Architect IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

11d•$10,678 - $13,051•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Architectural Review Unit (ARU) Director, this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) architectural work directing architectural and construction projects and activities. Provides advanced consultative services and performs leadership functions by directing and guiding highly specialized design professionals as it relates to general and special hospitals, limited services rural hospitals (LSRH), private psychiatric hospital and crisis stabilization units (PPH&CSU), ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), end stage renal dialysis (ESRD) facilities, and freestanding emergency medical care (FEMC) facilities within the multiple licensing programs of the Architectural Review Unit. Communicates with highly skilled design and construction professionals and implements decisions on their building systems. Leads complex and large-scope healthcare construction inspections and investigates complaints and is responsible for identifying non-code complaint deficiencies on construction sites. Conducts required annual and initial surveys to determine compliance with state licensure and federal certification requirements. Identifies and writes deficiencies in accordance with federal, state and local building code requirements and makes appropriate referrals to state and federal agencies. Accurately interprets codes, rules and regulations and writes guidance letters to disseminate to stakeholders. This position both reviews and approves federal survey and state inspection plan of corrections. Trains inspection staff, and coordinates travel. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Licensed Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners is required. It is required to maintain your professional license.
Valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver’s license is required. It is required to maintain your Texas driver’s license.
Knowledge of architectural design and engineering principles, techniques, and procedures; of construction methods and management; of architectural specifications related to design work; and of mathematical applications.
Knowledge of fire safety principles, fire prevention practices, fire and safety hazards, fire control and protection equipment, and disaster preparedness principles. Knowledge of life safety applications and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.
Knowledge of conducting inspections and directing others. Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract construction administration. Ability to read, understand and analyze contract construction documents. Ability to remember codes, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Knowledge of coordinating a substantial workload and prioritizing multiple assignments with minimal supervision.
Skills in exercising independent judgment, analyzing new situations and responding with sound technical judgment.
Skills in communicating effectively, intelligently, and professionally with public, stakeholders, and other State agencies. Skilled in expressing ideas clearly and concisely.
Skills in conducting interviews and reviewing maintenance logs, recording information, preparing case narratives and lengthy documents.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel programs. Knowledge in composing, editing, and proofreading technical correspondence and drafting concise reports and business correspondence.
Skill in tactfully and diplomatically interacting within the team and with external groups to foster an environment of continuous improvement, maintain effective working relationships, and develop professional contacts.
Skill in working independently without close supervision and performing with a high degree of diligence and communicating directions.
Skill in the use of architectural tools and capable of climbing ladders and going through tight spaces, such as attics and mezzanines.
Experience in writing reports and letters via organizing, preparing, proofreading, and presenting information in written format via Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Experience in a position that requires direct contact with the public and responding professionally and clearly verbally.
Professional architectural experience that relates to the Life Safety Code, fire safety, or other building codes.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties assigned. Works cooperatively with agency staff, Unit Managers and HHSC Regulatory Services Division.
Directs architectural work related to health control, including building systems. Provides senior-level technical consultative services regarding complex healthcare building systems to highly skilled design and construction professionals and provides direction for cost-effective healthcare technology. Coordinates the design and construction of healthcare facilities with complex building systems to ensure code compliance. Provides code and policy interpretation to design professionals, facility owners, and facility planning directors. Writes guidance letters for interpretation of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes to reduce failed inspections. Serves as an expert resource in architectural issues for healthcare facilities. (25%)
Leads the testing of fire safety and multiple lifesaving building systems, including but not limited to egress, life safety systems, medical gas system, emergency electrical system, nurse call system, heating and air conditioning system, emergency water, fire alarm system, and sprinkler system on extraordinarily complex and large-scoped healthcare facilities. Surveys complaint investigations and monitors quality control. Surveys operational healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with codes, standards, federal Medicare regulations, and project requirements. Makes professional judgments and advises best architectural practices. Trains field inspectors for consistency and updates staff on changing codes and rules. Coordinates with contractors, construction managers, and other code officials. Coordinates inspection travel, including planning and booking transportation and lodging. (25%)
Facilitates meetings with health facility representatives, including architects, engineers, contractors, health care providers, and facility planning directors. Determines functional and spatial requirements of new structures or renovations. Provides public presentations and training regarding various areas of design and architectural standards and agency procedures and methods. Prepares educational materials and training forms. Serves as a preceptor and mentor in the orientation and initial training of newly employed architects and engineers. Participates in the rule review development and revision related to architectural requirements for healthcare facilities. Researches cost associated with architectural improvements and investigates options for advanced technology to assist in rule development. Attends enforcement conferences and hearings to provide expert testimony related to violation of rules related to architectural requirements. (20%)
Prepares field reports for both state and federal inspections, reduces facts to specific findings, and recommends corrective solutions when the project is not code compliant. Evaluates facility’s corrections for compliance with federal and state laws and standards. Reviews and approves construction drawings, specifications, technical reports, structure specifications, construction materials and equipment on complicated healthcare projects. Makes appropriate referrals to state and federal agencies about leading architectural design in the healthcare market. (20%).
Maintains professional license. Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas as evidenced by working knowledge of applicable standards, rules and techniques. Attends workgroup meetings. Completes special assignments as assigned by Unit manager. Performs other duties as assigned for smooth daily operations and management objectives. Maintains effective working relationships being tactful and professional within our interdisciplinary team and with external groups to foster an environment of continuous improvement. Actively participates and serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment. (10%).