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Architect

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
Technical Service Center; Plant Structures Group
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as an Architect. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.

Duty Location: Lakewood, Colorado

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
03/08/2024 to 03/18/2024
Salary
$69,946 to - $100,951 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Location
Lakewood, CO
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Recent graduates
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
BOR-DO-24-PW12346658
Control number
780858500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All United States Citizens and U.S. Nationals who meet the eligibility requirements for the Pathways Recent Graduate Program.

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Duties

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The duties listed below are at the full performance level of this position.

-Develop complete architectural and functional designs for features associated with general industrial and commercial facilities and buildings, including but not limited to hydroelectric powerplants, pumps stations, water and wastewater treatment facilities, warehouses, and small service buildings and preparing architectural and functional designs compliant with accessibility, life safety code, and sustainable building requirements. Structures may be constructed of reinforced concrete, precast concrete, structural steel, timber, and masonry, and miscellaneous metalwork.
-Prepare and review architectural and functional designs using field data, criteria provided by other design disciplines, design standards, policies, codes, and safety requirements, for facility interiors, exteriors, functional allocation of space, and arrangement of equipment in accordance with the structure's intended use. Prepare and review specifications paragraphs to ensure consistency with designs and drawings.
-Meeting with client representatives to clarify requirements and discuss proposed changes. Coordinates work with other engineering, architectural, other engineering, and environmental disciplines to obtain continuity in designs. Meeting with client representatives to clarify requirements and discuss proposed changes. Represents project management and the line organization to facilitate accomplishment of the work.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
You must have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Certain exceptions to the two-year limitation will be made for veterans who, due to military service obligations, were precluded from applying to the Program during the two-year eligibility period.
You must submit eligibility documents for veterans consideration (see Required Documents).
You must meet any minimum education and/or experience requirements (see Qualifications).
You must submit transcript(s) to verify education requirements (see Qualifications/Education).

Who May Apply:

  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)
  • Pathways - Recent Graduates

Individuals serving in Recent Graduate appointments may be non-competitively converted to a permanent position with the Bureau of Reclamation upon successful completion of the program, but conversion is neither promised nor guaranteed. To be eligible for conversion to a permanent, these Recent Graduates must also:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or National;
  • Have completed at least one year of continuous service;
  • Have demonstrated successful job performance as documented by a rating of record (or summary rating) of at least Fully Successful or equivalent;
  • Be recommended for conversion by their manager or supervisor;
  • Meet the Office of Personnel Management's qualification standards for the position to which the Recent Graduate will be converted (which may include a positive education requirement); and
  • Meet all agency and program specific requirements as specified in their individual Participant Agreement.
If converted to a permanent or term appointment, the anticipated target position is GS-0808-11; however, that may change based on the need of the organization at that time. The full performance level of the target position will be dependent on the type of position and will be determined at the time of conversion. Recent Graduates converted to a term position in the competitive service may subsequently be non-competitively converted to a career or career-conditional appointment without further competition.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet BOTH the Basic Qualification Requirement and the Additional Requirements. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. A copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.

Recent Graduates: You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements by 03/18/2024

Future Graduates: You must meet all requirements AND be able to start working no later than 9/8/2024. **No Exceptions to extend past this date.

BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT

Degree: Architecture; or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience: college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by at least one of the following:

  1. Related Curriculum: Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted as satisfying in full the basic requirements, provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in paragraph A. The curriculum for a degree in either architecture or architectural engineering covers function, esthetics, site, structure, economics, mechanical-electrical, and other engineering problems related to the design and construction of buildings primarily (but not exclusively) intended to house human activities. The courses required for a degree in architecture generally place emphasis upon planning, esthetics, and materials and methods of construction, while the courses for an architectural engineering degree place equal or greater weight on the technical engineering aspects such as structural systems, mechanical systems, and the properties of materials. Because of this difference in emphasis, persons with degrees in architecture may have a preference for work assignments that offer greater opportunities for them to express their artistic and creative abilities. As a result, they may be more concerned with planning and design aspects of architecture, and persons with degrees in architectural engineering may be more engaged in aspects emphasizing technical engineering considerations.
  2. Experience: An applicant lacking a degree in architecture must have had l year of experience in an architect's office or in architectural work for each year short of graduation from a program of study in architecture. In the absence of college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that the applicant has acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture.
-AND-

In addition to the basic education requirement, in order to be rated as qualified for this position, the HR Office must be able to determine that the applicant meets the specialized experience requirement - this information must be clearly supported in the resume.

