Architect

$92,057 - $138,086/Yr

City of Evanston, IL - Evanston, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Evanston, IL

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

This position provides architectural services involving the evaluation, development, construction and maintenance of City building projects, including managing these projects from inception to construction completion. Identifies and evaluates City buildings in need of attention to recommend repairs and modifications. Prepares Requests for Proposals / Requests for Qualifications as needed for hiring of consultant services as well as participating and/or managing the evaluation of proposals that are received. Develops project documents including design, cost estimates, scheduling and construction related information; prepares directs, plans, coordinates and implements approved Capital Improvement Program projects involving City building projects, office remodeling and parks amenities; manages the delivery of quality construction to design specifications and expectations of the City, within budget and schedule; provides leadership and direction to suppliers of construction services, materials and equipment; acts as liaison between contractors and City officials; may make presentations to neighborhood groups and/or City Council committees, boards or commissions regarding project plans and progress. Works closely with others in the Public Works Agency and the Capital Planning and Engineering Division to continuously determine ways to learn from each other and make work progress more efficiently. Interfaces with the other City departments. Assists with the implementation of the department wide computerized maintenance management system.

Responsibilities

• Plans, designs, and directs construction and maintenance of facilities improvements.
• Prepares contract drawings utilizing architectural and engineering drawing software.
• Prepares contract technical specifications in compliance with industry standards.
• Prepares Division 0 and Division 1 in compliance with City of Evanston guidelines and policies.
• Prepares architectural and engineering cost estimates for capital improvement projects.
• Understands and incorporates requirements of external agencies, such as Cook County, the State of Illinois Historic Preservation Division, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Understands and interprets applicable building codes; completes building code analysis as needed, develops code compliant designs and reviews City projects for compliance with building codes.
• Prepares permit applications and applies for permits in support of City infrastructure projects from the City of Evanston and from outside agencies.
• Works within the City of Evanston purchasing policies to procure architectural, engineering and contractor services.
• Manages construction projects for improvements to municipal facilities, including providing construction observation and field reports, tracking project communications, and reviewing and approving shop drawings and other submittals.
• Investigates complaints from citizens, contractors and the general public; responds and resolves situations in accordance with City standards and parameters.
• Reviews and approves contractor and consultant pay estimates.
• Supervises project closeout, including production of as-built drawings.
• Prepares Requests for Qualifications and Requests for Proposals to contract with consulting firms for the purpose of planning, design and construction of municipal infrastructure improvements.
• Working with the Law Department and the Purchasing Division, prepares consultant and contractor contracts.
• Oversees the work of consulting firms, vendors and contractors that are under contract for the improvement of the City's infrastructure.
• Performs technical research in developing solutions to architectural and engineering problems.
• Completes planning studies to resolve municipal infrastructure challenges.
• Prepares memoranda and reports working with consultant and/or in-house staff for internal and external use.
• May attend community and neighborhood meetings, including evenings and weekends, to discuss infrastructure challenges, listen to concerns, present plans and recommendations for improvements, and resolve issues.
• May prepare and submit applications for grant and loan funding, as well as providing documentation for reporting requirements once grants are received.
• Resolves internal customer issues related to facilities concerns.
• Compiles information needed to respond to council member requests.
• Utilizes the City's Building Automation System and Computerized Maintenance Management System to obtain information related to facility systems performance.
• Drives a vehicle to job sites in various locations around the City of Evanston.
• Uses Personal Protective Equipment as appropriate to the task and environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree in Architecture or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university.
• Must possess at least 5 years of progressively responsible architect experience.
• Must possess an Architect License from the State of Illinois or obtain within 12 months.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record.
• Must be able to obtain confined space certification within 12 months of employment.
• Within 18 months, must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification in IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100, and ICS-200.
• Working knowledge of architectural theory, principles, and practices.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications specifically, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, AutoCAD Building Design Suite (including Revit).
• Knowledge of Sketchup or similar software is preferred.
• Experience using Building Information Modeling is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas: Ability to analyze comprehensive business processes, perform in-depth work analyses, and associated project plans for executing changes to existing policies and processes.
• Thorough knowledge of contract document development for architectural projects.
• Thorough knowledge of cost estimation, scheduling and construction related methods.
• Thorough knowledge of design development.
• Thorough knowledge of plan review, plan development, design and working drawings.
• Thorough knowledge of design of architectural improvements.
• Working knowledge of contract development and execution.
• Working knowledge of consultant selection process, techniques, and methods.
• Working knowledge of construction management.
• Working knowledge of building codes, applicable law, and regulations.
• Knowledge of municipal policy and process theory, evaluation of concepts; ability to assemble, analyze and organize critical data.
• Ability to learn, understand and incorporate city ordinances, rules, regulations, and procedures into daily activities.
• Ability to work on municipal projects, some which may have conflicting deadlines and/or priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals and staff throughout the City and outside of the organization.
• Capability to perform a large volume of numerical detailed work accurately, to make difficult mathematical computations with mechanical assistance, and to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions including technical terminology.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and lead special project teams.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret scientific and technical journals, manuals, ordinances, policies and procedures, ordinances, statues, rules, regulations, newspapers, memos, letters, abstracts, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Comfort and ability to speak before audiences with poise, voice control and confidence, using proper grammar and vocabulary appropriate to the audience.

Benefits

• Salary range: $92,057.39 - $138,086.66 annually.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.