Architect - Senior

Job Description

Introduction

Living in Placer County from Placer County Video Portal

Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play, and learn! For more information about Placer County, please visit www.placer.ca.gov .

POSITION INFORMATION

The Capital Improvements Division of the Department of General Services is seeking a Senior Architect to support project management staff, and plan and administer facilities projects. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills as well as be organized and detail-oriented. Additionally, they will have experience managing some large-scale public projects. The division provides architectural design and construction management services for facility construction and improvement projects. The division staff oversees projects valued between $50,000 and over $50 million.

The eligible list created from this recruitment may also be used to fill both open and promotional vacancies as they arise, subject to specific position requirements.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

To perform the most complex professional architectural duties; to oversee consultant and construction contracts; and to provide assistance to management staff in developing and administering the division budget and division-wide policies and procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level in the Architect series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the journey level Architect by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, and the independence of action taken. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series, which includes the exercise of direct supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff as assigned. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from a Capital Improvements Manager and designated management personnel. May exercise direct supervision over assigned Capital Improvements professional, technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Direct, monitor, and oversee the work of division staff project teams, including professional level architects, senior project managers, technical and clerical staff.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training, conduct performance evaluations, recommend discipline; implement discipline as directed.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of assigned professional, technical and clerical staff.
• Prepare design and construction drawings and specifications for new construction or alterations; and prepare general layout and perspective drawings to illustrate and evaluate proposed projects.
• Provide construction contract administration for the most difficult and complex Capital Improvements projects undertaken by staff; conduct construction inspections for difficult projects and implement contract change orders as needed in order to ensure compliance with intended function of division projects.
  
• Assess departmental project funding and modify contract conditions with consultants and/or contractors as needed; manage construction budgets and coordinate and monitor capital improvements construction projects including consultation with architects, engineers, and consultants.
  
• Assist management staff in the development of technical standards and division-wide policies and guidelines; establish and monitor procedures for work flow and format.
  
• Participate in the development and administration of the division budget; provide cost estimates, projections and recommendations based upon needs analysis; monitor expenditures and provide feedback to management staff as needed.
  
• Plan check drawings and determine code compliance.
  
• Prepare reports, correspondence, agreements, graphs, tables and other written documents; analyze, interpret and explain laws, policies, codes and regulations to affected stakeholders; make presentations at public meetings as required.
  
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Show Your Qualifications

When applying, please be sure to clearly describe how your background meets each of the Minimum Qualifications listed below. This ensures our screening team can accurately evaluate your eligibility.

Experience: Three years as a licensed professional architect.

Training: Possession of an Architect License issued by the California Architects Board meets the training requirements for this classification.

Required License or Certificate:

• 
  May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
  
  
• Possession of an Architect License issued by the California Architects Board.
  

Experience as a Substitute

You may substitute relevant, equivalent experience for the required education. The Human Resources Department will evaluate your background to ensure it qualifies as the same knowledge, skills, and abilities as the specified degree or coursework.

International Degrees

If you earned your degree outside the United States, you must provide proof of accreditation from a recognized evaluation agency. Please attach this documentation to your application to ensure your education is verified.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of personnel management techniques, including employee supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
  
• Policies and procedures of assigned department and its respective divisions.
  
• County government and services as they relate to facility needs and administrative requirements.
  
• Principles and practices of architecture and construction management, including, but not limited to, building materials and construction methods, common descriptions of real property, and the methods and techniques used in planning, designing, and drafting municipal buildings.
  
• Principles and practices of project and contract administration, including budget management and control, basic accounting and contract negotiations.
  
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local statutes, ordinances, and regulations, including International Building Code and contract law.
  
• County procurement policies and procedures.
  
• Principles and practices of architectural design, including computer aided drafting and design technology.
  
• Statistical methods and analysis, and the use of statistics in reports.
  
• Modern office procedures and methods; computer hardware and software, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, CADD and graphics applications.
  
• Research, analysis, program development, and management techniques.
  
• Administrative procedures and methods.
  
• Business correspondence and report preparation.
  
• Workplace safety.
  

Ability to:

• Effectively plan, direct supervisor and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
  
• Organize, implement and direct architectural operations and activities of assigned division.
  
• Participate in the development, monitoring and administration of the division budget.
  
• Analyze, interpret and explain pertinent laws, codes, regulations, and Placer County policies and procedures.
  
• Prepare architectural drawings and specifications of difficult and complex alterations, new buildings, and miscellaneous construction projects.
  
• Review detailed plans and specifications; prepare contract documents and cost estimates for difficult and complex capital improvements projects.
  
• Analyze situations quickly and effectively and determine appropriate course of action; collect analyze, and interpret data; evaluate, negotiate, and resolve operational issues.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating 100%

Applicants are required to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire,which serves as the examination for this recruitment.

• Evaluation: We use a pre-determined formula to score your responses related to education, training, and professional experience.

Accuracy: Please ensure your application and questionnaire thoroughly reflect your background, as these scores determine your ranking on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-Hire Requirements

Candidates must complete the following requirements before their start date if an offer is extended:

• DOJ Criminal Background Clearance: Successfully complete a fingerprint-based background check through the California Department of Justice.
  
• Medical Evaluation: Pass a pre-employment physical, which may include drug screening and/or a psychological evaluation.
  
• Oath of Office: Subscribe to the constitutional oath or affirmation as required for all public employees by the California Constitution.
  
• Employment Eligibility Verification: Provide original documents that establish both identity and the legal right to work in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  

Position-Specific Requirements

In addition to the above, some positions may require one or more of the following:

• Age Verification: Provide documentation verifying that you meet the minimum legal age requirements for this position.
  
• Background Check: Some positions require a background investigation. This may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, polygraph, and/or proof of bonding.
  
• Law Enforcement: Applicants for law enforcement functions must complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process.
  
• Medi-Cal Access/Licensing: Applicants with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification.
  

Failure to clear all requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

Substitute Lists

The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill vacancies in similar roles or lower-level positions within the same career series (e.g., journey-level vs. entry-level).

• Interviews: If contacted to interview for a similar role, the hiring department will provide the specific job details before the interview.
  
• No Risk: Choosing not to interview for a different classification will not affect your standing on the original list for which you applied.
  

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Public Agency Eligible List

If you are a current or recent employee of another public agency, you may qualify for an expedited application process. Visit our Employees of Other Public Agencies page to view eligibility requirements, download required forms, and submit an application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All applicants and employees receive fair and equal consideration in every stage of employment. Employment decisions are based on job‑related qualifications and are not influenced by any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. Refer to our Equal Employment Opportunity Program and Policy Statement (PDF ) for detailed information.

Applicants who need an accommodation during the recruitment or examination process should contact Human Resources at least five working days before the scheduled exam.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Hannah Moore, Administrative Technician, at hmoore@placer.ca.gov or (530) 886-4667.

Closing Date/Time: Open Until Filled