Federal

Supervisory General Engineer/Architect (Director)

Architect of the Capitol Β· Legislative Branch
πŸ“ Washington, District of Columbia GS-15 $169,279 - $197,200/yr
Posted: May 5, 2026 Deadline: May 21, 2026 (Closes in 6 days)

About This Position

The Architect of the Capitol is seeking a Director to assist the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director in the management, administration, and supervisory responsibility for the preservation, maintenance, and ongoing operations of the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Visitor Center. Oversees and directs the Tenant Services and Facilities Operations Branch (Carpentry, Sheetmetal, Electrical, Plumbing, Insulation, Masonry, Elevator, Paint and HVAC-R), engineers, and fire alarm teams.

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 http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

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. Candidates for the GS-15 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-14 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as having experience in the following areas: Managing and executing complex facilities operations or modernization programs for large historic or commercial facilities. Providing supervision and leadership in guidance to engineering-architect and facility operations and maintenance staff. Planning, formulating, and executing operating and capital budgets; preparing budget justifications.

Representing an organization on technical matters at high-level meetings concerning impacts on normal building operations.

Major Duties

This position requires professional knowledge as an Architect or Engineer to perform planning and preventative maintenance and repair involving the oversight of contractors. Supports the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director in the overall management of the Capitol Building Jurisdiction. Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday (7:00 am - 3:30 pm) Hours may change due to operational needs of management.

Major Duties Leadership Responsibilities Performs administrative and technical supervisory functions for subordinates. Assigns duties and evaluates performance. Manages the organizational unit's budget and workload.

Develops performance requirements for subordinates and ensures a mutual understanding of the performance standards. Resolves complaints and grievances. Provides leadership to ensure support for equal employment opportunity (EEO) goals and requirements.

Practices non-discriminatory and non-retaliatory employment actions and prevents unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, age or disability. Provides for employee skills enrichment through job related coaching, mentoring and training. The incumbent will foster a culture of learning, sharing, cooperation and teamwork that improves efficiency and effectiveness throughout the organization.

Facilities Program Management Responsible for 24-7 operations of the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Visitor Center infrastructure and serves as the director for maintenance of building systems. Responsible for developing and executing annual maintenance programs and forrnulating and working with both Capitol building team members and other agency teams / external contractors to develop plans for identified work impacting deferred maintenance and renewal of existing systems.

Ensures that operational practices are in line with agency energy management goals and supports sustainability and recycling initiatives within the Capitol Building jurisdiction. Works closely with both shops supervisors, project managers, and other AOC teams to effectively support the facility condition assessments or other means/methods and utilizes the results to develop future project and maintenance plans. Works alongside engineers, architects, technicians and estimators to conduct studies for future work.

Works with the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director to proactively manage risk by anticipating potential impacts on the Capitol community and aligning necessary construction or operational activities that are clearly defined regarding time, schedule and cost. Ensures project requirements are clearly communicated with appropriate groups in advance. Responsible for and ensures regulatory compliance with Fire and Life Safety, Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Programs.

Manages service agreement contracts in the CB. Assigns Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives (COTRs) or personally serves as COTR. Advises senior management staff and officials at multiple levels of the AOC on contractor performance in support of projects managed by the Division.

Ensures managed CB staff keep the Contracting Officer (CO) fully inforrned of any technical or contractual difficulties encountered during performance of the contract and also ensures COTR duties are performed appropriately. Excels in verbal and written communications. Serves as the lead in developing technical reports, presentations, policies and letters and other communications on behalf of the jurisdiction to effectively manage the operations and programs in the jurisdiction.

Maintenance, Construction and Repair Exercises responsibility for the planning, direction, execution and control of in-house tasks and associated contract resources involved in modernization construction projects, preventative maintenance and repair of the U.S. Capitol building and Capitol Visitor Center. The scope of construction projects ranges from demand work orders and small in-house projects to multimillion dollar line-item construction programs.

Sets programmatic goals for staff and develops plans for project execution that minimize the impact on the Capitol Community while facilitating timely completion of planned initiatives. Exercises full authority to make decisions and commitments within established guidelines. Utilizes professional knowledge of architecture and/or engineering to approve designs and scheduling.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations, material management, environmental, sustainability, asset management and resource management.

Conditions of Employment

β€œTo 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

In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements for this position, applicants must possess the following: Education Required For Engineers: Bachelor's degree in professional engineering: To be creditable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: -- statics, dynamics; -- strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); -- fluid mechanics, hydraulics; -- thermodynamics; -- electrical fields and circuits; -- nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and -- any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. --OR-- Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished: (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) current registration as a professional engineer by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico; (b) evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination or the written test required for professional registration; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences that are fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field. Education Required For Architects: Bachelor's 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 --OR-- 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: Related Curriculum: Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted. 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. 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 knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) 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 knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies: Leadership and Supervision: Leading diverse teams of engineers, architects, and facility operations and maintenance staff to achieve mission outcomes. Program/Project Execution: Ability to manage and execute building operations, preventive maintenance, and modernization programs.

Contract Management: Serving as COR; developing scopes of work, writing justifications, monitoring performance, and ensuring contractor compliance. Executive Writing & Communication: Drafting justifications, reports, budget narratives, and policy documents for senior executives and Congressional stakeholders. Strategic Thinking: Anticipating risks, aligning resources, and implementing long-range solutions.

Compliance & Safety: Ensuring adherence to OSHA, fire/life safety, environmental, and sustainability requirements.

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 Supervisory General Engineer/Architect (Director) position at Architect of the Capitol?
The salary range for this position is $169,279 - $197,200/yr. This is a GS-15 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Supervisory General Engineer/Architect (Director) job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements for this position, applicants must possess the following: Education Required For Engineers: Bachelor's degree in professional engineering: To be creditable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: -- statics, dynamics; -- strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); -- fluid mechanics, hydraulics; -- thermodynamics; -- electrical fields and circuits; -- nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and -- any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. --OR-- Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished: (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) current registration as a professional engineer by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico; (b) evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination or the written test required for professional registration; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences that are fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field. Education Required For Architects: Bachelor's 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 --OR-- 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: Related Curriculum: Degree in architectural engineering may be accepted. 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. 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 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 May 21, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
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.