Purchasing Agent Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CB-2025-358 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $46,148.00 to $82,305.00 Grade 05 to 08
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/14/2025 Close Date 9/5/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Superintendent, Capitol Building, Assistant Superintendent, Client Services Division, Service Center Branch, The candidate provides operational support for jurisdiction purchasing, customer service and office management.

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

Tour of Duty: Monday thru Friday | 5:30am to 2:00pm

Tour of Duty: Monday thru Friday | 11:30am to 8:00pm

***Tour of Duty will be assigned upon Selection

Responsible for purchasing supplies, materials, tools and equipment. Responsible for procuring supplies, services and equipment through a variety of small purchasing methods and procedures. The work requires an in-depth knowledge of a variety of specialized purchasing methods and procedures to perform procurement actions. Resolves problems with requisitioning technical personnel procurement guidelines that specify lead-time and possible suppliers or any issues involved in purchasing. Meets with suppliers to discuss terms, special requirements, schedules, etc., resulting from the nature of item or service being purchased.

Serves in the capacity of Cardholder of a Government-wide Purchase Card and is responsible for safeguarding the purchase card and account number. Assures that the card is properly secured. Follows procedures outlined in Standing Operating Procedures for Using the Government-wide Commercial Purchase Card Service. The purchase card is used to pay for micro-purchases (supplies or services) following established policies and procedures. Reconciles the monthly statement and forwards the reconciled statement to the Approving/Certifying Official as directed. Complies with ethical and regulatory program requirements applicable to cardholders making purchase card purchases.

Receives, reviews and analyzes assigned procurement requests, including Scopes of Work (SOW) and specifications for adequacy, conciseness, consistency with AOC purchasing guidelines. Screens and reviews purchasing requests for completeness and accuracy.

Assists requestors and the Business Finance Analyst (BFA) with execution of the annual procurement plan. Participates in or plans the procurement of goods, services and equipment through a variety of purchasing methods. Assists requestor is compiling a bidders list for qualified applications. Reconciles credit card accounts monthly and resolves problems to balance accounts. Performs all phases of procurement from receipt of purchase request through final delivery. Initiates modifications to original terms for substitutions of products/services, price changes and delivery date changes. Initiates terminations for inability to perform or lack of need or funds. Confers with contractors regarding invoices and payments and ensures that contractors are paid. Resolves post award administration issues of modifications and terminations. Initiates close out of completed contract.

The Purchasing Agent is responsible for utilizing a thorough knowledge of and compliance with applicable AOC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules and regulations to ensure that work progresses in a safe manner and to initiate or take corrective action on unsafe conditions in managed areas.

Customer Service

Receives all visitors and answers phone calls to the Service Center. Answers questions and/or concerns or directs them to the appropriate office to obtain the requested information. Suggests alternate course of actions when a request cannot be handled by the staff.

Creates work orders in WebTMA and notifies the appropriate owner (CB, House, Senate, CAO, USPC, SSA, EED, Grounds); updates work orders with any follow up information; and closes out pest control work orders.

Issues keys and AOC vehicles to staff.

Uses tact, diplomacy and patience when communicating and dealing with others, e.g., co-workers, managers, supervisors and internal/external customers. Maintains good rapport and positive two-way communication with managers. Provides advice and guidance that reflects a thorough current knowledge of available services and AOC practices/procedures. Resolves problems and provides thorough and complete responses to customer inquiries in a timely manner.

Time and Attendance

As a timekeeper, manage and maintain T&A data, ensuring compliance with AOC policies and labor regulations. Reconciles time and attendance data for employees against clock in and out punches; runs reports in WebTMA and manually transfers information to GovTA; verifies overtime and leave slips are submitted and approved; monitors employee leave so that they do not go into the negative without proper approval; prints time and attendance reports and files for future reference. Conducts peer reviews to ensure that all timekeepers are adhering to policies and regulations regarding time and attendance and leave administration are followed. 

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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

  • 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 (52 weeks) of specialized experience must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful job performance.

To qualify at the GS-05 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-04 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include: 

Using verbal and written communication to process work requests and perform basic administrative tasks.

Using Microsoft Office suite and other software programs to support and manage administrative activities.

OR

  • You must have at least 4 years of successfully completed education above the high school level. (One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university.)

To qualify at the GS-06 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-05 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include: 

Using Microsoft office software and other computer systems to maintain data and records.

Processing time and attendance using established guidelines.

To qualify at the GS-07 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-06 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include: 

Utilizing purchasing regulations, methods, procedures, and business practices to make micro- purchases.

Utilizing automated systems to process purchases.

To qualify at the GS-08 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-07 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis:  Examples of qualifying experience include: 

Utilizing purchasing regulations, methods, procedures, and business practices to make purchases involving specialized and commercial items and services.

Preparing and reconciling purchase requisitions in an electronic financial system.

Utilizing automated systems to process purchases.

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.

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.

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:

  

  • CONTRACTING/PROCUREMENT
  • COMPUTER SKILLS
  • CUSTOMER SERVICE
  • MANAGES AND ORGANIZES INFORMATION
  • ORAL COMMUNICATION
  • WRITING

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.

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.

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

Albert Martin
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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