Interdisciplinary

Summary

Are you a graduating student or a recent grad? Join our Pathways Recent Graduate Program! This one-year program offers professional and technical training, mentoring and developmental opportunities.

Location of position: Five positions may be filled one at each of the following locations: Los Angeles, CA; Pasadena, CA; San Francisco, CA; Tucson, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.

We are currently filling up to five vacancies, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

This job is open to

• Recent graduates
  
  Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

Recent Graduates: If you completed a qualifying degree within the previous two years, you may apply. If you are a veteran who was prevented from applying during the 2-year period due to your military service, you may apply if your degree was completed within the last 6 years.

Enrolled students: If you will complete your degree requirements by December 31, 2024, you may apply.

Videos

Duties

This position is being announced under the Pathways Recent Graduates Program. This program affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. Information about the Recent Graduates Program can be found at http://www.opm.gov/HiringReform/Pathways/program/graduates/

As an architect or engineer, you will be responsible for assisting in the overall architectural/engineering (A/E) project management of various leasing, design and construction projects assigned, including, but not limited to, planning, acquisition, design, and construction of new buildings and complexes, as well as the renovation of existing ones. Examples of duties include:

GS-07

• Assisting with analyzing the A/E issues in project assignment(s), selecting and applying accepted project management techniques and organizational practices.
• Determining the most effective methodology needed to meet project goals and milestones concerned with planning, organizing, controlling, coordinating, reviewing, and recommending or approving design, construction, and related work.
• Assisting with basic qualitative and quantitative A/E analytical techniques to research and gather narrative and/or statistical information, applicable work methods, and procedures to meet deadlines. Carrying out the successive steps in fact finding and analysis of issues necessary to complete each phase of the project.
• Applying basic project managerial and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature.
• Identifying and developing data required for use by higher level personnel in the management and direction of projects.
• Assisting higher level personnel in preparing briefings to management and/or senior staff employee(s)d on project status and recommendations.
• Under close supervision, serving as a point of contact for the customer and has responsibility for providing customer service.

GS-09

• Participates with agency personnel who are responsible for defining the goals of the projects and working with them to prepare a Project Management Plan.
• Assists in preparing assigned portions of schedules for complete projects and reports on project status.
• Monitors project reviews, schedules, and work for completing project.
• Resolves limited problems or conflicts impeding progress on completion of projects.
• Manages select aspects of the project's finances with the client including preparation, presentation, and communication of pricing, occupancy agreements, reimbursable work authorizations, and project budget.
• Recommends options to customer based on knowledge of customer's current and future requirements. Assists in coordinating project plans budget objectives.
• Assists with pre-bidding conferences with prospective bidders to inform them of contract provisions and relative responsibilities of A/E's, developers, lessor, and/or the government.
• Assists with performance review and assessment of design development documents, as well as the preparation of documents for agency officials, client agencies, and contract A/E firms.
• Conducts site investigations to determine feasibility, topography, site configuration, or condition of structure and essential data prior to initiating design. Evaluates data obtained, incorporating relevant features into design solutions.
• Prepares material and information for higher level personnel who negotiate contract specifications and design changes with organizational elements of the agency and contractors.
• Monitors effectiveness of contractors in meeting contractual requirements.
• On projects of limited complexity, serves as a point of contact for the customer, and has responsibility for providing customer service.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

• Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
• Register with the Selective Service, if you are a male born after 12/31/1959.
• Serve a one year trial period, if required.
• Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
• Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
• Signed participant agreement is required for employment under this Program.

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

• the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
• number of hours per week you worked (if part time).

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.

The GS-07 salary range in Tucson, AZ starts at $49,906 per year.

The GS-09 salary range in Tucson, AZ starts at $61,044 per year.

The GS-07 salary range in Phoenix, AZ starts at $51,207 per year.

The GS-09 salary range in Phoenix, AZ starts at $62,635 per year.

The GS-07 salary range in Los Angeles, CA starts at $57,007 per year.

The GS-09 salary range in Los Angeles, CA starts at $69,729 per year.

The GS-07 salary range in Pasadena, CA starts at $57,007 per year.

The GS-09 salary range in Pasadena, CA starts at $69,729 per year.

The GS-07 salary range in San Francisco, CA starts at $61,023 per year.

The GS-09 salary range in San Francisco, CA starts at $74,642 per year.

If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.

This position is interdisciplinary, which means the duties and responsibilities closely relate to more than one professional occupation. This position may be filled in one of the following occupations: Architect, GS-0808; Civil Engineer, GS-0810; Mechanical Engineer GS-0830; Electrical Engineer, GS-0850; General Engineer, GS-0801; Fire Protection, GS-0804.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ENGINEERS: A Degree in professional engineering OR a combination of college-level education, training, and/or technical experience. For specifics on qualifying education and/or experience - use the following link: Basic Requirements for Engineer Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ARCHITECTS: A Degree in architecture or related field; OR a combination of college-level education, training, and/or technical experience. For specifics on qualifying education, training, and/or experience - use the following link: Basic Requirements for Architect Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

To qualify for the GS-07 level: In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, you may qualify for the GS-07 level based on one of the following:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is determining the technical ramifications resulting from changes in item design or customer requirements, and familiarity with related engineering disciplines; OR

One full year of graduate level education (18 semester hours or the equivalent) that is directly related to the position; OR

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) at the baccalaureate level is fully qualifying at the GS-7 level. To claim SAA, submit documentation of one of the following:

1. Class standing You must be in the upper third of your graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

2. Grade-point average (rounded to one decimal point) of:

1. 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of your curriculum; or
2. 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in your major field or the required courses in your major field completed during your final 2 years of the curriculum.

