Federal

Control Room Operator Leader

Architect of the Capitol Β· Legislative Branch
πŸ“ Washington, District of Columbia WL-12 $42 - $49/hr
Posted: Feb 17, 2026 Deadline: Mar 6, 2026 (Closes in 16 days days left)

About This Position

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Office of the Chief Operating Officer; Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations; Assistant Director, Operations Division; Rotating Operations Branch A, B, C or D. The work directed involves the safe, efficient and effective operation and maintenance of boilers, chillers, cogeneration system and associated auxiliary equipment.

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 Supervise. Possession of a National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineer (NIULPE) First Class Power Engineer License, a District of Columbia Class l Steam Engineer License of an equivalent stationary engineering license.

Major Duties

This position is emergency essential. The CPP operates around the clock to provide steam for heating and chilled water for air conditioning to the buildings of the U.S. Capitol, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The incumbent is required to report to work during emergencies, failure of plant machinery and equipment and during inclement weather situations to support the critical mission of the Capitol Power Plant (CPP). The tour of duty is rotating shifts and may include weekends, evenings and holidays on a regular and recurring basis. LEADER FUNCTIONS (25%) As a working leader, is responsible for passing on to other workers the instructions received from supervisors and getting work started, by assigning the immediate tasks to be performed by individual members of the group led. Works alongside other workers and sets the pace, demonstrating proper work methods; ensures that needed plans, blueprints, materials and tools are available. Obtains needed information or decisions from supervisors on problems that come up during the work. Checks work while in progress and when finished to see whether the supervisor's instructions on work sequence, procedures, methods, quality and deadlines have been met. Urges workers to follow instructions received from supervisors and to meet deadlines. Completes timekeeping and administrative functions correctly and in a timely manner. Makes suggestions as needed for training to enhance employee development. Provides feedback to Power Plant Shift Supervisors on employee performance to assist with completing semi-annual performance reviews. Arrives at worksite, clocks in and reports to the control room in time to receive a proper turnover briefing. Maintains proficiency in Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures and provides feedback on how system can be improved. UTILITY SYSTEMS REPAIR AND OPERATIONS (35%) Operates the electric generation, steam, and chilled water utility systems on a continuing basis. Utilizes the plant Distributed Control System (DCS), environmental Data Acquisition and Handling System (DAHS), electric system Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and other control systems to insure operation of all plant systems within desired parameters and at the highest possible efficiency. Utilizes portable plant instrumentation such as refrigerant and combustible gas leak detectors, infrared scanning equipment, digital thermometers, borescopes, and vibration testing equipment. The incumbent troubleshoots to determine the causes of unusual or improper operating conditions; evaluates the situation and initiates corrective actions to prevent recurrence of improper operation or equipment failure. Maintains all required licenses and certifications applicable to the position. PROJECT/PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT (20%) Provides clear, professional and timely communication. As required, reviews and comments on project and design documents and drawings provided to Operations by project personnel. Conducts troubleshooting and assists the Power Plant Supervisor and Assistant in writing incident reports in a timely manner. Ensures that customer service disruption notifications are timely, professional and complete. Leads and directs lower grade operators and shift High Voltage Electrician to execute planned activities. Monitors the Distributed Computer System (DCS) and coordinates operations through the controls. Observes work of lower grade WG employees to anticipate and resolve problems. Inspects completed work for quality and compliance with work order requirements. LIFE SAFETY LEADERSHIP (10%) Provides a workplace free of recognized hazards and provides employees an avenue to report unsafe working conditions and/or hazards. Ensures safety training and direction are provided to all watch team members. Coordinates and executes planned LOTO and outages at the request of the Power Plant Shift Supervisor, Power Plant Assistant Shift Supervisor, and Control Room Operator Leader. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE, AND PLANT CHEMISTRY (10%) Ensures that environmental compliance and plant water chemistry are maintained within required limits at all times as in accordance with CPP operating permits. Ensures plant chemical treatment parameters are understood and maintained at all times. Ensures employees are knowledgeable of the CPP Environmental Management System (EMS). Adheres to and enforce EMS program policies and procedures.

Conditions of Employment

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How You Will Be Evaluated

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: --Ability to Supervise. --Knowledge of Technical Practices-Understanding and working knowledge of industrial steam generating equipment and distribution piping systems that operate at 200 psig. Understanding and working knowledge of industrial chilled water generating equipment rated at greater than 3,000 tons and distribution piping systems that operate at or below 43 degrees F. --Ability to Interpret Instructions. --Knowledge of Equipment Assembly and Installation. --Troubleshooting 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 β€œRequired Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application). You may preview questions for this vacancy.

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 http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6. 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.

How to Apply

You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page. NEED HELP? If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at [email protected]. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times. All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS β€œSaved Documents” feature. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.

Required Documents

The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy. To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application. Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments. Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC's Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume. For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection. If Veterans' preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form). Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Control Room Operator Leader position at Architect of the Capitol?
The salary range for this position is $42 - $49/hr. This is a WL-12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Control Room Operator Leader job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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 Supervise. Possession of a National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineer (NIULPE) First Class Power Engineer License, a District of Columbia Cl...
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 Mar 6, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does WL-12 mean?
WL-12 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
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.