About This Position

 

The City Architect plays a vital role in developing policies and standards for the City’s facilities including space planning, green building, design, and other criteria. This position is pivotal to the transformation of the City of Austin, particularly concerning its city-owned facilities. This role will serve as an essential conduit, collaborating with city consultants to facilitate the development of scopes for new facilities in partnership with customers. Moreover, the City Architect will play a crucial role in collaborating with Real Estate, Austin Climate Action & Resilience (ACAR), Strategic Facilities Governance Team, Austin Financial Services, and other pertinent departments to formulate a comprehensive master plan for the city. This plan will involve identifying assets and resources related to buildings, assessing their value, and discerning opportunities for redevelopment, monetization, renovation, and other potential actions. Austin Facilities Management (AFM) supports this work with 321 employees, an operating budget of $75 million, and a Capital Improvement Budget of $15 million. The City’s portfolio consists of 8.9 million square feet of conditioned space across 220 properties, representing an investment of more than $1 billion.

 

Job Description:

City Architect

Purpose:

Under general direction, plans, coordinates and manages business activities related to architectural, urban and sustainability planning for the City of Austin Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Manages and oversees architectural project management for CIP projects to ensure City architectural requirements, initiatives, and standards are incorporated into municipal project design and construction.
• Creates, implements, and maintains design guidelines and space planning standards for municipal architectural projects to ensure adherence to defined industry best practices and standards as well as local and federal guidelines and regulations.
• Provides expert technical advice and assistance to resolve design and design change issues to project engineers, project managers, City management, field personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Conducts architectural and sustainability review of CIP projects in accordance with established Public Works Quality Assurance policies and protocols.
• Plans, oversees, and monitors budget preparation and adherence.
• Oversees the review and selection of external contractors or consultants and may assign to City projects or programs based upon appropriate areas of expertise.
• Oversees implementation of Council Resolutions for sustainability requirements for all City architectural projects.
• Facilitates the incorporation of safety, health, sustainability, maintainability, the arts, local history and cultural identities in City projects.
• Serves as liaison on behalf of the Public Works Department to community and neighborhood groups, public entities, professional organizations, boards, commissions, committees, City Council, and other City departments.
• Affixes seal of approval onto construction documents to ensure readiness for regulatory approval, permitting, and construction.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of theoretical and practical architectural principles, methods, and techniques and their applications to the design, construction, and construction management or imporvement of buildings.
• Knowledge of building construction, building materials, and building trades.
• Knowledge of construction project management methods, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of urban design, city planning principles, and landscape design.
• Knowledge of capital improvement programs.
• Knowledge of sustainable design strategies and LEED rating system. 
• Skilled in supervising and planning the work of others.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skilled in analyzing comprehensive architectural design specifications and documents.
• Skilled in prioritizing multiple assignments, projects, and business needs.
• Skilled in implementing Project Management Standards as developed by Project Management Institute.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, specifications, and drawings.
• Ability to observe, compare, or monitor and determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all public contacts.
• Ability to communicate in both verbal and written formats to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to develop cost estimates.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from an accredited university; plus (10) ten years of experience as a Registered Architect, (3) three years of which were in a supervisory or management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Must be a Registered Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in sustainability and green building

• Knowledge and experience with local building codes, ADA compliance, zoning regulations and other laws applicable to design and construction

• Experience managing project budgets, scopes, and schedules

• Experience supervising teams of both professional and operational staff

• Experience developing and monitoring policies and procedures

• Experience presenting information to diverse stakeholder groups including City Council, boards and commissions, and advisory committees

• Experience in Urban/Master Facility planning and Environmental studies

• Possess strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills

 

Notes to Candidate:

Please note that the Department may close the job posting at any time after seven (7) days.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Days and Hours:

Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hours may vary based on departmental needs and initiatives. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. This is an exempt-level position.

Work Location: 411 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702

Salary Range: $104,300.00 - $134,000.00 annually

This position may require an assessment.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

Important Application Information – City of Austin

The City of Austin employment application is an official document.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  A detailed and complete employment application is required to evaluate your qualifications and determine your salary if you are selected for the position.

Application Requirements:

• List your complete employment history, including job titles, employment dates, number of employees supervised (if applicable), and detailed job duties and responsibilities descriptions.
• Do not use statements such as “see resume” or “see LinkedIn profile.”
• Resumes will not substitute for a complete application and will not be used to determine qualifications or salary.
• A resume and cover letter is required and should describe your interest in the position and highlight relevant experience.
• All responses to supplemental questions must be supported by information in your application.
• No changes will be accepted after the job posting closes.

If you are Selected as a Top Candidate:

• We will verify your employment history, professional references, and education (including high school, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees). 
• Proof of education from an accredited institution, verification of professional licenses or certifications, and a copy of your DD-214 (if claiming veteran’s preference) may be requested directly from the issuing institution or accrediting authority.
• Verification of foreign education credentials through a recognized third-party evaluation service and confirmation of accreditation status with the issuing institution and its accrediting body.  Providing unofficial credentials during the application process is recommended to support meeting minimum qualifications.  A formal and official verification process will be required before the offer extension step if you are selected for the offer.

Driving Requirement (if applicable):

• This position may require a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one by your hire date.
• External new hires must meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) standards (e.g., no more than 3 moving violations or 6 points in the last 36 months).

Travel:

• If the position requires travel, you must meet Driver Safety Program standards, Otherwise, you are responsible for transportation to and from multiple job sites as needed.

Essential/Critical Employee Designation:

• Some positions are designated as Critical or Essential.  Employees in these roles are required to report to work during emergencies or when operations are modified.  This may include working from a designated site or an alternative work location.

Work Conditions:

• Work hours may vary based on operational needs and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call assignments.
• A skills assessment may be required as part of the hiring process.

Veteran Preference:

• Veteran candidates must provide a copy of their DD-214 at the interview to receive the veteran’s preference.

Internal Candidates – Good Standing Policy.

Background Check:

• A criminal background check may be required, depending on the responsibilities of the position.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.