3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies; OR

Combination of graduate level education and appropriate specialized experience that together meet the qualification requirements of this position.

To qualify for the GS-09 level: In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, you may qualify for the GS-09 level based on one of the following:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience performing developmental assignments in the field which required using professional terminology, methodology, and units of measure, and using design software to prepare and/or modify building drawings. OR

Two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree that is directly related to the position; OR

Combination of graduate level education and appropriate specialized experience that together meet the qualification requirements of this position.

Education

Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

Bargaining Unit Status:

- This position is eligible for the bargaining unit

If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage.

If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.

Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.

On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:

• Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
• Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee
• Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government

Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.

GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:

• Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
• Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.

Our commitment is:

• Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
• Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
• Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  You will have access to many benefits including:
  
  
  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development
  
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application. Here's how it will work:

Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges:

• Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between 95 - 100
• Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between 85 - 94 (Well Qualified for CTAP/ICTAP)
• Qualified = Candidates scoring between 70 - 84

We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume. If your resume doesn't support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.

You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:

GS-07

1. Knowledge of basic Architecture or Engineering principles, concepts, and methodology; and skill in applying this knowledge in carrying out elementary assignments, operations, or procedures.
2. Knowledge of commonly used project management practices and procedures that specifically pertain to A/E work.
3. Ability to obtain, compile, analyze and summarize information and quantitative data.
4. Knowledge of state of the art A/E related software/computer systems.
5. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

GS-09

1. Ability to manage projects, priorities, and requirements
2. Knowledge of procurement principles and procedures and of different types of contracts
3. Knowledge of established assessment and evaluative techniques and methodologies including cost/benefit analysis, acquisition planning, risk management, knowledge management, and forecasting
4. Knowledge and understanding of the Federal funding process and budget process
5. Knowledge of professional A/E principles, concepts and practices applicable to the design, layout, construction, repair and/or alterations to a variety of conventional structures.
6. Knowledge and skill to adapt standard design and construction practices and techniques to establish design parameters; and prepare project justifications and specifications for plans and designs for new construction and renovation projects
7. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  You will have access to many benefits including:
  
  
  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development
  
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
  
  Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
  
  Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
  
  If you are claiming veterans preference:
  (a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
  (b) If you are claiming 10-point preference, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
  
  If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
  
  College transcripts: Your transcripts must show a, b, and c:
  (a) Proof of recent graduate status (within past 2 years or on track to graduate by June 30, 2025; or within past 6 years if you were prevented from applying due to your military service)
  (b) Name of your college or university
  (c) Date your degree was awarded
  
  If you are currently pursuing a graduate degree, but you are claiming Recent Graduate eligibility based on a previous degree, you must also include those transcripts.
  
  If you completed your education outside of the U.S., see Foreign Education information for guidance on what we can accept.
  
  If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
  
  Superior Academic Achievement: Submit transcripts as described above. If you qualify based on your class rank or honor society membership, submit documentation of it.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
  
  If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
  
  To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
  
  
  • Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
  • Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
  • Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  • Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
  
  
  Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Colleen McNulty
  
  Phone
  
  603-417-8573
  
  Fax
  000-000-0000
  Email
  
  pbsavacancyinquiries@gsa.gov
  
  Address
  
  GSA, Public Buildings Service
  
  General Services Administration (GSA)
  
  Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
  
  1800 F Street NW
  
  Washington, District of Columbia 20405
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  After the closing date/deadline:
  
  ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
  
  
  1. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
  2. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
  3. FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes
  4. FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking "Track this Application" on the Applicant Dashboard.
  
  
  Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.

If you are claiming veterans preference:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).

If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).

College transcripts: Your transcripts must show a, b, and c:
(a) Proof of recent graduate status (within past 2 years or on track to graduate by June 30, 2025; or within past 6 years if you were prevented from applying due to your military service)
(b) Name of your college or university
(c) Date your degree was awarded

If you are currently pursuing a graduate degree, but you are claiming Recent Graduate eligibility based on a previous degree, you must also include those transcripts.

If you completed your education outside of the U.S., see Foreign Education information for guidance on what we can accept.

If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

Superior Academic Achievement: Submit transcripts as described above. If you qualify based on your class rank or honor society membership, submit documentation of it.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

• Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
• Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
• Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
• Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

Agency contact information

Colleen McNulty

Phone

603-417-8573

Fax
000-000-0000
Email

pbsavacancyinquiries@gsa.gov

Address

GSA, Public Buildings Service

General Services Administration (GSA)

Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)

1800 F Street NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20405

United States

Next steps

After the closing date/deadline:

ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.

1. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
2. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
3. FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes
4. FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking "Track this Application" on the Applicant Dashboard.

Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request