Military

ARCHITECT-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Air Force Materiel Command ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Edwards AFB, California NH-3 $104,349 - $161,313/yr
Posted: May 12, 2026 Deadline: Jun 11, 2026 (Closes in 23 days)

About This Position

Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment.

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide architectural expertise to cradle-to-crave programming, design, and construction management of multi-system projects at the Air Force Test Center (AFTC).

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions. INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: EDUCATION: Degree in 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.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: 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: A) 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 above. 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.

B) 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.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

In addition to meeting the Individual Occupational Requirement above, applicants must meet specialized experience requirement as listed below. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is described as: knowledge of, and skill in applying, advanced theories, concepts, and principles practiced in the science of professional architecture.

NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. Ideal Candidate: Proven ability to develop conceptual layouts and high-fidelity renderings, serving as a primary initial technical design and visualization tool to facilitate stakeholder validation and executive decision-making. Comprehensive knowledge of building codes and regulations, specifically the International Building Code (IBC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) to ensure project legality and safety.

Demonstrated proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) to produce professional construction drawings, detailed floor plans, and integrated site models. Knowledge of Landscape Architecture principles, including sustainable site planning, native vegetation selection, and Low Impact Development (LID). Ability to integrate landscaping with Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) standards to enhance security through environmental design.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Professional knowledge of a broad range of architectural concepts, principles, practices, techniques, and methods in building design and construction process, and an extensive familiarity with engineering disciplines; knowledge of aesthetic and functional design techniques; preparation of preliminary drawings, sketches, and construction drawings; and a broad range of architectural and construction standards, methods, practices, techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulations.

  1. Knowledge of drafting techniques and skills sufficient to convey design concepts and ideas and formulate working drawings.
  2. Knowledge of standard contracting regulations, practices, and procedures; health, safety, and environmental requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders; program planning and budgeting cycles, financial control and budget systems, and management; environmental principles, practices, procedures, laws, regulations, and current legislative issues; and work classifications and regulatory and statutory restriction on the expenditures of appropriated and non-appropriated funds.
  3. Knowledge of automated systems and programs such as Computer-Aided Design and Drafting, information management, project tracking, and other software programs.
  4. Ability to plan, conduct, and record site/facilities surveys and inspections.
  5. Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and procedures in a variety of situations; recommend timely and economical solutions; plan and organize work; coordinate the work of other architects and engineering disciplines; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and maintain a good working relationship. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Major Duties

Performs as a professional architect in planning and designing substantial new construction, renovation, and improvement projects on real property facilities. Serves as a consulting architect on all design aspects of assigned projects. Provides professional consultations on a broad range of difficult architectural issues and problems.

Coordinates the preparation of and reviews A&E statements of work (SOW). Coordinates projects with engineers in other disciplines. Keeps abreast of emerging technologies to ensure programmed development will not prematurely become obsolete.

In conjunction with the primary duty of design, on a less frequent basis performs work in the construction management, program/base development, and/or operations and maintenance (O&M) and manages projects for new construction, renovations, and improvements to real property facilities from start to finish including the performance of preconstruction site surveys all the way to completion of as built drawings. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Additional Information

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

This job announcement may close at any time - apply now! This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/11/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12956143 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.

Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors.

Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present).

If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09.

Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.

Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.

  1. A complete Application Questionnaire
  2. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
  3. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.

Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s). PLEASE

NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts.

You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the ARCHITECT-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY position at Air Force Materiel Command?
The salary range for this position is $104,349 - $161,313/yr. This is a NH-3 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the ARCHITECT-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY job located?
This position is located in Edwards AFB, California. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions. INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: EDUCATION: Degree in 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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: 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: A) 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 above. 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. B) 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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. In addition to meeting the Individual Occupational Requirement above, applicants must meet specialized experience requirement as listed below. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is described as: knowledge of, and skill in applying, advanced theories, concepts, and principles practiced in the science of professional architecture. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. Ideal Candidate: Proven ability to develop conceptual layouts and high-fidelity renderings, serving as a primary initial technical design and visualization tool to facilitate stakeholder validation and executive decision-making. Comprehensive knowledge of building codes and regulations, specifically the International Building Code (IBC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) to ensure project legality and safety. Demonstrated proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) to produce professional construction drawings, detailed floor plans, and integrated site models. Knowledge of Landscape Architecture principles, including sustainable site planning, native vegetation selection, and Low Impact Development (LID). Ability to integrate landscaping with Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) standards to enhance security through environmental design. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Professional knowledge of a broad range of architectural concepts, principles, practices, techniques, and methods in building design and construction process, and an extensive familiarity with engineering disciplines; knowledge of aesthetic and functional design techniques; preparation of preliminary drawings, sketches, and construction drawings; and a broad range of architectural and construction standards, methods, practices, techniques, materials, and equipment to determine compliance with federal, state, and local codes and regulations. 2. Knowledge of drafting techniques and skills sufficient to convey design concepts and ideas and formulate working drawings. 3. Knowledge of standard contracting regulations, practices, and procedures; health, safety, and environmental requirements as outlined in applicable safety standards, regulations, and/or technical orders; program planning and budgeting cycles, financial control and budget systems, and management; environmental principles, practices, procedures, laws, regulations, and current legislative issues; and work classifications and regulatory and statutory restriction on the expenditures of appropriated and non-appropriated funds. 4. Knowledge of automated systems and programs such as Computer-Aided Design and Drafting, information management, project tracking, and other software programs. 5. Ability to plan, conduct, and record site/facilities surveys and inspections. 6. Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and procedures in a variety of situations; recommend timely and economical solutions; plan and organize work; coordinate the work of other architects and engineering disciplines; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and maintain a good working relationship. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jun 11, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.