Architect (SOG/ST 7)

Job Purpose 

Under the direction of the Civil Works Engineer (SOG/ST 8), the Architect (SOG/ST 7) works closely with other Architects, the Project Manager, and other construction professionals providing architectural design services and solutions on construction projects to ensure that construction designs are usable. The incumbent prepares and presents design proposals, plans, blueprints, drawings, and specifications using computer-aided design (CAD), Revit, and traditional methods. 

The post holder also meets with members of the construction team, such as contractors, building officers, and project managers to evaluate, provide information and solve problems. 

Key Responsibilities 

Management/Administrative 

• Participates in the strategic and operational planning process and in the development of Budgets for the Branch; 
• Provides technical advice/guidance to the Civil Works Engineer, Principal Director, Permanent Secretary and other executives as required; 
• Proposes strategic, technological and development modifications; 
• Evaluates the construction of buildings as the project progresses, makes recommendations and provides a report; 
• Represents the Branch at meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and other events to provide input or obtain information; 
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, annual and ad-hoc reports, papers, briefs and other documents for submission to the Civil Works Engineer. 

Technical/Professional 

• Collaborates with other Architects, Engineers and construction professionals to gain information on structural requirements and design; 
• Follows specifications and calculations to create various technical drawings;
• Produces conceptual plans, renderings and design documents; 
• Prepares rough sketches and detailed work with Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CAAD) systems, Revit and other design software, as well as other free hand drawing methods and reviews them along with the Engineer; 
• Designs diagrams maps and layouts to illustrate workflow; co-ordinates and integrates engineering elements into a unified design for review and approval; 
• Ensures that the final design complies with regulations and quality standards;
• Keeps abreast of trends and developments in Architectural Technology and related fields and develops and designs appropriate methodologies, strategies and techniques to achieve targets; 
• Undertakes investigations and research to provide architectural design solutions and services on various assignments; 
• Exercises responsibility for developing visual construction blueprints which include technical details and data, such as material lengths, amounts, and weights from engineers, building officers, quantity surveyors, project managers, and other members of the team; 
• Carries out site surveys and design-stage risk assessments; 
• Leads the detailed design process and co-ordinates design information;
• Liaises with appropriate authorities when producing documentation for approval;
• Produces and advises on detailed specifications for suitable materials or processes to be used; 
• Meets with engineers, building officers and other members of the team to review blueprints, designs, and drawings; 
• Inputs design specifications into the CAD software; 
• Creates surface and solid CAD models according to client specifications;
• Conducts safety compliance inspections and surveys for civil work projects;
• Oversees the printing of construction documents; 
• Performs any other related duties as assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies 

Core: 

• Good oral and written communication skills 
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Good planning and organizing skills 
• Good teamwork and cooperation skills 
• Strong leadership and management skills 
• Good interpersonal and people management skills 
• Excellent negotiating and networking skills 
• Excellent analytical thinking and ability to exercise good judgement 
• Ability to lead and manage change initiatives 
• Ability to exercise initiative 
• Ability to manage external partners and the client interface. 
• Good integrity 
• Compliance 
• Methodical 

Technical: 

• Ability to provide elegant and efficient design solutions. 
• Good Report Writing skills 
• Technically creative and open-minded 
• Knowledge of the operations of Government and the organization's policies and procedures 
• Excellent knowledge of Architectural Technology 
• Ability to develop design proposals, prepare plans, drawings and specifications.
• Excellent understanding of building design and mechanical processes.
• A keen eye for detail. 
• Proficiency in relevant Microsoft applications 
• Sound knowledge of The National Building Code 
• Strong Project Planning and Project Management Skills 
• Ability to manage external relationships and build, maintain, and use strong networks with stakeholders in other government and private sector agencies to achieve results 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience 

• BSc. Degree in Architectural Design, Engineering, Construction or equivalent qualifications from an accredited institution. 
• At least two (2) years’ work-related experience. 
• Training and experience in the use of computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and CADD programs, such as Autodesk's multipurpose design program AutoCAD
• Holder of a valid General Drivers’ Licence 

OR

• Associate Degree in Architectural Design, Engineering, Construction or any equivalent accredited qualifications 
• At least four (4) years’ work-related experience. 
• Training and experience in the use of Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) and
• CADD programs, such as Autodesk's multipurpose design program AutoCAD Holder of a valid General Drivers’ Licence 

Special Condition Associated with the Job 

• Required to travel island wide, including travel to remote locations. 
• May be exposed to conflicts/difficulties on the construction sites. 
• Be a current member of the Architects Registration Board of Jamaica.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.