Architect/General Engineer (Specifications/Project Control)

Architect of the Capitol • Washington, DC

10d

About The Position

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the Chief Engineer. The selectee serves as an Architect or General Engineer specializing in construction specifications, process improvement, and developing policy or guidance documents. The role covers preparation and review of construction contract specifications; implementation of a lessons learned program, project controls, and process improvements; and development or updating of policies and guidance.

The position develops, revises, and maintains AOC specification guidance, guide specifications, and specification and materials resources. It provides consultation on specification systems and reviews project drawings and specifications at various design stages to assess contractual compliance, completeness, technical adequacy, quality, constructability, and consistency with applicable criteria and policy. Preservation and sustainability are principal considerations when applying codes, standards, and design-build practices to historic structures.

The selectee leads the AOC Lessons Learned Program, reviews entries in the Project Management Information System (PMIS), facilitates project closeout workshops and briefings, and ensures lessons are captured for use on future projects. The role also leads working groups and develops technical solutions and recommendations to address process and procedure gaps.

The position develops and updates SOPs, user manuals, and process documents; reviews design, construction, procurement, and cost-engineering materials for compliance with AOC requirements; and serves as a Project Manager and Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) for contracts and task orders. It also develops contracts and task orders for consultant services related to construction quality, specifications, and safety.

Applicants must meet OPM qualification requirements, including specialized experience and education requirements for an Architect or Engineer. Candidates for the GS-13 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12. A drug test and criminal record check are required for applicable candidates. A one-year trial or probationary period applies to newly appointed selectees. Moving and relocation expenses are not authorized. The position offers federal employee benefits, subject to eligibility.

Requirements

• Meet OPM qualification requirements, including the applicable specialized experience and education requirements for an Architect or Engineer.
• For GS-13, have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in Federal service.
• Have progressive professional experience in construction management, contracting, quality control, and engineering or architecture design.
• Have broad knowledge and experience developing and maintaining specifications for contracted construction, repair, renovation projects, and services.
• Have experience evaluating project performance, developing or evaluating lessons learned, proposing solutions to problems, and implementing project controls and process improvements.
• Have experience developing and maintaining policies, SOPs, specifications, and design documents and ensuring organizational compliance.
• Have experience serving as a COTR or equivalent for construction or architecture/engineering design projects and related activities.
• Meet the education requirements for the Architect or Engineer qualification path described in the announcement.
• Pass a drug test.
• Meet the stated U.S. employment eligibility category requirements for paid employment with the Architect of the Capitol.

Responsibilities

• Develop, revise, and update AOC guidance for preparing construction specifications, including prescriptive and performance specifications.
• Maintain guide specifications and the agency’s specifications and materials library and resource guides; evaluate reference information for inclusion.
• Provide consultation to Associate A/E firms and AOC Project Managers on the AOC’s Master Specifications system.
• Apply preservation and sustainability considerations when using codes, standards, and design-build approaches for historic structures.
• Review project drawings and specifications at design stages and provide comments and recommendations regarding contractual compliance, completeness, coordination, technical adequacy, quality, constructability, and contract administration.
• Guide design teams in developing and preparing project specifications.
• Develop, coordinate, implement, and lead the AOC’s Lessons Learned Program.
• Review lessons learned submitted in PMIS for data quality and accurate documentation of lessons and solutions.
• Conduct lessons learned workshops at the completion of major construction projects; summarize significant impacts and conduct project closeout briefings.
• Ensure lessons learned are recorded in PMIS for future project use.
• Lead working groups, assign collaborative initiatives, and work with subject matter experts and managers to develop technical solutions to process and procedure gaps.
• Draft technical solutions and make implementation recommendations to senior management.
• Develop and update SOPs, user manuals, and process documents.
• Review design and construction documents for compliance with AOC standards, policies, guidelines, constructability standards, professional practice, specifications, project design documents, cost engineering, and procurement documentation.
• Act as Project Manager and COTR for contracts and task orders.
• Develop contracts and task orders to acquire consultant services related to construction quality, specifications, and safety.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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
• Opportunity for eligible employees to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior