Shaping the Skyline of American Democracy: Become a Supervisory Construction Representative for the Architect of the Capitol

Every year, millions of citizens and international travelers gaze upon the Capitol dome, the Senate and House office buildings, and the Supreme Court. These structures are not merely places of daily business; they are physical symbols of American democracy. Preserving, maintaining, and modernizing this massive, historic footprint requires an extraordinary blend of engineering expertise, strategic foresight, and dedicated leadership.

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is currently seeking an exceptional construction professional to fill the vacancy of Supervisory Construction Representative (GS-14) in the Office of the Chief Engineer, Construction Management Division. Located in Washington, D.C., this role offers an impressive salary range of $143,913 to $187,093. This represents a singular opportunity for a senior-level supervisor to orchestrate multi-million dollar capital improvement projects, lead an elite public-sector team, and directly contribute to the preservation of America's heritage.

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About the Agency: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC)

The Architect of the Capitol is a historic legislative branch agency that traces its roots back to the founding of Washington, D.C. The agency is charged with a massive mandate: caring for 18.4 million square feet of facilities and more than 570 acres of grounds across Capitol Hill. From the lush landscapes of the U.S. Botanic Garden to the state-of-the-art facilities of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the AOC ensures safety, historic preservation, and modern efficiency.

Operating under the core values of RISE (Respect, Integrity, Safety, and Empower), the AOC fosters a workplace culture that emphasizes safety first, values professional development, and rewards technical innovation. Joining the AOC means working alongside world-class architects, historians, engineers, and safety professionals who share a profound sense of duty and pride in maintaining the legislative heart of the United States.

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Job Responsibilities: Leadership, Strategy, and Oversight

As the Supervisory Construction Representative, you will assist the Director of the Construction Management Division in executing a robust portfolio of capital projects. This is not a passive advisory role; it is an active, multi-disciplinary management position. Your core duties will span four critical areas:

1. High-Level Supervisory Leadership

You will exercise full supervisory authority over a diverse team of structural representatives, engineers, and support staff. This includes:

• Communicating Expectations: Establishing and communicating clear performance standards through the formal agency performance management system.
• Career Development: Designing individual development plans, establishing performance goals, and implementing performance improvement plans when necessary.
• Mentoring: Providing continuous feedback, offering coaching and mentoring, and fostering a standard of collaborative collegiality across the division.
• Fostering EEO Goals: Demonstrating a committed approach to equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies and ensuring non-discriminatory, non-retaliatory hiring and management practices.

2. Multi-Million Dollar Program Management

You will oversee and lead highly complex, high-visibility construction projects across the Capitol complex. This entails:

• Resource Allocation: Managing materials, estimating project needs, and recommending resource leveling to optimize workflow.
• Operational Planning: Conducting independent studies and program evaluations to enhance the overall efficiency of construction operations.
• Strategic Scheduling: Coordinating complex, multi-phase project timelines to ensure that concurrent, strict deadlines are consistently met.
• Budgeting: Collaborating with Section Chiefs and the Division Director to draft, refine, and defend annual divisional budgets.

3. Rigorous Contractor Oversight (COR Duties)

Acting as the eyes and ears of the federal government, you will serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on assigned contracts. Your duties will include:

• Contract Administration: Providing technical direction to third-party construction management and consulting contractors.
• Quality Enforcement: Auditing procedures, supervising field operations, and inspecting job sites to ensure all quality requirements are met.
• Project Turnover: Managing the closeout, acceptance, and formal turnover phases of completed facilities.
• Surveillance and Auditing: Reviewing daily reports, correspondence, and construction files to verify strict compliance with project parameters.

4. Expert Technical Advisory & Consulting

You will serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership within the Office of the Chief Engineer. This involves:

• Executive Problem Solving: Offering strategic solutions to senior leaders regarding complex construction anomalies that span departmental boundaries.
• Criteria Design: Consulting with planners and design teams to develop technical criteria for the most complex, high-value projects.
• IT Integration: Partnering with the AOC Information Technology Division to build, deploy, and modernize centralized project monitoring software.

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Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

To successfully qualify for this GS-14 position, candidates must meet clear eligibility and specialized experience criteria. Because this is an Excepted Service position, it does not require or confer competitive civil service status.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for employment with the Architect of the Capitol, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be a lawful permanent resident actively seeking citizenship.
• Be a recognized refugee or asylum seeker who has filed a declaration of intention to become a permanent resident and citizen.
• Be a U.S. national (e.g., from American Samoa, Swains Island, or the Northern Mariana Islands).
• Be an active officer or employee of the United States Government.

