Quality Assurance Specialist Job in Washington DC, DC

Vacancy No. SOB-2025-178 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $46,148.00 to $74,318.00 Grade 05 to 07
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/5/2025 Close Date 3/19/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington DC, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol, Senate Office Buildings, Client Services Division, Restaurant/Events.

Works with a planned system of quality assurance (QA) measures. Monitors and supports Contracting Officer Representatives (COR) in surveillance and quality assurance for food service contracts supporting operations. Provides support to all restaurant team members, assisting in contract related issues to determine the best course of action to support customers.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to the public

Duties

Tour of duty for this position is: Monday 9:30 a.m. - Friday 5:30 p.m. 

The individual selected for this position will:

Supports Contracting Officer Representatives (COR) in surveillance and quality assurance for food service contracts supporting operations.

Provides technical support to all restaurant team members, assisting in the analysis of contract related issues to determine the best course of action to support the contractor and customers.

In a developmental capacity, prepares, tracks and routes documents, reports, correspondence and inspection reports.

Reviews and evaluates documents related to special projects and action items. Researches and obtains background information for required actions through available tools such as automated databases, historical files and review of previous or current studies/projects on related topics.

Investigates problem areas, identify causes of problems and coordinate corrective action when required with COR.

Composes and reviews outgoing correspondence and action papers submitted to ensure that the material is properly prepared, coordination is completed, procedural requirements have been met, grammar is correct and edits are correctly applied

Follows plans for execution of internal plans, policies and procedures necessary to accomplish effective and unbiased quality assurance surveillance of assigned contracts.

Interprets policies, food code, technical orders, contract terms, product specifications, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and environmental standards, public law and locally developed policy.

Monitors and reviews the operational services provided by contractor. Schedules, tracks and monitors inspection reports. Maintains the QA database for the Program Office.

Utilizes performance checklists and metrics in coordination with supervisor. Tracks contractor findings for timely resolution. Accepts or declines invitations to meetings and arranges for representation by a subordinate official as necessary. Refers deficiencies to supervisor for resolution in sufficient time to adequately resolve conflicts.

Provides technical support to all restaurant team members, assisting in the analysis of contract related issues to determine the best course of action to support the contractor and customers.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
  • Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related KSAs.

“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 you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
 
Candidates for the GS-05 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service.

General experience for this position is defined as having 4 out of the 5 following:

1) Using Microsoft Office suite and other software programs to support and manage administrative activities of an organization;

(2) Supporting division management in a special events and/or restaurant environment (Ex: food quality control by organizing and preparing information/pricing );

(3) Providing quality check in food services (ex: food line) of commercial buildings including supporting the daily operations;

(4) Providing extensive experience in communicating effectively with higher level management and a variety of individuals from different backgrounds in coordinating/providing services; and

(5) Solving problems that arise in a timely manner in food/restaurant services.

or 

Substitution of Education for Experience: at the GS-5 level. You must have at least 4 years of successfully completed education above the high school level. Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major Study – Quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position. (Major of Study must be identified on resume)

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements.

Candidates for the GS-07 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level in the Federal service.

General experience for this position is defined as having 5 out of the 6 following:

1) Communicate with tact and diplomacy, orally and in writing, using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and format

(2) Plans and carries out assignments in conformance with accepted policies and practices

(3) Uses judgment researching, interpreting, modifying and applying available guidelines for adaptation to specific problems or issues.

(4) Identify and understand issues involved in each assignment and determine what steps and procedures are necessary and the order of their performance

(5) Monitor the performance of contractor supporting the COR.

(6) Follows normal safety precautions when working in the office or walking to all areas of the Capitol Campus. 

or 

Substitution of Education for Experience: The experience requirements for the GS-7 level may be met by completion of one (1) year of graduate level education (18 semester/27 quarter hours) in courses such as production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements.

(Major of Study must be identified on resume)

Education

Undergraduate (bachelor's) and Graduate Education: Major Study – Quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, production management, industrial management, computer science, engineering, engineering technology, physical sciences, textiles, or other fields related to the position.

or 

Combination of Education & Experience

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.

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.

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 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:

KSA 1: Ability to perform independently - Knowledge of rules, procedures, operations and functions of the organization sufficient to perform procedural work of the office.

KSA 2: Quality Control- Knowledge of personal computers and experience using a variety of office automation software to enter, maintain and retrieve data and to compile reports, produce charts and graphs or monitor program/project status.

KSA 3: Program Management- Knowledge of the policies and program goals, priorities and commitments, duties of staff members and contractors and specializations of key staff personnel in the food service program.

KSA 4: Communication- Knowledge to communicate with tact and diplomacy, orally and in writing, using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and format. Utilizes excellent interpersonal skills in order to successfully interact with AOC managers and supervisors, Members of Congress and their staffs, officials from other agencies and the general public.

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

Stanna Bennett
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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