Architect - City of Birmingham

12/31/2025 Grade 28 Full time Architects working within the Merit System focus on advanced professional architectural work in the design and development of buildings and facilities. Their work involves the application of architectural principles and techniques in the planning, design, development, and construction of buildings and facilities. They are responsible for the signing and sealing of plans, obtaining permits for construction, and the review of plans and specifications submitted by consultants and contractors. Individuals in this position are required to furnish technical advice to administrative superiors in the development and negotiation of plans and specifications for building and facilities construction. They are expected to use independent judgement, determining the best approach to achieve results that are in compliance with project objectives, as well as professional standards and regulations. Their work is subject to review by the Chief Architect or other managers for adherence to established norms and project guidelines. Birmingham $65,998.40 - $102,398.40

• Driver's License.
• Licensed as an Architect in the state of Alabama OR Certified through the National Council for Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) that would lead to licensure in Alabama within six weeks.
• Experience in all phases of architecture project delivery (e.g., initial client contact, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bid/award, contract administration, project closeout).

• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (i.e., NCARB) certified.
• Incident Command System (i.e., ICS) certified.

• Performs professional architectural functions including designing, remodeling/ renovating by applying architectural principles and practices to projects of varying complexity in order to ensure the viability and sustainability of the City facilities and related projects.
• Oversees projects carried out by professionals including consultants, engineers, surveyors, and contractors in order to maximize the efficiency of each project and ensure that development meets the necessary standards.
• Reviews construction work of contractors during the building process to ensure compliance with the contract documents.
• Reviews plans prepared by consulting architects for compliance with codes and policies.
• Works with consultants to define, review and specify the requirements for new construction and remodeling projects, building maintenance, building security, electrical and mechanical systems, landscaping, life safety, space utilization, and long-range facilities planning.
• Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of professional and technical staff in the Architectural Division.
• Performs administrative duties including planning, contract administration and assisting in budget development, and writing various reports.
• Prepares contract documents, project schedules, and charge orders on a continuing basis.
• Directs activities of employees engaged in preparing drawings and specification documents.
• Examines and approves or rejects preliminary designs and finished drawings, plans, specifications, and estimates.
• Draws rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data.

Job is primarily sedentary involving sitting for long periods of time. At times, job may require light to moderate physical exertion, including climbing, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or twisting. Work is conducted mostly indoors in an office setting, with periodic field visits to outdoor worksites. Incumbents may be required to enter properties, construction sites, residences, and buildings under various stages of construction and repair.