Architect

General Job Information

Job Summary

This position is located within the District of Columbia Government (District), Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Office of Capital Projects (Office). The Architect is responsible for providing professional architecture services for the agency and the incumbent will serve as the expert and authority on architectural matters regarding the creation of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive facilities that increase the quality of life for District of Columbia residents.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conducts reviews, studies, reports, tests, calculations, designs, plans, specifications, drawings, cost estimates, inspections, program management, and related services to facilitate the efficient development, maintenance and operation of parks / sites in the department's management. Formulates standards, procedures, and practices for landscape architectural services. Ensures services are based on professional concepts, principles and government policy and regulations. Accommodates political constrains and meet requirements and objectives of the agency. Facilitates provisions and use of services by providing information and instructions. Monitors adequacy and timeliness of services rendered to ensure that they serve the intended purpose and to devise action that improve future services. Works closely with other professional staff to ensure projects are completed based on established deadlines set by parks and Chief of Maintenance and Operations. Assist with unique and unusual projects, coordinates work with other disciplines (civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, architects, etc.), and collaborates with other professionals as appropriate. Maintains records on the status of projects and prepares production reports as requested. Provides critical input on plan programs, and activities affecting park sites. Assists in evaluating the need for new or improved site developments and prioritizing of projects. Evaluates development proposals and defines planning, design, and construction requirements with cost estimates. Reviews studies, cost estimates, calculations, designs, construction documents and other landscape architectural work products. Inspects site to evaluate condition or analyze specific problems. This involves on the-spot advice for temporary corrective measures on emergency projects in which sites or their users are threatened. Provides professional advice on a wide range of matters such as use permits cooperative agreements, concessionary contracts, adequacy of concessionary facilities, contract disputes, energy conservation, safety programs, recruitment of minority professional, publications, etc.

Consults with other design professionals to develop work plans, set priorities, and define schedule, budget, and job requirements for each team member. Directs and coordinates work, adjusts schedules and assignments, and solves problems and monitors production. Provides reviews to ensure functional and professional adequacy. Processes work products and provides follow-up advice and guidance. In a similar manner, serves as A / E (Architect / Engineer) manager of professional services contracts. Develops scopes of work, cost estimates for service and assists in the selection of A / E. Monitors cost, progress and quality of work. Serves as liaison between the contract organization and government officials, coordinates government activities and process work product. Performs landscape architectural studies, prepares technical reports, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for new sites or the repair and improvement of existing sites. Provides in-depth and detailed oral, as well as, graphic technical presentations before community groups and various professional organizations. Assists the department coordinator responsible for providing technical advice on trail planning, design, and construction. Assists in evaluating the need for new or improved trail developments and prioritizing trail projects. Coordinates meetings between agency and special interest groups to negotiate and arrange for the execution of regional trail improvements. Functions also as the Sign Coordinator who is responsible for assisting and providing advice to the Regional Director on regional and park sign matters; providing on projects. Reviews park sign plans and recommends approval.

Qualifications and Education

A degree in architecture; or related field that included 60 semester hours of course work in architecture or related disciplines of which at least (1) 30 semester hours were in architectural design, and (2) 6 semester hours were in each of the following : structural technology, properties of materials and methods of construction, and environmental control systems.

OR

Combination of education and experience college-level education, training, and / or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the arts and sciences underlying professional architecture, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design and construction or improvement of buildings.

AND

Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the CS-12 grade level, or its non-District equivalent gained from the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Licenses and Certifications

None.

Working Conditions / Environment

The work is sedentary and primarily performed in an office setting. On occasion, at construction sites, exposed to dust and chemical odors requiring the incumbent to wear a hard hat and other protective equipment.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty : Monday thru Friday; 8 : 15 am – 4 : 45 pm.

Pay Plan, Series and Grade :  CS-0808-13

Promotion Potential :  No known promotion potential

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non- Union) : This position is not covered under a Collective Bargaining Unit.

Duration of Appointment : Career Service - Permanent

Position Designation : The position has been deemed security-sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit check, traffic record checks, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.

Residency Preference :   When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement : The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.