Major Duties: (The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position.)

At the full performance level (GS-13) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Advises the Commission on architectural and historical importance of buildings, monuments, fountains, etc. in Washington and environs, and particularly in the Old Georgetown Historic District.
2. Develops technical solutions to historic preservation compliance issues that come before the Commission.
3. Prepares written reports and makes oral presentations before the Commission and the Old Georgetown Board that may lead to recommendations and/or policy decisions by the Commission and the Old Georgetown Board regarding historic preservation matters.
4. Conducts research using documents and material that are germane to the mission and function of the Commission of Fine Arts and the Old Georgetown Board.
5. Develops historical data for publication or presentation to the Commission on any subject or design proposal for which the Commission or Board may be reviewing.
6. Evaluates records to establish their validity, utility and importance as source material for using in historical studies, publications and presentations. Prepares indexes, reference guides, or similar publications for scholarly or public use.
7. Prepares architectural and social research for publication and/or presentation, including documentation of professional and social fabric of Washington through original and secondary sources. Reports the Commission’s decisions, articulates agency policies and explains technical aspects of programs to those affected including members of the general public and representatives of other federal agencies. Presents and explains technical information in such a way as to make it clear without sacrificing thoroughness and accuracy. Makes sure that the materials presented are consistent with agency policy and with other information presented by the agency, meet the style requirements of the agency and the publication, and are written at an appropriate level for the intended audience.
8. Examines submission materials for proposals involving historic resources within contexts that may be historic, monumental, or otherwise specialized. Coordinates with the D.C. Government on issues of historic preservation review policies and procedures, and participates as agency representative on regulatory historic preservation consultation matters.
9. Coordinates and participates in ensuring the professional documentation of historic buildings, monuments, sites, etc., for Commission publication, records, and for in the review of proposals involving historic resources at public meetings. Provides professional assistance to Commission architects in the assessment or documentation of buildings for documentary purposes or case-related review.
10. Represents the Commission, as requested by the Secretary and Assistant Secretary, at interagency, civic, and professional meetings, seminars, or task forces concerned with historic aspects of the city, Commission policy, potential review, or continued interest. At these meetings, incumbent may give lectures, participate in panel discussions, and talk with students. Represents the Commission with approved statements or professional expertise as needed.
11. Assists in research involving historic preservation topics involving the Commission of Fine Arts for other agencies or the public.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You will be subject to a background/suitability investigation/determination
• You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
• You must submit ALL required documents and a completed questionnaire.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service system, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position you must meet the Specialized Experience for the grade to which you are applying.

GS-13 Specialized Experience Statements:

To qualify for the GS-13, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

Specialized experience is defined as extensive demonstrated experience: 1) providing professional assistance, advice, and policy guidance on historic preservation matters and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, including the review of projects involving historic properties; 2) evaluating architectural designs, building arts, historical ornamentation, and materials to recent developments in architecture and city planning in general, and in particular, as these have applied to Washington, DC; 3) applying theories and new developments to preservation and conservation problems.

It is preferred that applicants have held a position that required a proficiency in historic preservation and a knowledge of architecture and/or architectural history.

The experience may have been gained in the public, private sector, or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your resume.

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website:https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Merit Promotion candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online assessment will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.

Your answers to the on-line assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas:

1. Technical Knowledge: Expert technical knowledge of architectural and historic preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation in order to provide consultation, guidance, and policy recommendations.
2. Analytical: Ability to evaluate historical data and records in determining the architectural and historical importance of buildings, monuments, fountains, etc.
3. Oral Communication skills in order to make presentations and service as a representative of the organization.
4. Written Communication skills in order to prepare reports, recommendations, findings, and develop policy.
5. Pressure and Deadlines: Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines with sometimes conflicting priorities and no specific guidelines to follow. Most assignments involve new aspects for which no clearly applicable precedents exist or guidelines are too broad for specific application.