Staff Associate Architect or Engineer, Capital Projects - UT System (Memphis, TN)

University of Tennessee - Memphis, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Memphis, TN

Educational Services

About the position

The Staff Associate Architect or Engineer position at the University of Tennessee System is a pivotal role based in Memphis, TN, primarily focused on managing capital projects servicing the Health Science Center in Memphis, UT Martin, and various UT Institute of Agriculture centers. The selected candidate will oversee projects from the initial programming phase through to construction completion, ensuring that all aspects of the projects align with the University’s Capital Program. This role requires a proactive approach in assisting division management and University administrators in the planning and administration of capital projects, contributing to the overall mission of the UT System to serve the educational and community needs of Tennessee and beyond. In this capacity, the Staff Associate will participate in the evaluation and selection of architects, engineers, and contractors for capital projects. They will provide ongoing evaluations and feedback throughout the design and construction processes, ensuring that all projects meet the required standards and specifications. The role involves coordinating design services, reviewing designs at each phase, and making recommendations regarding payments for design service providers. Additionally, the Staff Associate will coordinate the bidding process for construction, evaluate bids, and recommend contract awards. The position also entails overseeing the construction of capital projects, which includes reviewing contractor shop drawings, conducting field inspections, leading progress meetings, resolving problems, and reviewing change orders. The Staff Associate will be responsible for the monthly review and approval of payment requests to contractors during the construction phase. Upon project completion, they will coordinate substantial and final completion inspections, deliver project records, and provide operations and maintenance manuals along with training for facilities services. Furthermore, the role includes gathering feedback from building occupants through a post-occupancy evaluation process and assisting in the review of submissions for all capital projects. The Staff Associate will also play a key role in project site selection and the development or evaluation of facilities programs for both new and renovation projects, contributing to master planning efforts and updates for the campus and institutions.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the evaluation for the selection of Architect/Engineer and Contractors for Capital Projects.
• Provides evaluations and feedback of services throughout the design and construction process.
• Coordinates Design Services on Capital Projects and reviews designs for each phase of design.
• Reviews and recommends payments for design service providers through the process of design & construction.
• Coordinates bidding for construction, receipt and evaluation of bids, and recommendation for award of contracts.
• Coordinates/reviews construction of capital projects through contractor shop drawings and other submittals reviews, field inspections, progress meetings, problem resolutions, and change order reviews.
• Conducts monthly review and approval of requests for payment to contractors during construction.
• Coordinates substantial and final completion inspections, delivery of project records, operations & maintenance manuals, and operations training for facilities services.
• Manages construction close-out and completion/occupancy processes.
• Coordinates the collection of feedback from building occupants via a post-occupancy evaluation process.
• Assists the Department of Capital Projects in reviewing submissions for all capital projects.
• Coordinates project site selection for specific capital projects.
• Coordinates, develops, or evaluates facilities programs for both new and renovation projects.
• Provides assistance in master planning and master planning updates for the campus and institutions, including facilities assessment needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required and professional registration as a licensed architect (or engineer).
• A minimum of 5 years' experience as a registered design professional, preferably in a professional design firm.
• Technical expertise and judgment to identify and diagnose potential problems and solutions is necessary.
• Experience working with external design professionals and contractors.
• Experience in design, project management, and construction management.
• Experience in managing multi-discipline projects and coordinating work among them is essential.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to interact effectively with government officials and architectural and engineering professionals is essential.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in facilities associated with higher education is preferred.

Benefits

• Excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families.
• Generous retirement benefits.
• A wide variety of professional development opportunities.
• Supportive work and family benefits.
• No state income tax for Tennessee residents.