CHIEF ARCHITECT

Job Description:

CHIEF ARCHITECT

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications will be accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Division/ Section: HAS - INF Building Standard Group (BSG)
Workdays & Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm* (*Subject to change)

PURPOSE OF DIVISION
The purpose of the Infrastructure Division is to manage the whole life cycle (planning, design, construction, commissioning, assessment of condition, modifying, replacing and decommissioning/disposal of physical and infrastructure Houston Airport System (HAS) assets consistent with environmental regulations and best management practices. In addition to the responsibilities related to physical assets, the Infrastructure Division manages the HAS portfolio of assets and resources, with a focused goal to improve project delivery to all Stakeholders. Overall, the Infrastructure Division’s mission is to maintain and extend the effective life cycle of HAS’s physical assets and replace them when it is no longer financially feasible to extend the life of these assets, or they no longer support required Airport mission requirements.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Chief Architect will collaborate with multiple internal HAS Stakeholders and external consultants to compile, write, and edit the HAS Design Standards. Responsible to review HAS construction documents in Design or in Permitting, to ensure compliance with the HAS Design Standards. The Chief Architect will participate as a member of the Change Review Committee, to provide recommendations, pertaining to the HAS Design Standards. Utilizes expert judgement to consider the requirements of the HAS Design Standards with the expedient needs of Design construction, will perform construction visits and onsite inspections to overview construction progress and compliance with requirements and regulations. The Chief Architect lead, participate, and present in meetings with multiple internal and external Stakeholders.

"Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required. Candidates must be able to obtain all security required badge access including Custom Border Patrol access within 6 months from the hire date."

The Chief Architect responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Manages major departmental function; establishes goals and evaluates section performance; develops
  and monitors subordinates; develops and manages budget
• Plans and develops large projects to departmental programs
• Organizes and directs the work of architects, technicians, and technical consultants
• Evaluates project assignments and recommends modifications
• Prepares new designs or techniques of material significance in solving problems
• Assists in selecting contractors
• Supervises administration of construction contracts and conducts periodic on-site observation of work in progress on major projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal. Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within low tolerance demands with no real speed requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires an Architectural degree that is accredited by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
Must be registered as an Architect with the State of Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Eight years of professional experience in architecture are required.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
May require a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

PREFERENCES

• Knowledge of the building codes adopted by the City of Houston.
• Knowledge of Accessibility, ADA and TAS requirements.
• Knowledge of Sustainability, LEED, and Energy initiatives.
• Knowledge of and experience with Project Management processes.
• Knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural, and Civil disciplines.
• Experience in airport design and/or aviation facilities or with other complex facilities Preferred.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - YES
If Yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Pay Grade 31

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (281-233-1043). If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627. If you need special services or accommodations, call (281-233-1043). (TTY 7-1-1) Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume along with their completed application when applying. For further information pertaining to the Houston Airport System, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDWLV_sJFoM .

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 11/13/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$5,087.95 - $5,507.58 Biweekly