Landscape Architect Job in Washington DC, DC

Vacancy No. CGA-2025-239 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $120,579.00 to $156,755.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/25/2025 Close Date 5/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington DC, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), US Capitol Grounds and Arboretum (CGA). The Landscape Architect reports to the CGA Deputy Director and performs duties that are broad in scope, providing programming services for new construction, CAD and GIS files and deliverables creation, editing and management, preservation and restoration projects, long range land use planning, and serves as a technical expert for the AOC Cultural Landscape Reports (CLRs). 

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

See Requirements section of this announcement for information on who may apply.

Duties

The Landscape Architect coordinates planning activities with other agencies within the Washington, DC area and works collaboratively with the Gardening and Maintenance division managers and AOC Office of Chief Engineer (OCE), Office of the Chief Security Office (OCSO), United States Capitol Police (USCP) and the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms (SAA) to plan and implement landscape improvements throughout the campus. 

Contract and Project Management

  • Directs project management activities and serves as a Project Manager for preparation and development of landscape improvements. These may include street and sidewalk paving, parking lot and large-scale landscape renovations. Develops significant elements or phases of projects related to major agency functions, programs, or projects. Overcomes and resolves difficult and complex technical, project management, and organizational problems using innovative and original approaches. Plans, guides, coordinates, and manages the work of subordinate, secondary, and matrixed resources engaged in accomplishing the missions and functions of the organization. Communicates with the rest of CGA, other AOC jurisdictions, and external stakeholders, the status and timelines of projects.
  • Performs periodic review and analysis to assess achievement of major goals. Provides architectural or engineering analysis for special projects, future projects, and advance planning of new systems and capabilities of all applicable agency programs and areas of concern and responsibility. Participates in preliminary and critical integrated design reviews and determines, develops and defends requirements.
  • Initiates contact and provides expert technical advice and direction to contractor professionals. Serves as a technical contact and/or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). 

Analysis, Planning and Programming

  • Assesses conditions, current needs and future requirements for all CGA roads, grounds, infrastructure and historic assets. Researches and analyzes long-range needs and critical problems and develops plans for responsive programming to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of landscape assets.
  • Provides Computer-Aided Development and Design (CADD) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services for CGA (vegetation location and beds, irrigation and other infrastructure, Memorial Trees) including creating new plans, editing existing plans, and converting data from CAD to GIS and vice versa. Utilizes e-builder for project management and coordination, and TreeKeeper for support with tree records according to ArbNet Level III accreditation standards. 
  • Responsible for independently administering multiple jurisdiction projects and programs, including some of major size, scope and complexity in accordance with AOC best practices, which may include definition and preparation of project scope, initial cost estimates and estimated project duration. Performs contract administration activities for significant, highly specialized procurements.
  • Provides an oversight of budget and financial plans, schedules and presentations. 
  • Reviews and develops project submissions and coordinates project justifications, costs estimates and proposed project designs to ensure consistency with the Master Plan, Facility Condition Assessments (FCAs) and CLRs.
  • Works with the Historic Preservation Office to make decisions on landscape projects. 

Advice and Guidance

  • Prepares planning requirements and criteria for complex, high value projects for design and construction or other modifications of facilities and grounds. Collaborates with the Gardening Division on landscape design proposals, including appropriate plant selection.

  • Develops position papers and briefings to the Architect of the Capitol and members of Congress. Advises the agency on state-of-the-art policies and procedures for grounds management programming, design, construction and historic preservation. 

Responsible for thoroughly understanding and ensuring compliance with applicable AOC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules and regulations. Efforts ensure that work progresses in a safe manner and takes corrective actions to mitigate unsafe conditions. Ensures that Job Hazard Analysis’ are developed and followed and that required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is utilized.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

*SITES AP certification for sustainable design, construction, and maintenance of landscapes is preferred.*

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be able to pass a drug test
  • Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related KSAs.
  • You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience is required.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) experience is required.

“To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet
one of the categories below:

  • A citizen of the United States;
  • A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B);
  • A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible;
  • A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or
  • A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.”

Qualifications

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 http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, an applicant's one full year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

To qualify at the GS-13 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-12 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis: 

  • Performing design and development, technical reviews, quality control and project management from planning and design;
  • Providing guidance and recommendations on landscaping projects, contractors, and resources, including costs, designing, contracts and development management;
  • Providing guidance and recommendations on selection of herbaceous materials, woody plants, and other elements suitable for the Mid-Atlantic region for landscaping projects;
  • Evaluating studies, plans, design specifications and progress reports for architectural, engineering and construction processes and projects;
  • Using architectural or engineering standards and codes and Architectural and Historic Preservation criteria for projects and
  • Serving as a Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) or equivalent; 

**Computer Aided Design (CAD) AND Geographic Information Systems (GIS) experience is required**

Education

In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements for this position, applicants must possess the following:

1. Degree: landscape architecture or landscape design.
    Note: Successful completion of a 5-year program of study of at least 160 semester hours leading to a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture in an accredited college or university is qualifying for GS-7.

OR

2. Combination of education and experience - for each year short of graduation, the applicant must have had 1 year of experience under professional leadership and guidance of such character and diversity as to be a satisfactory substitute for the required education. This experience must have included original landscape design.

**For a detailed explanation, please visit, https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/landscape-architecture-series-0807/

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 http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6.

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.

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:

Landscape Architecture - Knowledge of the concepts, theories, and practices used in the planning, designing, construction, and adaptation of outdoor features, taking into consideration recreation planning, requirements, aesthetic value, and compatibility with other developments and resources.

Project Management - Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance. 

Contract Management - Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques, or requirements (for example, Federal Acquisitions Regulations) for contracting or procurement, and contract negotiation and administration.

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.

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.

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.

Agency contact information

Clarissa Anderson
Address
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States

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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