As a Regional Chief Architect, you will be responsible for the design management of designated major design, construction, renovation or alteration projects.
Location of position: Northwest Arctic Region, Public Buildings Service, Architect & Engineering Service Branch, in either Portland, OR; Seattle, Spokane or Tacoma, WA.
We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Summary
As a Regional Chief Architect, you will be responsible for the design management of designated major design, construction, renovation or alteration projects.
Location of position: Northwest Arctic Region, Public Buildings Service, Architect & Engineering Service Branch, in either Portland, OR; Seattle, Spokane or Tacoma, WA.
We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Your application will be considered if you are a:
Current career/career-conditional Federal employee in the competitive service; Reinstatement eligible; Special Appointing Authority eligible; VEOA eligible Veteran; ICTAP eligible; or OPM Interchange Agreement eligible.
Provide highly technical and professional architectural assistance to top management, regional officials, other project managers within the agency, other architects within the agency, other Government agencies, and contract A-E firms. A high degree of innovation, creativity and imagination in construction and contractual problems is required because situations encountered are frequently without precedent. Provide expertise and recommendations to other engineers and architects on complex, unusual architectural designs, issues, and situations; interpret and explain advanced concepts and diverse information in related building and design professions such as landscape architecture or related engineering science disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, structural, safety, and civil); and evaluate, advise on, and incorporate latest developments in the design and construction of office and public buildings into agency policy requirements and program objectives for design and construction activities.
In collaboration with and in support of internal and external customers, proactively translates customer requirements into professional options and solutions which address evolving customer and or GSA asset business needs. Analyzes and monitors impact on building shell, equipment, space and/or systems to determine facility capability in meeting customer needs. Performs lifecycle, cost and/or condition analysis and similar architectural/engineering assessments and from those findings, integrates and quantifies requirements into a scope of work for the professional parameters of the project. Meet with contractors, manufacturers' representatives, and Government agency representatives to approve final requirements. Reviews and approves contractors' reports to determine adequacy of design. Reviews and evaluates a wide range of contractor submittals including shop drawings, samples, and product data and material proposals. Determines compliance or noncompliance for such submittals, and accepts or rejects them on behalf of the US Government.
Serve as the manager of the Design Excellence program with the primary responsibility of meeting the program’s objective to be the advocates for quality design in the federal built environment. Reviews and approves project plans to ensure applicable projects implement the Design Excellence policies and procedures (e.g., evaluation and selection of design teams, coordinating peer reviews. etc.). Represents the agency-wide standards of quality control, extending from a project's concept development through design and construction.
Serve as the manager of the Accessibility program with the primary responsibility of meeting the program’s objective to make all Federal Government owned and leased buildings and facilities fully accessible to all people. Ensures that Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS) requirements are incorporated into the designs of all new, altered, and leased facilities. Manage the accessibility complaint process within the region. Interpret ABAAS compliance for GSA staff, government tenant agencies, designers, private citizens, and accessibility organizations.
Evaluate design and construction objectives and identifies the optimal procedures for renovation, design, and construction, including in-house design and/or use of an A-E firm. Perform technical review of contractor-prepared designs and specifications for assigned projects.,
Chairs or serves on source selection boards. Provides professional technical input and evaluation of proposals and provides recommendations to project managers and contracting officers. Performs detailed analyses of all elements of cost in contractor proposals and recommends competitive range determinations to the contracting officer and Source Selection Authority.
Provide contract oversight as needed on assigned projects, depending on the scope of work involved. Negotiates and recommends approval of contract architects/engineers (A-E) work / task orders with the contracting officer.
Reads and interprets drawings and construction documents for assigned projects to ensure compliance of project work with customer needs, GSA policies, codes and building standards (e.g., NEPA, P100, International Building Code, Courts Design Guide etc.). Coordinate, as assigned, consistent delivery and application of regional or national programs and policies (e.g. Design Excellence, First Impressions, Building Design Standards, Art-in-Architecture, Sustainability, etc.).
US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
Meet time-in-grade within 30 days of the closing date, if applicable
Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Complete a financial disclosure report to verify that no conflict, or an appearance of conflict, exists between your financial interest and this position.
