Painter-Refinisher Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CD-2025-382 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $34.36 to $40.14 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/9/2025 Close Date 9/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE) Construction Division, Construction Branch. Serves as a Painter-Refinisher with responsibility for refinishing doors, door frames, and other wood work as well as participation in Painter-Decorator projects involving colors, complex striping, designs, and panel refinishing.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all US Citizens. Note: 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

*** This position is temporary in nature and is not to exceed 13 months. This is strictly a temporary appointment where there is no permanent need or permanent funding available for the work involved. It is a position that is subject to the project needs of the Agency. Therefore, the appointment could be terminated at any time due to shortage of work or shortage of funds without any advance notice.  If project work continues however, it could be extended beyond the 13-month time frame at the sole discretion of the Agency.  As a non-permanent employee, you may also be separated for failure to meet management’s expectations, with no advance notice. ***

This is a Night Position: 8:00pm - 6:30am (Monday - Thursday) Two positions are Available

The hours may change due to operational needs of Management. 

DUTIES

PAINTING-REFINISHING 

Performs complex coating work using any of the accepted methods of the trade such as graining, shadowing and shading colors. Matches and mixes colors by eye and/or with a tinting machine to match historical and faded colors.  Performs manual tinting or operates a computer tinting machine. Ensures that surfaces have a smooth-texture and decorative appearance and meet thickness, tone and density requirements for the project being performed.

In addition to conventional painting treatments of multiple surfaces, such as walls, hallways and bathrooms, applies decorative painting techniques to historical ornate designs in the House Committee Hearing Rooms and other special purpose rooms in the Capitol Complex. Refinishes and/or finishes new walnut and mahogany doors, metal doors and cabinets etc. to match historical natural wood finishes within the Capitol Complex, including the Russell Building doors project.

Applies primers or sealers to prepare new surfaces, such as bare wood or metal, for finish coats.

Applies paint, stain, varnish, enamel, and other finishes to equipment, buildings, decorative walls and doors and/or other structures, using brushes, spray guns, or rollers. Polishes final coats to specified finishes. May work on site or in a paint booth located in a shop.

Complies with OSHA regulations and trade safety practices.

PAINTING PREPARATION

Removes fixtures such as pictures, door knobs, lamps, and electric switch covers prior to painting. Protects floors and furnishings from damage during the painting project.

Prepares interior and exterior metal, wood and masonry surfaces. This includes removing old finishes using chemicals, scraping, and sandpapering. May plaster or spackle small holes and cracks. Mixes and prepares paints, stains and other products. Fills cracks, holes, and joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns or putty knives.

Calculates amounts of required materials and paint, based on surface measurements. Covers surfaces with drop cloths or masking tape and paper to protect surfaces during painting.

Mixes and matches colors of paint, stain, or varnish with oil and thinning or drying additives in order to obtain desired colors and consistency.

Removes old finishes by stripping, sanding, wire brushing, or using water and/or abrasive blasting. Smooths surfaces, using sandpaper, scrapers, brushes, steel wool, and/or sanding machines. Washes and treat surfaces with oil, turpentine, mildew remover, or other preparations, and sands rough spots to ensure that finishes will adhere properly.

May erect scaffolding, area work platforms, or set up ladders, to work above ground level.

Uses special finishing techniques such as sponging, ragging, layering, or faux finishing.
Waterproofs buildings, using water-proofers and caulking as required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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

.

“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.

Education

There are no educational requirements for this position.

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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).

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:

--Ability to do the work of the Position without more than normal supervision.

--Technical Practices

--Ability to use and maintain tools & equipment

--Knowledge of Materials

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

Paulette Ellis
Phone
000-000-0000
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
Paulette.Dixon-Ellis@aoc.gov
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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