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.

Are you a veteran?  Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim.  Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214.  Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form.  If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.
 

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.

Review our benefits

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.

The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section 8.5, at: Merit Selection Plan


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent).

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application.  The program does not accept certification from health care providers. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.

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

Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.

You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes. To do so, complete the following steps.

Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress.

Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. We recommend you go to the end of the Qualification and Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.

Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements.

Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.

Step 5: Hiring Management offers three options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.
(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.
(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, e.g. 2 undergraduate transcripts from different schools or 2 SF-50s, etc., be sure that they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.

Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, etc.) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.

If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov , no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED.

Agency contact information

Job Help Desk
Phone
202-707-5620
Fax
0000000000
Email
JobHelp@loc.gov
Address
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Human Resources Dept.
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540-2700
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Please review our evaluation process under Evaluation. You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications." You will receive final notification via e-mail when the vacancy has been filled.


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