City Architect (Austin Facilities Management)

City Architect

The City Architect plays a vital role in developing policies and standards for the City's facilities including space planning, green building, design, and other criteria. This position is pivotal to the transformation of the City of Austin, particularly concerning its city-owned facilities. This role will serve as an essential conduit, collaborating with city consultants to facilitate the development of scopes for new facilities in partnership with customers. Moreover, the City Architect will play a crucial role in collaborating with Real Estate, Austin Climate Action & Resilience (ACAR), Strategic Facilities Governance Team, Austin Financial Services, and other pertinent departments to formulate a comprehensive master plan for the city. This plan will involve identifying assets and resources related to buildings, assessing their value, and discerning opportunities for redevelopment, monetization, renovation, and other potential actions. Austin Facilities Management (AFM) supports this work with 321 employees, an operating budget of $75 million, and a Capital Improvement Budget of $15 million. The City's portfolio consists of 8.9 million square feet of conditioned space across 220 properties, representing an investment of more than $1 billion.

Purpose:

Under general direction, plans, coordinates and manages business activities related to architectural, urban and sustainability planning for the City of Austin Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

• Manages and oversees architectural project management for CIP projects to ensure City architectural requirements, initiatives, and standards are incorporated into municipal project design and construction.
• Creates, implements, and maintains design guidelines and space planning standards for municipal architectural projects to ensure adherence to defined industry best practices and standards as well as local and federal guidelines and regulations.
• Provides expert technical advice and assistance to resolve design and design change issues to project engineers, project managers, City management, field personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Conducts architectural and sustainability review of CIP projects in accordance with established Public Works Quality Assurance policies and protocols.
• Plans, oversees, and monitors budget preparation and adherence.
• Oversees the review and selection of external contractors or consultants and may assign to City projects or programs based upon appropriate areas of expertise.
• Oversees implementation of Council Resolutions for sustainability requirements for all City architectural projects.
• Facilitates the incorporation of safety, health, sustainability, maintainability, the arts, local history and cultural identities in City projects.
• Serves as liaison on behalf of the Public Works Department to community and neighborhood groups, public entities, professional organizations, boards, commissions, committees, City Council, and other City departments.
• Affixes seal of approval onto construction documents to ensure readiness for regulatory approval, permitting, and construction.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of theoretical and practical architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design, construction, and construction management or improvement of buildings.
• Knowledge of building construction, building materials, and building trades.
• Knowledge of construction project management methods, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of urban design, city planning principles, and landscape design.
• Knowledge of capital improvement programs.
• Knowledge of sustainable design strategies and LEED rating system.
• Skilled in supervising and planning the work of others.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skilled in analyzing comprehensive architectural design specifications and documents.
• Skilled in prioritizing multiple assignments, projects, and business needs.
• Skilled in implementing Project Management Standards as developed by Project Management Institute.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, specifications, and drawings.
• Ability to observe, compare, or monitor and determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all public contacts.
• Ability to communicate in both verbal and written formats to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to develop cost estimates.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited university; plus (10) ten years of experience as a Registered Architect, (3) three years of which were in a supervisory or management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Must be a Registered Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in sustainability and green building
• Knowledge and experience with local building codes, ADA compliance, zoning regulations and other laws applicable to design and construction
• Experience managing project budgets, scopes, and schedules
• Experience supervising teams of both professional and operational staff
• Experience developing and monitoring policies and procedures
• Experience presenting information to diverse stakeholder groups including City Council, boards and commissions, and advisory committees
• Experience in Urban/Master Facility planning and Environmental studies
• Possess strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills

Notes to Candidate:

Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after seven (7) days.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Days and Hours:

Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary based on departmental needs and initiatives. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. This is an exempt-level position.

Work Location: 411 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702

Salary Range: $104,300.00 - $134,000.00 annually

This position may require an assessment.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

Important Application Information – City of Austin

The City of Austin employment application is an official document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A detailed and complete employment application is required to evaluate your qualifications and determine your salary if you are selected for the position.

Application Requirements:

• List your complete employment history, including job titles, employment dates, number of employees supervised (if applicable), and detailed job duties and responsibilities descriptions.
• Do not use statements such as "see resume" or "see LinkedIn profile."
• Resumes will not substitute for a complete application and will not be used to determine qualifications or salary.
• A resume and cover letter is required and should describe your interest in the position and highlight relevant experience.
• All responses to supplemental questions must be supported by information in your application.
• No changes will be accepted after the job posting closes.

If you are Selected as a Top Candidate:

• We will verify your employment history, professional references, and education (including high school, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees).
• Proof of education from an accredited institution, verification of professional licenses or certifications, and a copy of your DD-214 (if claiming veteran's preference) may be requested directly from the issuing institution or accrediting authority.
• Verification of foreign education credentials through a recognized third-party evaluation service and confirmation of accreditation status with the issuing institution and its accrediting body. Providing unofficial credentials during the application process is recommended to support meeting minimum qualifications. A formal and official verification process will be required before the offer extension step if you are selected for the offer.

Driving Requirement (if applicable):

• This position may require a valid Texas Class C Driver's License or the ability to obtain one by your hire date.
• External new hires must meet the City's Driver Record Evaluation (