Chief Architect



JOB CODE: 1016

PAY GRADE: 2320

SALARY RANGE: $70,319 - $117,666

LOCATION OF WORK
Department of Buildings & Grounds

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under general direction of the Buildings & Grounds Director, performs responsible administrative and professional architectural work as a licensed professional architect assisting in directing Department of Buildings & Grounds activities. Work involves administering contracts for professional architectural and nonprofessional services for construction of capital improvement programs. Work requires exceptional teamwork and the use of independent judgment within established policy guidelines. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Actively participates in the senior leadership team of Buildings & Grounds to enhance operational efficiency, continually improve client services, and build the capability of the staff through workforce development programs. In this role, consults closely with the Buildings & Grounds Director and fellow senior leadership team members. Oversees multi-million dollar capital improvement programs, including budget control; federal, state, and local compliance issues; and administration of contracts for architectural and construction services. Oversees, prepares, and amends project proposals, architectural plans, specifications, contracts, and reports for capital construction projects; observes and inspects construction projects. Oversees Fire and Life Safety Code enforcement and permitting with the Office of State Fire Marshal. Consults with assigned design professionals and reviews each phase of the planning for capital construction projects. Approves invoices and payment requests; reviews and responds to correspondence; compiles reports for the Mayor-President, Councilmembers, Buildings & Grounds Director, and Finance Director. Appears in a variety of public settings to represent Buildings & Grounds, such as Metro Council meetings, public hearings, public outreach programs, and before various boards and courts to testify in appeals and other legal actions. Investigates and resolves citizen complaints; provides technical assistance and meets with public officials, professional groups, and representatives from other government entities. Supervises employees and office procedures; hires and trains subordinate personnel; prepares reports regarding personnel records and time sheets.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles and practices of architecture, particularly as applied to public works projects, including building design and development. Knowledge of the modern developments, current literature, and resources regarding professional architecture. Knowledge of policies and procedures of the department. Knowledge of the principles of supervision and training. Skill in the use of a variety of computers and computer-aided design and drafting software. Ability to negotiate agreements and contracts. Ability to plan, schedule, and supervise a large group of professional, paraprofessional, skilled, and semiskilled employees in a variety of architectural and construction activities. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, subordinates, architects, engineers, and the public. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely to groups and to individuals. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in architecture, and six years of post-license experience in the practice of professional architecture, including four years of managerial experience (may include complex project management).

SUBSTITUTIONS
Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
(Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of appointment and must be maintained current throughout employment in this classification.) Possession of a license to practice professional architecture as issued by the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners. Position(s) of this classification may require a valid Louisiana driver's license. If license is required, must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

OTHER JOB ASPECTS
None.


NOTE:
The work examples described in this specification are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from job performance requirements if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the job.