Specialized Experience

Candidates must possess at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in federal service. This specialized experience must demonstrate:

1. Leadership and Oversight: Experience providing direct technical advice, managing performance evaluations, and guiding a construction management team.
2. Program Management: Proven capability planning, scheduling, and administering a multi-million dollar construction management program.
3. Senior Advisory Capability: Experience formulating and presenting complex solutions to executive-level management regarding cross-organizational construction challenges.

Note: There is no educational substitution for experience at this grade level.

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Salary Overview & Position Details

This position is structured as a permanent, full-time appointment with a competitive compensation package that aligns with executive-level construction roles in the private sector.

Position Feature	Details
Job Title	Supervisory Construction Representative (GS-14)
Vacancy ID	OCE-2026-318
Base Salary Range	$143,913 to $187,093 Per Year
Work Location	Washington, District of Columbia
Appointment Type	Permanent; Full-time
Service Type	Excepted Service
Drug Screening	Mandatory pre-employment screen
Background Check	Adjudicated by the U.S. Capitol Police

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Employee Benefits & Work-Life Program

The federal government is renowned for providing some of the most stable and comprehensive benefits in the nation. As an employee of the AOC, you will have access to a rich suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and professional well-being:

• Federal Health Plans: A wide array of health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options to protect you and your family.
• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and matching contributions of up to 5% toward your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Generous Leave Accruals: Paid annual leave (for vacation and personal use), sick leave, and ten paid federal holidays every year.
• Financial Incentives: Potential eligibility to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program to help offset educational debt.
• Commuter Subsidies: Participation in transit subsidy programs to reduce the daily cost of commuting in the D.C. metro area.
• Professional Development: Robust coaching, training, and executive mentorship paths to keep your leadership and technical skills at peak levels.

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Insider Application Steps and Strategic Tips

The application process for the Architect of the Capitol is designed to evaluate your capabilities thoroughly yet efficiently. To optimize your chances of being referred to the hiring manager, utilize the following strategy:

1. Build a Federal-Style Resume: Unlike commercial resumes, a federal resume should be detailed and comprehensive. Explicitly list the budgets, team sizes, and specific contract types (such as COR delegations) you have overseen.
2. Align with the KSAs: Your resume should clearly demonstrate your proficiency in the core Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) for this position, namely:
   • Supervisory and Leadership Ability
   • Construction Project Management
   • Analytical Problem Solving
   • Federal Contract Administration
   • Advanced Written and Oral Communication
3. Verify Your Self-Assessment Responses: When completing the online questionnaire, you will be asked to rate your experience level. Ensure that every rating you select is fully backed up by written proof in your resume. If a human resources specialist cannot find documentation supporting your self-assessment, your score will be adjusted downward.
4. Apply Exclusively Online: Applications are only accepted electronically through the USAJobs and Monster Government Solutions portal. Faxed, emailed, or mailed applications will not be processed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this job open to the general public?

Yes. The position is open to all qualified U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal residents meeting the criteria outlined in 8 U.S.C.

Q2: Does this job require a drug test?

Yes. The Architect of the Capitol is a Drug-Free Workplace. Any candidate tentatively selected for this role must complete and pass a mandatory pre-employment drug screening prior to formal appointment.

Q3: What kind of background check is required?

Because of the security and historical sensitivity of the Capitol Complex, the selected candidate must undergo a comprehensive criminal history check conducted by the U.S. Capitol Police.

Q4: Are moving or relocation expenses authorized?

No. Relocation incentives and moving expenses are not authorized for this recruitment action.

Q5: Is there a probationary period?

Yes, the selectee will be subject to a standard one-year trial or probationary period, regardless of whether they have previously completed a probationary period at another federal agency.

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If you are an accomplished construction professional looking to transition from routine commercial developments to projects of national significance, the role of Supervisory Construction Representative at the Architect of the Capitol is your ideal next step. Leading capital construction in the shadow of the Capitol dome is more than a job—it is a lasting contribution to the preservation of American history. Prepare your federal resume, align your experience with the GS-14 standard, and submit your application today to shape the future of Capitol Hill.