Launch Your Architectural Career with the U.S. Air Force at Fort Sam Houston
The Department of the Air Force is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Architect to join the team at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your professional design and project management expertise to sustain military infrastructure that powers national security. If you are an architect passionate about large-scale projects, construction management, and public service, this role provides the perfect environment to advance your career.
Job Responsibilities
As an Architect in this role, you will lead complex multi-phase projects. Your daily responsibilities include:
- Performing planning and design work for renovations and new construction.
- Providing project programming and budget analysis.
- Maintaining surveillance over construction contractors to ensure strict compliance with specifications.
- Managing facility operations and maintenance (O&M) activities.
- Collaborating with civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering teams.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A degree in architecture or a related field with at least 60 semester hours in architectural disciplines.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
- Certification: Must demonstrate technical proficiency in drafting, site surveying, and design documentation.
- Documentation: You must submit your transcripts and any relevant professional licenses.
Requirements Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Education | Degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering |
| Experience | Min. 1 year at GS-11 level |
| Resume Limit | 2 pages maximum |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-12 level, with a competitive annual salary range of $90,823 to $118,072. Federal compensation packages are structured to provide financial stability and long-term security.
Benefits
Employees of the federal government enjoy robust benefits packages:
- Generous leave accrual (annual and sick leave).
- Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Application Tips
- Focus on Details: Ensure your resume clearly states the hours worked per week and the dates of employment.
- Quality over Quantity: Your resume must be two pages or less; extraneous information may lead to disqualification.
- Eligibility Documents: If you are a veteran or a current/former federal employee, upload all required DD-214 or SF-50 forms promptly.
Serving as an Architect for the Air Force at Fort Sam Houston offers a rewarding blend of technical challenge and service to the country. With competitive pay and the opportunity to oversee diverse, high-impact projects, this role is an excellent choice for a dedicated professional. Ensure you submit your application by the July 24, 2026, deadline to be considered.
Why This Architect Job Matters
Transform military infrastructure as a lead Architect at Fort Sam Houston and contribute to the Air Force's global mission.
Architect Job Overview
The Air Education and Training Command is seeking a professional Architect to oversee the planning, design, and construction management of real property and utility systems at Fort Sam Houston. This role is pivotal in maintaining the mission-critical infrastructure that supports Air Force operations. You will manage projects from conception through completion, ensuring all work adheres to rigorous federal, state, and local standards while balancing complex facility requirements.
Requirements for Architect
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must meet OPM specialized experience requirements for Professional and Scientific positions.
- Degree in architecture or related field with specific semester hours in design, structural technology, materials, and environmental systems.
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent.
- Ability to convey design concepts via detailed drafting and technical drawings.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local building codes and environmental regulations.
- Must provide official or unofficial transcripts to verify education requirements.
- Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Architect
- Experience in project programming, budgeting, and facility lifecycle management.
- Strong proficiency in automated data processing tools for architectural design and project planning.
- Advanced knowledge of multi-phase construction and renovation oversight.
- Proven ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams (civil, electrical, mechanical, structural).
- Familiarity with Air Force or Department of Defense facility operations and maintenance standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and pay progression.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and thrift savings plan.
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the Department of the Air Force.
💡 How to Apply Architect Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Architect Job
- Review the full job announcement and requirements.
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages and includes hours worked per week and specific dates for all experience.
- Complete the required online application questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists the number of hours worked per week to demonstrate full-time equivalency.
- Verify your eligibility documentation, such as DD-214 or SF-50, is recent and complete.
- Use the self-assessment questionnaire to ensure your experience matches the required KSAs.
- Submit your documents well in advance of the deadline to allow for system processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of this position?
You will serve as a professional architect, managing the design, construction, and maintenance of real property facilities and infrastructure at Fort Sam Houston.
Can I qualify based on experience instead of a degree?
Yes, a combination of education and experience may qualify you, provided you can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of architectural principles and technical design techniques equivalent to a formal degree.
How long should my resume be?
Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than this will be removed from consideration.
Is a security clearance required?
*A: No, a security clearance is not currently required for this position.*
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
*A: Yes, the announcement is open to various eligibility groups, including those eligible under the Military Spouse Preference program.*
Job from Air Education And Training Command
The Air Education and Training Command (AETC) plays a vital role in the Air Force mission to fly, fight, and win. By developing Airmen and integrating cutting-edge technology, the AETC maintains a standard of excellence. As a civilian Architect, you will be part of an organization that values integrity, service, and excellence, working in an environment that bridges the gap between creative design and technical operational requirements.