County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to provide architectural services and project management for Alameda County building projects; provide professional architectural control on a variety of capital construction, modification or major maintenance projects and studies; review, analyze, and manage work of consulting firms; provide architectural and design and related services; and perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This position is located in the General Services Agency’s Technical Services Department and reports to the Supervising Architect. Architects may provide design services, construction oversight and project management services directly or by supervising consultants who perform these services.

It is distinguished from the classification of Supervising Architect in that the latter has supervisory responsibility for the Architects and Architectural Project Managers.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Manages capital construction, modification and/or major maintenance projects including developing project’s budget scope and schedule, either personally or through contractors.

2. Insures that projects confirm with applicable County, State and Federal codes and regulations, and that projects are appropriate, cost-effective and in conformance with generally accepted principles of construction and design.

3. Meets with operating departments to establish needs related to a particular project. Advises department representatives regarding construction costs and techniques, schedule and budget issues.

4. Conducts studies of existing and proposed building and alterations; makes estimates of costs for projects; determines space and utility requirements; advises on feasibility of projects; prepares drawings, reports and recommendations.

5. Reviews and recommends appropriate code and regulatory elements of projects. Advises others in General Services Agency and the County on applicable code requirements. Reviews and coordinates the work of consultants with regard to code compliance, including handicap access requirements of the ADA. Consults with local building officials to resolve issues concerning code interpretation, on an as-needed basis.

6. Plans and directs the work of consultants hired by the County to provide professional architectural and engineering services. Reviews and approves the work product of these consultants.

7. Plans and administers procurement of professional architectural and engineering services through the County's public procurement process, including requests for proposals, interviews and contract negotiations.

8. Oversees and administers the Public bid process for Construction in accordance with County and Public Contract Code requirements and procedures. Administers County processes related to those activities including preparation of official correspondence for Board of Supervisors action, purchase orders and other instruments of payment.

9. Makes presentations to County officials, governmental and regulatory agencies, community groups and others.

10. Reads and edits drawings created using AutoCAD drafting software, computer-generated schedules, spread sheets and other project control instruments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited college or university or eligible, as determined by the California Architects Board, to meet the educational and experience credit requirement for Architectural Registration Examination (ARE).

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of five years (from initial date of registration) of increasingly responsible full-time professional architectural experience, including project management experience and administrative experience in a variety of project types and complexity. Space planning and/or interior design experience is preferred.

Certification:

Possession of a valid registration as an Architect issued by the State of California Board of Architectural Examiners.

License:

Possess and maintain a valid California Motor Vehicle operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· Architectural design and site planning.
· Architectural practices and procedures.
· Federal, state and local building codes, laws and standards pertaining to public building projects.
· Building technology; building systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning); lighting and lighting control systems; building structural types and components.
· Construction means and methods, bidding and pricing of work by contractors, and general labor issues for the construction industry.
· Waterproofing and roofing design and repair.
· Key issues of public safety and procedural laws related to abatement and handling of asbestos and other hazardous materials.
· Project budgeting and scheduling and project cost control techniques.
· Construction project management and contract administration principals, methods, tools and techniques.
· Computer technology and management systems including Computer Assisted Design (CAAD).
· Interior furnishings systems and case goods.
· Interior finishes and materials.

ABILITY TO:

· Relate to and work with a variety of people to achieve project goals; work with sensitivity, judgement and tact in dealing effectively with people.
· Write clearly and concisely.
· Communicate orally and make presentations.
· Make decisions.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

ABILITY TO:

· Analyze and solve problems.
· Plan and organize.
· Effectively manage multiple projects.
· Successfully adapt to changing priorities.
· Travel to the “field” to observe construction and meet with user “clients”.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

LW:8/77
DF:sw Revised 11/05/93
Oldspec: Y:\0267H.wpf
Newspecs: 2215.doc
CSC DATE: 11/17/93
BG:pf 1st draft Rev. 12/19/00
JC:pf 2nd draft Rev. 2/5/02
Csc date: 4/24/02

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.