What types of advancement opportunities are available at the Architect of the Capitol?

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is the federal agency responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, the Senate and House Office Buildings, the Supreme Court Building, the Library of Congress Building, and the surrounding grounds. The AOC is also responsible for the care and maintenance of the grounds of the United States Capitol and the monuments located on them.

The Architect of the Capitol offers a wide range of jobs, including engineering, construction, grounds maintenance, custodial, administrative, and IT positions.

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is the federal agency responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, the Senate and House Office Buildings, the Capitol Visitor Center, and the Capitol Grounds. The position of Architect of the Capitol was established by the U.S. Congress in 1852, making it one of the oldest federal agencies in the United States. The first Architect of the Capitol was Thomas U. Walter, who was appointed by President Millard Fillmore in 1851. Walter was responsible for overseeing the construction of the new Capitol Dome, which was completed in 1865. While Walter was in charge, several other projects were completed, including the construction of the Senate and House Office Buildings, the extension of the north and south wings of the Capitol, and the creation of the Capitol Grounds. Walter served as Architect of the Capitol for nearly 40 years, the longest tenure of any Architect in history. He was followed by Edward Clark, who served from 1891 to 1897. Under Clark’s direction, several of the existing buildings on the Capitol Grounds were renovated and expanded. In 1899, William Thornton became the third Architect of the Capitol. During his tenure, he oversaw the renovation of the Capitol Dome and the construction of the Library of Congress. Theodore W. Link was appointed Architect of the Capitol in 1911. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of the Supreme Court Building, the Russell Senate Office Building, the Dirksen Senate Office Building, and the Cannon House Office Building. In 1972, J. George Stewart became the sixth Architect of the Capitol. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of the Capitol Visitor Center, the Hart Senate Office Building, and the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building. In 2014, Stephen T. Ayers became the seventh Architect of the Capitol, serving until 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of the Capitol Power Plant, the renovation of the Cannon House Office Building, and the construction of the Capitol Visitor Center expansion.

The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, House and Senate Office Buildings, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court Building, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and other facilities. The Architect of the Capitol also provides the members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and other government agencies with professional advice on the preservation and utilization of the Capitol Complex.

The Architect of the Capitol typically requires a bachelor's degree in an architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field for positions that involve the technical design and construction of buildings, grounds, and other structures. Additionally, applicants should possess a minimum of three years of experience in a related field and a valid driver's license. Furthermore, some positions may require professional licensure or certification in a related field.

The Architect of the Capitol offers a wide range of benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; long-term disability insurance; a retirement savings plan; flexible spending accounts; and a variety of employee assistance programs. Employees also receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, and can take advantage of educational and training opportunities.