GS-09:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-07) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include preparing, under the direct supervision of an experienced architect or engineer, architectural and functional designs for features associated with general industrial and commercial facilities and buildings.
-or-
Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree.
-or-
Combination of education and experience: A combination of graduate level education beyond the first year of progressive graduate study and appropriate specialized experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.

GS-07:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-05) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems obtained in the private or public sector Examples of specialized experience may include assisting experienced engineers and architects with preparing architectural and functional designs for features associated with general industrial and commercial facilities and buildings.
-or-
Education: 1 year of graduate-level education in a related field which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
-or-
Education: Successfully completed of a 5-year program of study of at least 160 semester hours leading to a Bachelor of Architecture or higher degree from an accredited college or university.
-or-
Superior academic achievement: S. A. a.at the baccalaureate level in an architectural program. This is defined as meeting 1 of the following: Upper 1/3 of graduating class based on completed courses; 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on 4 years of education, or based on final 2years of curriculum; 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 based on average of required major courses or required major courses in final 2 years of curriculum; Member national scholastic honor society which meets requirements of Assoc. of College Honor Societies
-or-
Combination of education and experience: A combination of graduate level education in a related field and appropriate specialized experience that together meet the qualifying requirements for this position.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. The applicant will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Academic Year: At the undergraduate level, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education. Four years of progressive study or 120 semester hours meets the degree requirements. At the graduate level, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours.

Education

This vacancy announcement allows substituting education for experience at the GS-GS-07/09 grade level. You must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not-qualified for the position.

This position has a mandatory education requirement. You must submit a copy of college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in being rated not-qualified for the position.

You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.

Accreditation: Only education from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education is acceptable to meet education requirements or to substitute for experience, if applicable. For additional info, refer to the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For additional info, refer to the U.S. Network for Education Information.

You will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify educational qualifications, if selected. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.

Additional information

You may be required to serve a one year trial period.

Current, permanent Federal employees who are selected from this announcement may be required to serve a probationary period.

This is a career development opportunity in the excepted service under the Bureau of Reclamation Pathways Recent Graduate Program. The candidate selected to fill the position will be required to complete a Participant Agreement that spells out the requirements of the program, including a requirement to complete 40 hours of formal interactive training directly related to your position in the first year, assignment of a mentor, and developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to identify anticipated training and development opportunities.

Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and you may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval.

Current agency employees may be eligible to receive a referral bonus for recruitment of this position.

For information visit: Referral Bonus Awards.

DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/

This position is designated as a LOW RISK position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated SF85 Background Investigation (T1 or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.govThis is a non-bargaining unit position.

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

This is a career development opportunity in the excepted service under the Bureau of Reclamation Pathways Program. The program is designed to provide recent graduates with opportunities to work and get paid while exploring Federal careers. T

If the position is filled at the lower-grade level, subsequent promotion to the next higher-grade level per the target full performance is permissible without further competition. Promotion is not guaranteed or promised but dependent upon administrative approval and the agency's continuing need for an actual assignment and performance at the higher-level duties.

For more information about the Pathways Program please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=Program-Fact-Sheets

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

How you will be evaluated

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

After the vacancy announcement closes, a Human Resources Office representative will review your application/resume to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and minimum qualification requirements of the job. Your eligibility and qualification status will be based on an assessment questionnaire conducted using qualification standards, your responses to job-related questions, information provided in your resume, and required supporting documents (see the Required Documents section). Applicant's answers to questions will be verified against information provided in their online resume. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education and/or training relevant to this position.

Category rating and selection procedures will be used to evaluate applications from this announcement. If an applicant meets the basic qualification requirements, his/her on-line responses to the vacancy assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of his/her experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified, and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). The assessment questionnaire will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. Applicants rating themselves higher than is apparent in their description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR whose resume/application is incomplete may be removed from employment consideration.

Eligible, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official in an unranked order by preference status: (1) Preference eligible having a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more (CPS and CP); (2) Other preference eligible; (XP); (3) Applicants eligible for 5-point veterans' preference (TP); and (4) Applicants not eligible for veteran's preference (NV).

The application questionnaire can be previewed here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12346658

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Bureaus/Offices within the Department of the Interior (DOI) who have vacancies with the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s). Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. You may choose to opt in of having your information shared with other agencies when applying for this position. If an agency requests a copy of a certificate you are on, you will be notified.

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