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Fabric Worker (Drapery Fabricator)

Legislative Branch
Architect of the Capitol

Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Chief of Operations; Executive Director of Facilities Operations, Senate Office Buildings; Division Director Tenant Services Division, Upholstery Branch.  The Fabric Worker (Drapery Fabricator) will be responsible for fabricating and servicing drapery.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$32.85 - $38.41 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 09
Promotion potential
09
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - This is an Excepted Service position and does not require or confer civil service Competitive Status
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent - Permanent, Full Time
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
SOB-2026-357
Control number
886070600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

The resume(s) submitted with the application can be no more than two pages in length. 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.

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Duties

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TOUR OF DUTY: Monday – Friday (First Shift) 5:30 am – 2 pm

MAJOR DUTIES:

Drapery Fabrication Work:

Fabricates, installs, and services drapery.

Without supervision, manufacturers drape panels, top treatments, and tie-backs.

Upholsters hard comic boards.

Assembles and services drapery track and rod systems.

Performs operation of industrial sewing machines and other equipment, without supervision.

Hand sews all types of fabrics for window treatments.

Uses equipment to include irons and steamers.

Performs shop upkeep to include daily sweeping of floor, general cleaning and basic maintenance of the shop equipment.

Upholsterer Tasks:

Performs the less complex upholstery tasks involving stripping and tacking chair coverings under supervision.

Without supervision, cleans and conditions leather and fabric furniture.

Operates a furniture cleaning machine, without supervision.

Rebuilds seats and backs by using old cover or established pattern as a guide.

Removes old covering and padding, checks and repairs seat frame; secures and ties seat springs; cuts and sews new covering and adds padding to seat, adjusting amount to ensure proper fit of covering.

Uses required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Standing at worktables to measure, mark, and cut materials and sitting for long periods while operating sewing machines or doing hand sewing. The work includes a considerable amount of stooping, bending, and kneeling, and continually uses arms, hands, and fingers in pulling and positioning materials, sewing, and using tools such as shears and electric knives. Drapery Fabricators may occasionally work in cramped areas, on ladders and scaffolds, and overhead. Frequently lifts and carries items that weigh up to 50 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Shop is adequately lighted, ventilated and heated. Incumbent is subject to cuts, scratches, bruises and other minor injuries or irritation from handling tools. Incumbent is also subject to irritation caused by dyes, dust and lint from fabrics. Incumbent is exposed to loud noises from sewing machines in the work area.  

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

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

“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 all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT(S) required for this position.

Ability to do the work of a Frabric Worker (Drapery Fabricator) such as textile knowledge with sewing, design, and installation skills to create custom draperies, curtains, and other window treatments without more than the normal supervision.

Education

There is no educational requirement for this position.

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.

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.

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:

  • Appropriate Level of Supervision - variety of common materials and components.
  • Fabric Knowledge – Understanding of different fabric types, weights, finishes, and their applications in drapery.
  • Attention to Detail – Ensure proper fit, alignment, and aesthetic quality in every drapery product.
  • Measurement and Layout – Ability to measure windows, doors, and spaces precisely, accounting for mounting types, obstructions, and architectural details.
  • Design & Pattern Making –Adapt patterns, selecting colors, and translating client ideas into tangible designs that include drapery panels with fringe, decorative tape, smocking tape, blackout and non-blackout lining in triple butterfly and box pleating designs. Manufactures top treatments in variety of designs to include arched valences, Austrian shades, roman shades, swags, cascades, jabots etc.  
  • Installation Skills – Experience with mounting systems (inside/outside rod, ceiling/wall tracks, motorized systems) and finishing touches like hemming, pleating, and valance assembly.
  • Tools – Use sewing machines, cutting tables, and pattern making tools to produce accurate, high-quality drapery pieces.
  • Dexterity and Safety – Ability to operate effectively while minimizing risk to oneself and others.

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).


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Architect of the Capitol

The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is to serve Congress and the Supreme Court, preserve America's Capitol and inspire memorable experiences. The AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development and preservation of 18.4 million square feet of buildings and more than 570 acres of land throughout Capitol Hill. The AOC provides a welcoming and educational environment for millions of visitors through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and the US Botanic Garden. Learn more at www.aoc.gov.

  The AOC prides itself on its Core Values of Respect, Integrity, Safety, and Empowerment (RISE).



Agency contact information

Arnita Edmonds
Phone
202-322-0981
Email
arnita.edmonds@aoc.gov
Address
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States

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