National Park Service is hiring: (Seasonal) Architect in Tupelo

Summary

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.

The typical seasonal entry‑on‑duty period is April – October, but it can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding. Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2026.

Duties

This position serves as a specialist Natchez Trace Parkway in the science and art of architecture with advanced training in the principles, theories, concepts, methods, and techniques of preserving historic and prehistoric structures with the focus on preserving a structure’s physical attributes and materials. Research, planning, and stewardship are the framework for the duties of a historical architect. Research defines the features, values, and associations that make a structure historically significant; planning identifies the issues and alternatives for long‑term preservation; and stewardship involves activities such as condition assessment, maintenance, and training. Professional fields of study must be pertinent to the park’s resources and themes.

Requirements

• 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.
• Must operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of official duties; a valid driver’s license is required and a Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and Driving Record must be submitted.
• Must wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards; a uniform allowance is provided.
• May be required to travel overnight up to 2 nights per month; must obtain a government charge card for travel purposes.

Qualifications

This position is a positive education series. You must have the required education or equivalent experience to satisfy the basic requirement for this position. Additionally, applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement for this series and grade to be considered qualified. You must meet one of the following Basic Qualifications to be considered for this position. You must meet this by the close of the announcement.

• A. Possess a degree in architecture; or a related field that included 60 semester hours of coursework in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following: structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems. Include transcripts in application.
• B. A combination of education and experience – college‑level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and a good understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their application to the design and construction or improvement of buildings. Include transcripts. Adequacy is demonstrated through related curriculum or experience.

Additional qualifications for the GS‑09 grade level include:

• At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS‑07 grade level in the Federal service.
• OR successful completion of at least 2 years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or an equivalent graduate degree. Include transcripts.
• OR an equivalent combination of education and specialized experience.

Volunteer Experience

Experience includes paid and unpaid work, such as volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other community, professional, or philanthropic organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. Credit is received for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Eligibility for Federal Employment

Current surplus and displaced Federal employees with special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified. Applicants must meet OPM qualification standards, selective placement factors, and other relevant criteria. CTAP/ICTAP eligibility requires submission of proof of status as specified in the regulation and additional documentation. Failure to answer all questions truthfully may be grounds for not hiring and could result in disciplinary action.

Physical Demands

The position may require strenuous physical activity including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying heavy objects. Some activities will occur in physically dangerous areas or settings. Documentary research and report writing work is sedentary, requiring concentration and writing for long periods.

Working Conditions

The work is performed in both an office setting and occasionally in the field as required to conduct on‑site investigations and inspections. Candidates should be committed to improving government efficiency, passionate about the ideals of the American republic, and dedicated to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on the type of position and whether the position is full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits information.

Job Information

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Temporary

Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industry: Government Administration