Principal Architect

ST Public Branding•Seattle, WA

2d•$93,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction, provides management, guidance and coordination for assigned segments, corridors and projects for architecture, urban design, landscape and relevant construction work involving multiple artists, consultants, contractors on large capital projects for the Agency. Monitors the architectural construction of a facility for conformance to contract requirements; meets directly with the contractor to discuss issues, resolve problems, and drive issues forward with the construction management team; assists in the preparation of answers to requests for information from the contractor; contributes to the review of contractor provided submittals; manages consultant design support during construction; and conducts work independently for resolving issues in the field and for change requests.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Planning, Engineering, or closely related field.
Five years of architectural design and production related experience;
Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience;
OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Registration as a Professional Architect from the State of Washington.
Principles of team leadership including lead supervisory and training principles and practices.
Architectural design principles and practices.
Principles and practices of landscape architecture and urban design.
Building and zoning codes and regulations.
Principles and practices of contract negotiation, administration and understanding of contractual relationships for consultants and contractors.
Principles and practices of the building and construction industry.
Understanding contract documents including production, strategies, purpose and layout, contents of specific sections including General Conditions, Special Conditions, Division 1 Specifications, Specifications Language, Technical Specifications.
Understanding construction materials and methods, including use of materials, equipment, means and methods of construction, and risks in construction associated with materials and methods.
Principles, methods, and techniques of developing and managing schedules.
Principles of financial management (expenditure tracking, variance identification, revenue tracking. principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.
Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
Participate in negotiation and determination of various third party requirements, such as codes, standards, and guidelines.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including the American with Disabilities Act.
Project management techniques and principles.
Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
Organizing and reviewing the work of assigned staff.
Working independently or as a team on complex problems or projects where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of variables and decision making or recommendations to upper management.
Applying project management skills at various stages in the assigned project life cycle.
Managing and/or overseeing a complex project or multiple smaller projects concurrently.
Negotiating and identifying solutions that balance the Agency's interests and those of the negotiating partner(s), within financial capacity and other constraints.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Working effectively under pressure, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to changing priorities.
Applying appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various individuals.
Conducting research and analysis and providing appropriate recommendations based on findings.
Researching, analyzing, and evaluating procurement delivery methods and techniques.
Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets, reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.
Coaches, trains and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the department and all related staff and takes appropriate corrective action when necessary; provides advice and counsel to staff; develops developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary.
Serves as lead architect for assigned corridor(s) to oversee contracts and assure contract compliance for all architectural projects; updates stakeholders on progress of architecture related work and issues; makes decisions on architecture design and construction work to assure adequacy of design, constructability of proposed solution, schedule, budget, quality of work and maintainability of architecture, urban design and landscaping.
Coordinates the disciplines for architecture related work including structural, mechanical, electrical and systems for stations, garages, public spaces, pedestrian crossings, guideways/trackways and so forth.
Performs essential project management activities for assigned project(s) and project elements including management of scope, quality, schedule, costs, risk, personnel, consultants/contractors, contracts, and communications; oversee contracts and assure contract compliance on assigned projects.
Provides design support during construction and implementation of assigned architectural corridor(s) or assigned project elements that support service delivery; Observes the construction of a facility for conformance to contract requirements; meets directly with the contractor to discuss issues, resolve problems, manages consultant design support, and drive issues forward with the construction management team.
Assists in the preparation of answers to requests for information and contributes to the review of submittals from the contractor.
Identifies to field inspection staff items of the work that should receive detailed monitoring.
Takes lead role in development of project scopes of work, selection of consultants and negotiation of the relevant contract terms and fees.
Participates in the preparation, negotiation and review of design fees and construction costs.
Prepares independent cost estimates and negotiates changes with consultants and contractors.
Reviews monthly contract invoices, contract status, progress and initiates corrections as necessary.
Analyzes, tracks and reports on trends in project development, schedule, and budget in conjunction with other stakeholder groups.
Presents materials to ST staff, community members, design review boards, management, the general public, stakeholders as required for the projects assigned.
Participates in public meetings, prepares and presents project status and architectural graphics for public and/or design review meetings.
Provides support to the department/division and others on matters as directed and perform other related duties as required.
Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet Insurance.
ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.