Obtain and maintain and Architectural License in one of the following four states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and/or Alaska.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
The GS-13 salary range starts at $98,496 per year for Spokane, WA; $105,666 per year for Portland, OR; $109,546 per year for Seattle & Tacoma, WA.
If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ARCHITECTS: A Degree in architecture or related field; OR a combination of college-level education, training, and/or technical experience. For specifics on qualifying education, training, and/or experience - use the following link: Basic Requirements for Architect Positions.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is experience performing architectural tasks in the design, construction, repair & renovation, restoration, rehabilitation, design or construction projects (at least $2 million) of multi-storied commercial office buildings (6+ stories), court house projects or other federal government facilities. This must include: reading and interpreting building codes and standards; reviewing electronic drawings produced by architects and engineers using computer aided design software; reviewing fee proposals produced by architects, engineers for professional design services and assisting with negotiations for attaining professional services; reviewing complex proposals from contractors involving major modifications of building systems; reviewing and verifying architect-engineer produced drawings and specifications and providing consultation to project managers; and reviewing and verifying construction work is in compliance with contract documents.
This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcript(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcements to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Bargaining Unit Status: This position is eligible for the bargaining unit
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
· Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
· Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee
· Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement as needed; through other means; or not at all.
We are also accepting applications from all U.S. Citizens and Nationals under Vacancy Announcement #23PBSA501RGDE. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.
GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:
Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.
Our commitment is:
Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.
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.
Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
Life insurance coverage with several options
Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
Flexible work schedules
Transit and child care subsidies
Flexible spending accounts
Long-term care insurance
Training and development
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.
You will be evaluated on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your overall possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities. Your responses to these questions must be supported by your resume or your score may be lowered.
Mastery of professional architectural and engineering principles, concepts and practices applicable to a full range of design, layout, construction, repair and/or alterations to a variety of complex structures such as office buildings, courthouses, or special use facilities.
Mastery of, and skill in applying, advanced theories, concepts, and principles practiced in the science of professional architecture sufficient to provide expertise and recommendations to other engineers and architects on the latest developments in the design and construction.
Mastery of and skill to adapt industry standard, as well as unconventional design and construction practices and techniques.
Knowledge and skill in related engineering and architectural fields sufficient to review and/or evaluate technical drawings or project objectives, prepare or evaluate cost projections for work, to monitor work in progress and to evaluate completed products for compliance with cost or project requirements.
Ability to promote sustainability initiatives throughout our design and construction programs such as for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and other sustainability programs and ensure Design and Construction projects comply with the level required.
Knowledge of construction management and cost estimating, pricing policies and fees, including in-depth knowledge of methods and techniques related to specialized new construction, historic preservation or repair and alteration projects.
Knowledge of and ability to prepare review and analyze estimates and specifications related to the design and cost analysis of construction work in multistory office buildings, courthouses and laboratories containing complex equipment including elevators, communication systems and sophisticated building/operating systems.
Knowledge of cost and price analysis principles, techniques and business/industry practices sufficient to identify sources.
Knowledge and skills sufficient to read and interpret plans and specifications; implement consultation practices and procedures and advise on architectural or engineering considerations for assigned projects, etc.
Skill in the use of CAD tools and BIM programs, and software applications to review or generate design documents.
Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.
Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume so that information will be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.
If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan(ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.
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.
Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
Life insurance coverage with several options
Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
Flexible work schedules
Transit and child care subsidies
Flexible spending accounts
Long-term care insurance
Training and development
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.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service. (b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.
(a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years.
(b) Copy of your agency’s annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s).
If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS’s People With Disabilities page.
If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information.
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Public Buildings Service
General Services Administration
Human Resources Division
1301 A St
Tacoma, Washington 98402
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER:Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service. (b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.
(a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years.
(b) Copy of your agency’s annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s).
If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS’s People With Disabilities page.
If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information.
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Public Buildings Service
General Services Administration
Human Resources Division
1301 A St
Tacoma, Washington 98402
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER:Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
