About This Position
This position is located in the office of the Executive Director of Facilities Operations, House Office Buildings, Architect of the Capitol (AOC) within the Administrative and Operational Support Section reporting to the Administrative Officer. The incumbent is responsible for supporting continuity of operations for the office and day-to-day administrative actions.
Qualifications
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at General Schedule Qualification Standards. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. GS-9: Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes: Performing a variety of miscellaneous technical, planning and administration duties in support of the office, such as providing customer service to organizational personnel; and Preparing various correspondence, forms and reports and initiating and obtaining signature of the approving authority on staff actions. --OR-- You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. --OR-- You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Only graduate level education in excess of the first 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education. GS-11: Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes: Developing and/or revising administrative standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintaining and updating office files; Researching, preparing and forwarding policy memoranda that inform personnel of changes in policies and procedures; and Composing and preparing responses to correspondence on subjects where policy and precedence are established. --OR-- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., Must be related to position --OR-- Combination of specialized experience and education.
Major Duties
Duties are stated at the GS-11 level. If selected at the GS-09 level, candidate will have non-competitive promotion potential to the GS-11 level. Responsibilities include performing administrative support, responding to inquiries, scheduling meetings and arranging logistical details, preparing a variety of confidential documents and reports, producing staff meetings agendas and minutes, performing diversified duties in support of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, conveying information regarding jurisdictional functions and procedures, coordinating assigned projects and site activities and ensuring efficient operation of support functions. Duties include, but are not limited to: Compile reports from various sources for the purpose of analyzing issues, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures and/or monitoring program components. Prepare correspondence and memoranda in final form; compose and prepare replies to key officials. Manage the Executive Director's and/or the Deputy's schedule, to include meetings, appointments, events and activities. Coordinate daily calendars, appointments and events, serving as the point of contact for modifications and arranges conference calls. Facilitate internal and external communications, distributing information and scheduling presentations. Design, plan and conduct research on administrative issues of substantial complexity and impact under the guidance of a higher graded assistant. Serve as main point of contact with House support offices (e.g. Sergeant at Arms, Information Technology Division (ITD), Legislative Public Affairs, Committee on House Administration, U.S. House of Representatives Chief Administrative Officer, U.S. Capitol Police, Clerk's Office) to coordinate services, policy changes, and facility needs. Perform both general office duties (e.g. answering telephones, typing, scanning and filing) and advanced administrative support activities that require independent judgment and a thorough knowledge of policies and procedures. Develop effective contacts with Architect of the Capitol and Congressional Staffs. Carry out special projects as needed for the purpose of maintaining an effective end product and workflow. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Conditions of Employment
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.
Education
Education may be substituted for specialized experience as indicated above. If using education to qualify, candidates must provide transcripts if selected. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., (degree must be in a field of study related to the duties of the position). Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part of foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course-by-course listing if selected.
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 relate to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self-assessment questions relate to the following job elements and competencies: Computer Skills Customer Service Manages and Organizes Information Oral Communication 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 βRequired Documentsβ 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 Vet Guide for HR Professionals. 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 Center - How to... 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 βSaved Documentsβ 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 Staff Assistant position at Architect of the Capitol?
The salary range for this position is $70,623 - $111,087/yr. This is a GS-09/11 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Staff Assistant 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 the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification re...
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 Feb 20, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-09/11 mean?
GS-09/11 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.