Architect/General Engineer (Specifications/Project Control)

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Chief Engineer. The selectee serves as an Architect or General Engineer with a specialty in construction specifications, process improvement, and developing policy or guidance documents. Major duties: The selectee will be responsible for the preparation and review of construction contract specifications, implementing a lessons learned program, implementing project controls and process improvements, and developing or updating policy and/or guidance documents. Major Duties: Architecture/Engineering Specification Development and Maintenance Develops, revises and updates AOC guidance for preparing specifications for use on all types of projects, including “prescriptive” and “performance”. Prescriptive specifications are further subdivided into descriptive, reference standards and proprietary specifications. Project specifications are an integral part of contracts for service, construction, repair and renovation work. Keeps abreast of new developments in specification processing systems and provides consultative services to Associate A/E firms and AOC Project Managers on the AOC's use of Master Specifications which is the primary specification system used by the AOC, other Federal construction agencies, and most consulting Architects and Engineers. Evaluates and selects reference information to be included in the AOC Specifications and Standards library; Maintains the agency's specifications and materials library and its resource guides; Ensures that preservation and sustainability are principal considerations in using codes, standards and design build for historic structures, emphasizing conservation and restoration criteria. Develops and maintains guide specifications for AOC-wide use. Reviews and provides comments and recommendations on the various design stages of project drawings and specifications developed under contract by Associate A/E firms and by AOC personnel. Separate review actions may include all or part of particular design stage submission. Reviews project designs to assure that they meet contractual policies (i.e., maximum competition and equitable basis for bids); that the drawings and specifications describe the complete work in a complimentary manner without conflicts, duplications, or omissions; that the equipment, materials, products, and systems selected are technically adequate and of the appropriate quality as reflected by current design criteria and policy; that the fabrication, manufacturing, and construction practices required allow the Contractor to efficiently provide the work while facilitating contract administration and construction inspection. Guides design team efforts in the development and preparation of project specifications. Lessons Learned Program / Process Development and Process Improvement Develops, coordinates, implements, and leads the AOC's Lessons Learned Program. Reviews all lessons learned entered by end users in AOC's Project Management Information System (PMIS) for data quality and to ensure the scope of the lesson and the solution is accurately captured. Conducts a lessons learned workshop at the completion of major construction project with the project team and stakeholders; Collects and summarizes lessons learned that had the greatest impact on the project (cost, schedule, scope, etc.,) and conducts an out brief at project closeout. Ensures lessons learned are captured in PMIS for future use on other projects. leads working groups, assigns initiatives for collaboration, and works with other subject matter experts or managers in the development of technical solutions to address gaps in processes and procedures; Drafts technical solutions and makes recommendations to senior management for implementation. Document and Process Control Develops and updates written SOPs, user manuals and process documents. Review design and construction documents for compliance with AOC standards, policies and guidelines, constructability standards, professional practice, construction specifications, project design documents and cost engineering as well as procurement documentation. Acts as a Project Manager and Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for contracts and task orders. Review and provide professional guidance on the various design stages of project specifications developed under contract by A/E firms and by AOC personnel. Develops contracts and task orders for the acquisition of consultant-prepared services related to construction quality, specifications and safety . Performs other related duties as assigned. Requirements: 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.