County Architect

Summary

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

Under limited direction, performs responsible, professional architectural project control on a variety of construction, modification and maintenance projects and studies for County buildings and facilities; reviews and analyzes architectural and engineering work of consulting firms; provides architectural and/or engineering design and related services; performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of General Services or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This single incumbent classification requires registration as an Architect in the State of California and is fully qualified to perform the full range of architectural functions. Assignments are normally carried out with a minimum level of supervision and require the development of projects from initial programming efforts through final acceptance of construction and the warranty period.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Oversees and administers building modification or construction contracts for County buildings and facilities from projects definition and requests for proposal through construction phase and warranty period.
• Conducts studies of existing and proposed buildings and alterations.
• Confers with County departments in developing project requirements, drawings and preliminary cost estimates for projects to be used in establishing guidelines for contract architects and engineers or private developers.
• Provides advice and technical assistance to County management, staff, private consultants and contractors, and others as necessary for design, repair, maintenance and modification of varied facilities.
• Implements design programs; prepares plans, details, structural calculations, cost estimates and specifications for building construction and alterations.
• Consults with structural, mechanical and electrical engineers as required during the preparation of plans and specifications.
• Determines project’s space and program requirements; develops architectural solutions to these requirements for review by management, the using department and outside contractors.
• Prepares detailed design drawings and specifications of alterations, new buildings and miscellaneous construction projects for construction and bidding purposes.
• Prepares massing layout and perspective drawings to illustrate proposed projects.
• Coordinates plan review by City or County building officials for building permits and coordinates with outside agencies, utilities and others for ancillary needs for facility development.
• Reviews, checks and reports on proposals, drawings and specifications prepared by contract architects; reviews bids and recommends award of contracts.
• Approves materials and shop drawings; reviews and recommends change orders and progress payments on construction projects; maintains project administration files.
• Inspects or reviews work under construction to ensure that new construction and alteration work complies with plans, specifications and codes.
• Considers Requests for Information (RFI’s) and Change Notices for approval or denial to mitigate risk or enhance the position of the County during construction projects.
• Reviews and checks for accuracy the progress reports submitted by contractors.
• Prepares a variety of written correspondence including cost estimates, project budgets and operational correspondence; prepares special research studies and comprehensive reports related to County building facilities.
• Represents the department in meetings with elected officials, governmental or private sector organizations and citizens groups.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of architecture, including architectural details and standards.
• Principles and practices of mechanical, electrical and structural engineering as applied to architectural design and construction.
• Working knowledge of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) or other Sustainable Architecture discipline recognized by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) or similar agency.
• Applicable federal, state and local codes, ordinances and regulations including compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract administration and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Basic supervisory principles and practices.
• Planning and organizing building design programs.

Ability To:

• Analyze complex architectural design and construction problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
• Define projects, prepare requests for proposal, evaluate proposals and negotiate terms, and manage and administering contracts after award.
• Prepare renderings, architectural designs and specifications.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work.
• Prepare complete, concise and accurate correspondence and reports.
• Represent the County in meetings with individuals and groups.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering or related field; and

Two (2) years architectural experience in building and site construction.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Possess and maintain a valid California registration as a Professional Architect.
• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an office and outside environment.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.