Senior Architectural Facilities Technologist/Lead Designer

Department:

Plant Operations, Design and Construction Services

Effective Date:

July, 2013

Grade:

USG 9-10

35 hr/wk

Reports to:

Director Design and Construction Services/University Architect

General Accountability

This position is accountable to the Director Design and Construction Services/University Architect for the provision of estimates and cost effective designs meeting client requirements, current codes and regulations, architectural practices and University standards; for timely preparation of drawings and documents for purchases or bidding, awards and construction of alterations, renovations, replacement and upgrading to existing buildings, structures, graphics and landscaping. In some cases he/she will delegate some of his work assignments to Facilities Technologists and oversee their work.

Senior Architectural Facilities Technologist/Lead Designer with direction from other designers and engineers will lead the design drafting team on some design projects and is responsible for final design, drafting check through release and project execution.

Nature and Scope

The Design and Construction Services Section of Plant Operations consists of three disciplines; Architectural/Furnishings, Engineering and Construction Co-ordination/Inspection, each staffed with several personnel and led by the Director Design and Construction Services / University Architect.

The incumbent is expected to work with little supervision under the guidance of the Director Design and Construction Services/University Architect. He/She may assist the Design Group Associate/Senior Architectural Designer/Facilities Technologist with team building, time management, setting and achieving organizational objectives, proposing engineering process improvements and may serve as team lead.

Projects are received by the Design Group as work requests from numerous academic, administrative, student and Plant Operations clients with whom the incumbent must communicate. In work with architectural content, the incumbent determines project requirements, inspects the affected area and furnishes proposed solutions or alternatives with target completion dates and an accurate construction estimate for the client’s budget. Co-ordination with other disciplines is necessary. All work is to be conducted in a safe manner.

Where alterations to furniture layouts and the purchasing of new standard furniture for small projects is relatively complex, the incumbent will prepare estimates, drawings and purchase requisitions.

This position prepares complex designs, sketches, layouts , final drawings, and specifies materials, capacities, tolerances, finishes, strengths, production and construction methods. Selects products from catalogues, technical literature and experience for suitability, availability and cost. Prepares tender documents, job instructions, requests for quotations and purchase requisitions.

Recommends capable bidders from a qualified contractor list which he/she helps maintain. Meets with contractors and suppliers on site during tender periods. Issues addendums, receives and reviews tenders under the guidance of the Director Design and Construction Services / University Architect and obtains client and financial approvals before preparing documents for award or purchase.

Resolves problems during construction when assistance is requested by the Construction Co-ordinator/Inspectors. Prepares complex change notices and change orders , does reviews and inspections of projects as warranted and reviews shop drawings and proposals submitted by contractors and suppliers.

For some work requests this position may obtain assistance from junior Facilities Technologists/ Designers or outside consultants.

At the completion of a work request, updates relevant CAD master drawings before the file is complete. Undertakes studies, reports, data recording and analysis.

Collaborates with the operating sections in solving maintenance and operating problems.

This position has a direct effect on the safety, morale and working environment of the University Community by the design of efficient and pleasant working spaces and on occasion, the proper selection of furnishings. The cost of maintenance is affected by the selection of cost effective materials, finishes and furnishings.

Numerous projects are underway at any time, the incumbent must therefore be well organized and have strong communication skills to be successful.

Statistical Data

Approximately 400 work requests, with a total construction value of over five million dollars, are processed annually by the Design and Construction Services section. This does not include special projects ie. additions to or new buildings which are administered by Plant Operations and designed by outside consultants.

Specific Accountabilities

With guidance from the Director Design and Construction Services/University Architect determine and meet client requirements for space utilization or repair/replacement of building components with cost effective design proposals and solutions that are functional and pleasing, yet complying with codes and standards.

Prepare accurate preliminary and final estimates and sketches for proposals to assist the clients in budgetary control.

Prepare in a timely manner complex architectural drawings, specifications and all necessary documents for quotations, tenders, contract awards and purchases for installations and construction.

At the completion of a work request, updates relevant CAD master drawings before the file is closed.

On occasion prepare furnishings estimates and documents for quotations, tenders, contract awards and purchases for installations.

Perform as Owners representative when periodically meeting Contractors during tender periods, when resolving problems and performing reviews and inspections of installations and construction.

Maintain proficiency in the use of current versions of Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) software used in the department.

Collaborate with the operating sections in solving maintenance and operating problems.

Input time in the electronic time reporting system on a daily basis and keep time sheets up to date.

Perform other duties as assigned.