Architectural Planner/Facilities Planning Analyst, College of Natural Sciences

University of Texas at Austin

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) at the University of Texas at Austin is committed to fostering a workplace where every employee can contribute at the highest possible level to support the University’s mission. Within the Dean’s Office, the Research and Facilities unit serves as the central hub for all matters related to research activities and facilities projects across the college. The team manages all CNS space and oversees the planning, approval, and executions of renovations and building projects, including faculty recruitment space needs, teaching and research labs, and shared facilities. This role provides architectural planning, space analysis, and project coordination for academic, research, administrative, and support facilities within the College of Natural Sciences for main campus and remote sites. The position develops facility planning solutions that support research, teaching, and operational priorities while coordinating renovations, space utilization, infrastructure improvements, and long-range capital planning.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Interior Architecture, Facilities Planning, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in architectural planning, facilities planning, project management, or institutional space planning.
Experience interpreting architectural and engineering drawings.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to analyze complex facility issues and develop practical solutions.

Nice To Haves

Registered Architect or working toward architectural licensure.
Experience in higher education or research facilities.
Experience planning laboratory environments.
Knowledge of research infrastructure and building systems.
Experience with space management software, CAD, or BIM platforms.
Experience using GIS, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Revit, or similar software.
Experience with capital planning and deferred maintenance programs.
Experience preparing executive reports and presentations.
Familiarity with Texas Higher Education facilities standards.

Responsibilities

Develop architectural space plans, conceptual layouts, and programming documents for renovation, construction and feasibility purposes.
Analyze departmental space utilization and recommend improvements that maximize efficiency while supporting research and instructional needs.
Coordinate laboratory, office, classroom, and shared research space planning.
Maintain accurate building and space records, utilizing university space management systems.
Assist departments in forecasting future space requirements.
Coordinate planning activities for renovation, deferred maintenance, infrastructure renewal, and capital improvement projects.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, university project managers, and departmental leadership during project development.
Review architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documents for operational compatibility.
Assist in project prioritization based on operational risk, research impact, regulatory compliance, and available funding.
Partner with faculty, researchers, and laboratory managers to identify facility requirements for new and existing research programs.
Evaluate laboratory infrastructure including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, specialty gases, process utilities, and research equipment needs.
Coordinate facility modifications supporting evolving research initiatives.
Perform facility assessments and develop reports supporting capital planning, deferred maintenance, and infrastructure investment decisions.
Analyze building conditions, occupancy data, utilization trends, and lifecycle replacement schedules.
Participate in planning committees and cross-functional working groups on main campus and remote sites.
Support emergency planning, business continuity initiatives, and strategic facility planning efforts.
Develop dashboards, presentations, and planning documents for executive leadership.
Ensure planning recommendations comply with university standards, building codes, ADA requirements, life safety regulations, and applicable state and federal regulations.
Coordinate with Environmental Health & Safety and other campus stakeholders during project planning.