Architect

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management’s website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy. Applicants must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for the 0808 Series as described below: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A. Degree: bachelor’s degree (or higher degree) in architecture or in a 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 B. 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 provided the completed course work in architectural engineering provided knowledge, skills, and abilities substantially equivalent to those provided in the courses specified in statement A above, or (2) Experience: 1 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 any college courses, 5 years of such experience is required. This experience must have demonstrated that you have acquired a thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and theories of professional architecture. In addition to meeting the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0808 Series above, applicants must meet the specialized experience below. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Specialized experience for the GS11 – In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS09) in the federal service, in ALL of the following areas: Planning, designing, and reviewing design projects using architecture disciplines; AND Coordinating architecture designs with other engineering disciplines. OR Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. Specialized experience for the GS12 – In addition to the above basic requirements, applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS11) in the federal service, in ALL of the following areas: Planning, designing, and reviewing design projects using architecture disciplines; Collaborating with designers, engineers, project managers, or customers to develop design; Coordinating architecture designs with other engineering disciplines; AND Managing multiple projects at one time. “Experience” refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
As an Architect, you will serve as an Architect in the Civil Engineering Office, with responsibilities in the planning, design, review, liaison, and coordination in any design projects involving the discipline of architecture within Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). **This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present in Lakewood, CO.**