Historic Sites Architect

Job Title: Historic Sites Architect

Join the Texas Historical Commission as a Historic Sites Architect and contribute to the preservation and restoration of the state's historic sites.

About the Role:

This is a challenging and rewarding role that requires a strong background in architecture and historic preservation. As a Historic Sites Architect, you will work closely with the Historic Sites Division Chief Architect to develop and manage preservation, rehabilitation, and new construction projects throughout the state.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Chief Architect in contracting and overseeing the development of architectural plans and specifications for repair and restoration of historic sites.
• Manage coordination with the Division of Architecture and the Archeology Division.
• Inspect existing buildings and develop detailed scopes of work and cost estimates.
• Prepare conceptual plans, feasibility studies, and Construction Documents using AutoCAD, Revit, and/or SketchUp software.
• Review and manage the work of contracted architects, engineers, and other related consultants.
• Perform Construction Contract Administration duties during the project construction phase.
• Catalog and maintain project record documents.
• Conduct inspections for compliance with laws and specifications.
• Track building conditions and cyclical maintenance activities.
• Work with architects/engineers and construction contractors to enforce warranty obligations and coordinate corrective action.
• Provide technical information and architectural consultation to field staff at State historic sites.
• Participate in planning for collections care, interpretation, and educational programs, as needed.
• Assist in developing RFQs and RFP for Level 2 and Level 3 projects.
• Provide final approval for all construction pay applications for Level 2 projects.
• Attend substantial completion and final completion meeting for Level 3 construction projects.
• Assist in developing solicitation documents and monitoring the bidding and contracting processes.
• Serve as the back to the Historic Sites Chief Architect.
• Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.
• Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Minimum seven years of professional work experience in a professional office environment preparing Construction Documents and/or performing Construction Contract Administration duties.
• Ability to utilize AutoCAD or Revit proficiently to produce construction documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Work experience overseeing the workflow of projects and staff.
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle.
• Required to travel up to 20% of the work period.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Architecture, with an emphasis on Historic Preservation or Architectural History.
• Experience in applying the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
• Skill in using SketchUp to produce 3D renderings; and/or
• Proficiency in Revit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of architectural and design principles, techniques, and procedures.
• Knowledge of both contemporary and historic building materials and construction methods.
• Knowledge of building and life safety codes, especially in relation to historic properties.
• Familiarity with Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) standards and practices.
• Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers.
• Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to prepare construction cost estimates and budget documents using Microsoft Excel.
• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills.
• Effective critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to visualize architectural designs; to apply architectural concepts; to plan, coordinate, and monitor projects; to conduct inspections; and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
• Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining close attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner.
• Ability to plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Registration, Certification, or Licensure:

Must have or obtain a valid Driver's License and Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

Must be registered as an Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

Must obtain Certified Texas Contract Manager Certification (CTCM) within one year of hire.

Environment/Physical Conditions:

This position is housed in a state building near the state capitol in Austin and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. In addition to office work, duties will include evaluating historic structures, which may involve entering attics, crawlspaces, and other dark, damp, or confined spaces, as well as climbing ladders, using boom lifts, and walking on roofs. Work may involve extended periods working outdoors in hot or cold conditions. Work includes visiting active construction sites where loud noises, dust, and uneven walking surfaces may be encountered. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling, and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Applicants must be willing to travel, and overnight travel is often required. This position attends and sometimes presents at conferences, meetings, and workshops, requiring evening and weekend work hours.

Military Employment Preference:

All CAPPS Recruit job postings extend priority of service to veterans, a surviving spouse, orphan of a veteran who was killed while on active duty, spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on active duty, or spouse of a veteran with a disability if the spouse is the primary income for the household.

To receive Military Employment preference, a copy of the DD 214, NA Form 13038, VA Summary Benefits Letter, or a DD Form 1300 must be provided before an interview can be extended.

Remarks (Application procedures, Special requirements):

State of Texas application must be submitted through the. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection.Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application.

The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information, or protected activity in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities which it sponsors.

As part of the employment process, THC will conduct a driving and criminal background check. Unsatisfactory information relevant to the position may disqualify the applicant from employment.

Disability access for testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice by contacting Human Resources at

THC participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

Veterans: Go to for assistance with translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

For New Hires/Rehires

Health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

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