Duties

Summary

This position serves as an Architect specializing in Historic Preservation located in the Technical Preservation Services (TPS), Cultural Resources Division, in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the position is to advise on and perform historical analysis and research or other work related to the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program, which is administered as a partnership between the National Park Service, the State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Internal Revenue Service.
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Responsibilities

The major duties of the Architect (Historic Preservation) position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• - Makes tax credit certification decisions for historic rehabilitation projects based upon conformance with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the regulations and other guidance for the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program.
• - Researches and analyzes the significance of complex and diverse cultural resources, including buildings of many architectural styles and periods, and determines their historic significance and character-defining features, if they contribute to the significance of historic districts, and whether they meet the criteria for inclusion in the National Register.
• - Conducts sophisticated independent research into specific problems, techniques or concepts related to historic rehabilitation, code requirements and materials conservation, and applies authoritative knowledge and expertise to address technical assistance needs and to solve critical problems from the public and private sectors, staff, public officials, and technical preservation experts as appropriate to solve problems and address needs.
• - Communicates orally with program applicants and the general public related to the tax incentives program, historic rehabilitation guidance, and technical preservation topics; serves as liaison with State Historic Preservation Offices to coordinate on program reviews and ensure consistent interpretation of program policy and standards in oral communications; makes presentations on the tax incentives program, historic rehabilitation issues, and technical preservation topics.
• - Communicates in writing with program applicants and the general public related to the tax incentives program, historic rehabilitation guidance, and technical preservation topics; demonstrates problem-solving and creative thinking in all communications; serves as liaison with State Historic Preservation Offices to coordinate on program reviews and ensure consistent interpretation of program policy and standards in written communications; prepares written materials on the tax credit program, historic rehabilitation standards, and technical preservation topics.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
12

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• You may be required to occasional evenings and weekends.
• If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• You may be required to travel overnight away from home up to five (5) nights per month. You must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.
• You may be required to complete training and obtain/maintain a government charge card with travel and/or purchase authority.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/24/2020-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, you must meet the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Experience at this level must include each of the following involving historic rehabilitation projects of a more routine and less complex nature (or working under closer supervision or direction): (1) Experience reviewing and/or preparing (i) narrative descriptions of work and/or treatment plans; (ii) architectural plans; (iii) architectural specifications; and (iv) condition assessments and/or other technical reports for historic rehabilitation projects. This experience must demonstrate a broad knowledge of and experience applying the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of historic preservation and architectural conservation; and professional knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to historic rehabilitation projects; AND (2) Experience reviewing and/or preparing (i) National Register of Historic Places nominations, landmark designation reports, and/or other evaluations of physical integrity, condition, and historic significance; and (ii) historic research and documentation of historic buildings. This experience must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of historic architecture and American architectural history and experience applying this knowledge to historic rehabilitation projects. You must include hours per week worked.

-OR-

EDUCATION: Successful completion of a degree in history or related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history. You must include transcripts.

-OR-

Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in history, or a major in a related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, you must meet the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:

EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Experience at this level must include each of the following involving historic rehabilitation projects of a more complex nature, requiring more advanced professional or technical judgement and working independently: (1) Experience reviewing and/or preparing (i) narrative descriptions of work and/or treatment plans; (ii) architectural plans; (iii) architectural specifications; and (iv) condition assessments and/or other technical reports for historic rehabilitation projects. This experience must demonstrate a broad knowledge of and experience applying the theories, principles, practices, and techniques of historic preservation and architectural conservation; and professional knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to historic rehabilitation projects; AND (2) Experience reviewing and/or preparing (i) National Register of Historic Places nominations, landmark designation reports, and/or other evaluations of physical integrity, condition, and historic significance; and (ii) historic research and documentation of historic buildings. This experience must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of historic architecture and American architectural history and experience applying this knowledge to historic rehabilitation projects. You must include hours per week worked.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.

Hiring incentives may be authorized as part of this recruitment process.

A Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized for a Federal employee when the employee must move, as directed by the National Park Service (NPS) either through a management directed reassignment or selection for employment, to a different location at least 50 miles away from the one where his/her position of record held at time of selection is currently located, due to a need of the NPS. A relocation incentive is not the same as a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move and, as such, may be granted in conjunction with one another.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

Physical Demands: The work is normally sedentary, but it does require occasional travel when long days and physical stamina may be needed. Purposes of travel include on-site inspections of historic properties where rehabilitation construction work is underway or completed. Travel also includes attendance at professional conferences, where workdays may be long or extend into weekends. Some tax credit applications may be quite large and include sets of large-forma architectural drawings.

Working Conditions: The work environment normally involves everyday risks or discomforts typical of offices, meeting rooms, and archives. The normal work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Travel for on-site inspections may expose the incumbent to extreme weather conditions and to a construction site environment where appropriate precautions for personal safety are necessary.

The National Park Service has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. Click the following link for more information, https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information .

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score will be adjusted accordingly. If a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you can lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully; errors or omissions can affect your rating.

Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are highly qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Best qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the questionnaire. Qualified candidates will be referred if all required supporting documentation has been provided.

You will be evaluated on the following competencies:

• Architecture
• History and Archaeology
• Oral Communication
• Writing

Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process.

If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/24/2020.

Resume which includes a list of all significant jobs held and duties performed, dates specified in month and year format, and the resume must reflect either full-time or 40 hours per week. If a part-time work schedule is reflected, the hours must be annotated to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. If military or civilian, please include your rank and/or grade.

A complete Occupational Questionnaire

Merit Promotion Eligibility Documentation such as:

• Federal employees must submit a copy of their latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" that reflects career or career-conditional tenure, such as the initial hire, promotion, or reassignment, showing position title, series, grade and tenure (please do not submit an Award SF-50 unless it provides the necessary information) and, if different, an SF-50 showing highest permanent grade ever held.
• Veterans Preference Documentation (e.g. DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter as appropriate)
• Documentation for the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) eligibility, which includes ALL Appointment AND Termination SF-50s for EACH appointment as well as ALL performance evaluations, for each qualifying period of temporary employment claimed.
• Applicants who are eligible to be considered based on a Noncompetitive or Special Hiring Authority (i.e. Schedule A, VRA, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, former PLC member, certain Military Spouses, 30% or More Disabled Veterans, Pathways Interns who have met the eligibility requirements for noncompetitive conversion, etc.) must submit appropriate documentation to verify their eligibility.

Other Supporting Documents, if applicable, such as:

• Veterans Preference Documentation:
  • If you are a Discharged, Non-Disabled Veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions, as listed on the SF15 . If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives .
  • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, & 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
  • If you are a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF15 , and if applicable, a completed SF15 . You may request a copy of your Department of Veterans Affairs letter from www.ebenefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to establish proof of disability.

Performance Appraisals and Awards:

• All applicants must submit their most recent performance appraisal showing the official rating of record and signed by a supervisor or, if one is unavailable, a statement as to why it is not available (including if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level).
• Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

College transcripts, if qualifying based on education.

Documentation for Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Plan consideration if you are a displaced Federal employee within the local commuting area. You must include: 1) Proof you are a displaced Federal employee, e.g., RIF Separation Notice, Notice of Proposed Removal, etc; 2) SF-50s (Notifications of Personnel Action) showing career/conditional tenure competitive status, promotion potential and duty location; and 3) your most recent performance appraisal. To exercise selection priority, displaced or surplus Federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above 85 on the rating criteria for this position.

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

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.