Sr. Project Architect

DEFINITION: Serves as senior project architect for the planning, design and construction phases of new construction and renovation capital improvement projects. Plans, organizes, and directs the oversight of large, multi-faceted capital improvement projects and architectural/ engineering studies. Performs other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Provides overall project oversight, reporting, and coordination for large, single-and multi-phased capital improvement projects at various phases (planning, design, and construction).
• Manages the architecture/engineering design teams, construction managers, and contractors to ensure the study or project is being completed on time and under budget. Ensures that projects maintain completion milestones. Resolves project design issues and construction delays.
• Assists in creating and updating design standards. Oversees preparation and documentation for facility’s feasibility studies, planning studies, and site studies. Assists in creating and updating education specifications.
• Prepares schematic designs/design development/construction documents packages, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Reviews, comments upon, and approves engineering designs of in-house and consultant engineers. Reviews drawings, specifications, and calculations to ensure compliance with design standards and intent. Interprets codes, regulations, and requirements.
• Participates in community engagement and committee meetings with community and school stakeholders. Oversees preparation of historic property’s Determination of Eligibility, as needed.
• Performs constructability reviews during the design process to find potential sources of conflict. Investigates project sites to document existing conditions and possible issues.
• Participates in and conducts meetings with consultants, school administrators, the public and others. Participates in project design and bidding process, assisting BCPS’ project manager/planner. Participates in pre-bid meetings with contractors and representatives of other agencies. Assists with answering contractor questions during bid phase of project. Conducts pre-construction meetings with contractors.
• Ensures that contractors adhere to established schedules, standards, and contracts. Meets with and coordinates project work with school-based administrators, contractors, and others.
• Serves as liaison between the contractor, architect, BCPS, and the Office of Facilities Construction and Improvement.
• Analyzes complex building issues and recommends a course of action based on analysis. Prepares and presents detailed studies and reports. Works with engineers, architects, maintenance staff, and others to investigate and resolve problems.
• Prepares and reviews cost estimates, specifications, and other construction documents. Navigates and prepares the review and approval of projects with the State of Maryland and other outside agencies. Gathers and assembles data required for state reports and other documents. Prepares correspondence relating to projects.
• Develops and implements scopes of work, cost estimates, design/technical submittal reviews, change order management and financial and schedule oversight.
• Evaluates data/information with electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers; prepares schematic design solutions.
• Develops and tracks construction project plans, schedules, and budgets. Checks drawings and confirms that the construction is performed according to the drawings, specifications, and codes. Oversees and approves projects as they progress. Visits project sites, evaluates the existing conditions; meets with the principals for their input.
• Prepares correspondence related to projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree in architecture or engineering. Eight years of experience in architectural design or engineering. Experience with public K-12 and/or large Capital projects is preferred.

Note: Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively in the class may be considered.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid class C Maryland driver's license or an equivalent is required.

A professional license in architecture from the State of Maryland or an equivalent is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of architectural design.

Thorough knowledge, skills, and abilities in engineering.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities to supervise assigned engineering and design professionals.

Skill and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with school personnel, consultants, contractors, manufacturers’ representatives, utility services, and others as necessary. Skill and ability to negotiate consultants’ proposals for professional services and change orders. Skill and ability to ensure the accuracy of construction drawings and specifications.

Skill and ability to organize, plan, and execute work with minimal supervision.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with contractors, school-based administrators, and others.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Ability to maintain confidential information.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The duties of this class are generally sedentary with occasional walking, standing, and other limited physical activities. Duties will require travel to sites throughout Baltimore County and movement through project sites, buildings, and areas under construction. Work may include walking, standing, climbing ladders, and exposure to potential hazards, such has traffic, heavy equipment, and adverse site conditions/weather when on construction sites.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Persons appointed to this classification are designated as Essential-As-Needed Personnel and are required to work when schools and/or offices are closed during adverse weather conditions or any other emergency when contracted and directed to do so.

Employees in this class may be assigned to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Employees are subject to call to duty in emergencies and may be required to work beyond their regularly scheduled hours with little advanced notice.

FLSA: Exempt

GRADE: 07/OPE

RETIREMENT: Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System

SCHEDULE: Full Time

SALARY: $84,696 to $133,558 (Annual Salary Scale for Exempt 12-Month Employees Represented by BCPSOPE 2024-2025 Effective July 1, 2024)

OTHER COMPENSATION: This position may be eligible for comp time. Visit the BCPS website to review the OPE Master Agreement for additional information at https://www.bcps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2828&pageId=69996497.

BENEFITS: BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid vacation, paid holiday’s, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire.

Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at

https://www.bcps.org/hr/compliance/benefits_and_retirement

This class specification defines the types of duties and level of difficulty of work required of positions in this title. It shall not be held to exclude duties not mentioned nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required.