Locksmith Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. HOB-2025-283 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $30.89 to $40.14 Grade 08 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/27/2025 Close Date 6/11/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief of Operations, House Office Buildings (HOB), Tenant Services Division, Carpentry Branch. The incumbent repairs, overhauls, modifies, reworks, tests and installs locks and hardware on doors, cabinets, desks, compartments, safes and other security locations, modifying and reworking electronic locks.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is opened to US Citizens. Please see how to apply section for clarification.

Duties

This position is emergency essential 

The individual selected for this position will:

  • Performs a full range of work in the installation, repair, maintenance and modifications of a wide variety of commercial and security locking devices with varying makes and models found in doors, cabinets, desks, safes, vaults, mobile equipment and secured areas.
  • Serves as a skilled authority in the area of physical security locking systems, capabilities and functions. Works closely with building tenants, architects, and engineers to determine the most suitable security containers and locking devices to be used to solve security problems related to the unique operations of the House of Representatives.
  • Performs installation, maintenance, repair, and testing of a full variety of security containers, locking devices (mechanical, electronic, digitized, sensitive compartmented information facility – SCIF), door hardware (closures, hinges, door knobs, panic/exit devices), electrified hardware (panic/exit devices, locksets, knobs) and security systems.
  • Uses technical expertise to ensure compliance with AOC directives on inspections and maintenance of General Services Administration-approved security containers and vaults.
  • Use manipulation procedures or special drilling equipment to neutralize lockouts. Repairs or technically oversees the repair of security items in accordance with current directives prior to return to service.
  • Locates trouble, disassemble, repair, replace or fabricate parts with follow-on cleaning, reassembly, and reinstallation of a wide range of commercially manufactured locking devices as well as locking bolts in accomplishing the full cycle of repairs.
  • Enforces a control system on all locks by utilizing an intricate coding system for cylinders for multiple uses so that a single key may be restricted or utilized for several locks. Studies and interprets requirements to obtain necessary information and details to produce the required results.
  • Develops a plan to afford maximum security with a minimum of keys.
  • Sets up codes, using small and precision tools to make up coded locks and keys for all locks as required for the several types of keys to include master and ground master.
  • Keeps records for all lock systems and is responsible for specified accountable property items in conjunction with locksmith duties. Ensures safekeeping of master keys, codes, combinations, charts identifying location of locks, and similar items.
  • Performs maintenance and repair. Develops the tasks to be done and how they are to be done, at the beginning or during operations. Keeps records of materials used and time spent on projects. Assures the necessary material is available for assigned projects. Keeps supervisor informed of status of work projects.
  • Uses a drill press, grinding wheel, buffer key cutting machine, and a variety of common hand tools, repairs or fabricates parts for locks, safes, vaults, etc. Makes duplicate bit, flute steel, cylinder and double sided keys by impression or duplication methods. Operates key machines and software (Ilco Futura F900 and Pro) in cutting delicate and unique keys, code cutting, decoding, engraving and buffing to smooth edges. Assures that proper safety equipment is used and observes and enforces safety rules and regulations.
  • Performs door inspections and adjustments in order to ensure proper closing and latching. Performs door and cabinet preparation (drilling, tapping) for installation of locks and hardware.
  • The individual must follow all relevant safety rules, regulations and standard operating procedures. Must utilize knowledge of and must comply with all OSHA safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner. Receives training, either on the job or through classroom training, to ensure that all safety practices and equipment are fully utilized. Must ensure the use of any required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Utilizes AOC’s specialized maintenance management software (TMA or other) to manage, update and close out work orders. Utilizes key cutting (Ilco Futura or other) and management software (Simple K or other) to cut keys and manage keying inventory, distribution and tracking.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be able to pass a drug test.
  • Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements.

“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 all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT(S) required for this position.

  • Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.   Journeyman level experience in performing installing, repairing, modifying, and testing a variety of locking devices is required.

NOTE:  Your application must show that you have sufficient training and/or experience to perform the duties of the position as described in the vacancy announcement.  This experience MUST be clearly and fully supported in your resume.

Education

There is no educational requirement.

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.

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).

The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.

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 job elements 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 job elements and competencies:

-- Appropriate Level of Supervision

-- Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair

-- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)

-- Trouble Shooting

-- Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment

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

Franky Reese
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 vacancy announcement.


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


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