Departmental Promotional Only County Architect Public Works

Please Note:

This is a departmental promotional recruitment. Departmental promotional recruitments are only open to permanent status County employees that are currently employed within the vacant positions department.

DEFINITION

Under general direction directs and oversees the day-to-day functions of the Facilities Management Division of the Public Works Department; serves as the Countys lead design authority and oversees the development and implementation of capital projects and facility standards; provides project management inspection and contract administration services for the construction acquisition and modification of County facilities; plans organizes and directs the architectural capital projects facility maintenance and real property functions of the County; coordinates the work of professional and technical staff with that of other divisions and departments; assists the Director of Public Works with overall departmental administration; and performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Public Works. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory professional technical and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This single position classification is a division manager classification that oversees directs and participates in all activities of the Public Works Facilities Management Division including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies procedures and services. This class is the principal professional architect for the County. This class has overall responsibility for the Capital Projects program including policy staffing budgeting and representation to the Board of Supervisors. This class provides assistance to the Director of Public Works in a variety of administrative coordinative analytical and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy County functions and activities including the role of the Board of Supervisors and the ability to develop oversee and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering County goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. This class is responsible for performing contract management and architectural work related to the construction modification acquisition or leasing of County facilities and managing the activities of facilities maintenance and custodial staff through subordinate supervisors. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment and make sound recommendations based on a high level of expertise. This class is distinguished from Director of Public Works in that the latter has overall administrative and policy responsibility for all public works functions and programs.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add modify change or rescind the work assignment of different positions.

• Plans manages and oversees the daily functions operations and activities of the Facilities Management Division of the Public Works Department including capital improvement projects involving County buildings facilities maintenance and real property services.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals objectives policies and priorities for the department; recommends within departmental policy appropriate service and staffing levels for assigned division; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Assigns directs and evaluates the work of staff; plans for and provides staff training and professional development; interprets and applies County personnel and Memoranda of Understanding provisions; makes recommendations for appointments promotions and disciplinary actions.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of facilities maintenance operations and activities; assesses and monitors workload administrative and support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director of Public Works.
• Directs and administers activities and programs for compliance with federal state and County codes and regulations governing facilities maintenance and capital improvement projects.
• Confers with County administrative staff department heads and other staff to determine project requirements related to the construction alteration and maintenance of County buildings.
• Conducts feasibility studies and cost estimate studies of proposed buildings and structures and prepares reports and recommendations.
• Develops and establishes technical and design standards for County facilities.
• Develops long-range capital improvement plans and facilities masterplan in coordination with departments.
• Develops the Countys deferred maintenance plan confers with departments concerning building repairs and maintenance projects and establishes project priorities.
• Prepares or coordinates the preparation of complex architectural design work which may include developing project requirements master plans plan layouts schematics preliminary plans complete working drawings specifications and/or cost estimates.
• Oversees the lease acquisition and disposal of real property.
• Prepares agenda items and other documents requesting Board authorization to advertise for bids; receives and evaluates bids; negotiates contracts and leases and recommends award of contracts.
• Reviews drawings and specifications prepared by consulting Architects and Engineers for conformance with prescribed federal state and County architectural standards; reviews and approves materials shop drawings contract change orders and contract progress payments.
• Monitors work in progress to assure compliance with construction documents; conducts or supervises final acceptance inspections of construction projects
• Plans directs and participates in the coordination of the preparation of complex architectural design work which may include developing project requirements master plans plan layouts schematics preliminary plans complete working drawings specifications and cost estimates.
• Plans directs and participates in the preparation of administrative and technical reports; prepares a variety of correspondence.
• Directs and participates in the preparation of a variety of studies and reports relating to facilities maintenance real property and facilities capital improvement needs and develops specific proposals to meet them; provides technical assistance to staff; prepares agenda items and other documents requesting Board authorization to advertise for bids; receives and evaluates bids; directs and participates in the negotiation of contracts and leases; recommends award of contracts.
• Coordinates the work of the division with that of other divisions departments and outside agencies and individuals.
• Monitors developments related to facilities management and evaluates the impact on County operations and implements policy.
• Acts as liaison between the County and various governmental and regulatory agencies; makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors committees and commissions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development analysis and evaluation of programs policies and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision including work planning assignment review and evaluation discipline and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Administrative principles practices and methods including goal setting program development implementation and evaluation policy and procedure development quality control and work standards.
• Principles and practices of architectural and engineering standards design and construction.
• Materials methods and principles used in the construction and modification of institutional and office buildings.
• Structural mechanical and electrical systems as related to commercial buildings and public works projects.
• Applicable federal state and local laws codes and ordinances relevant to building design and construction.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and project management and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration including Capital Improvement Program budgets.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public vendors contractors and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words rules of composition and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program project and task coordination including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff provide training and development opportunities ensure work is performed effectively and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Develop and implement goals objectives practices policies procedures and work standards.
• Provide administrative management and professional leadership for the facilities division.
• Prepare architectural plans and specifications for major construction and renovation projects.
• Read and interpret engineering and architectural plans and specifications.
• Negotiate and administer contracts for architectural and construction services.
• Manage construction contracts resolve problems related to scope criteria regulatory requirements technical engineering problems time schedules and change orders.
• Understand interpret and apply all pertinent laws codes regulations policies and procedures and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business professional and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work set priorities meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact initiative prudence and independent judgment within general policy procedural and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering architecture or a related field

and

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional architectural experience which included at least two years of experience with responsibility for staff and budgetary oversight and administration.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid US drivers license upon date of application. Must obtain California drivers license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
• Must possess a valid license to practice as an Architect in the State of California.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend stoop kneel reach push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift carry push and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds or heavier weights in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

When assigned to field inspection:

• Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit stand and walk on level uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach twist turn kneel and bend; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
• Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift carry push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
• Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.

• Office environment with moderate noise levels controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels cold and hot temperatures inclement weather conditions road hazards chemicals mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Some departments may require pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made (i.e. background screening physical examination etc.).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for.Applicants must apply online through the Countys automated application system at must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received the selection process may consist of additional application screening written and/or practical exam(s) oral interview or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application

Can I change my application after submitting it

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC Disabled Persons Veterans LGBTQIA community members etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the recognition of these structural and systemic factors the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways oftentimes outside of formal institutions and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicants qualifications for a position.

If youre excited about this role but your past work experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs activities and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation please contact Human Resources immediately at so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race religion or religious creed color age sex sexual orientation national origin ancestry marital status medical condition mental or physical disability military service or any other classification protected by federal state or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California drivers license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the Countys intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.