Description

JOB OVERVIEW

The Senior Architect is the lead architect in charge of the design and construction of all architecture projects within Prospect Park, including the restoration of landmarked buildings and monuments and the design and construction of new sustainable buildings. The Senior Architect communicates and interacts with numerous New York City Agencies on behalf of the Alliance to move architectural projects forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY JOB OUTCOMES

• Manage and supervise the assembly of technically sound and legally binding Contract Documents and NYC Buildings Department packages, including professional drawing and specification sets for submission to New York City Agencies for the purpose of approvals and procurement of work
• Collaborate with Prospect Park staff, Design & Construction team and consulting engineers to research and put together thoughtful, well designed projects that are technically proficient and serve the needs of Prospect Park and project users
• Set deadlines, assign responsibilities and monitor progress of projects with the above team members
• Present and submit individual projects to New York City agencies having authority over architecture projects within Prospect Park including the NYC Parks Department, Brooklyn Borough Board, NYC Landmarks and Preservation Commission, NYC Public Design Commission, and NYC Buildings Department among others
• Administer, coordinate and monitor individual architectural construction projects within the park to ensure projects are being built well, within budget, and within the allotted timeframe
• Apply knowledge of design, construction procedures, zooming, building codes and materials 
• Prepare information regarding design, specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs and construction time
• Oversee, direct and manage the work of Architect team and Construction Supervisors and their work in the research, design and construction of individual architecture projects
• Travel to various parts of the Park as needed to carry out duties

 Performs other job-related duties and functions as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s or Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Preservation Architecture, or other relevant discipline
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in architecture and planning of which at least five (5) years were involved in supervising the work of other architects
• Experience with private and public works projects
• Experience communicating and presenting design concepts, analysis and conclusions
• Ability to draft in AutoCAD and write up specifications for designs
• Experience with NYC building code, DOB filing, ADA, zoning and energy code requirements
• A New York State Architecture License
• A valid NYS Driver’s License

COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes)

• Passion for the Alliance Mission & Core Values: A passion for public parks and environmental conservation combined with a commitment to treating others with respect, appreciating individual differences and embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust and respect of others through a consistent commitment to integrity, honesty and professionalism in all interactions.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge. A demonstrated understanding of building design and construction from site analysis and programming through close out. Understanding of structural, mechanical, electrical, and/or architecturally specialty system/components. 
• Project Design, Development, Planning & Analysis. The ability to analyze programmatic requirements and site and budget restraints to produce designs that address project criteria effectively. Alternately, to be able to assess consulting design professionals’ proposed design solutions. The ability to develop project directives, outlines, projections, budgetary estimates, timelines, resource studies and strategies to meet pertinent building/construction rules regulations and permitting
• Historic Preservation: Knowledge of preservation techniques to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance.
• Architecture Technology: Technically proficient with industry standard software programs used by architects including AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Sketchup. Experience with Revit and 3-D modeling and rendering programs plus.
• Health and Safety: Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and regulation and organizational policies. Manages risk including the identification of hazards, assessment of risks and implementation of control measures. Manages own safety and that of others.
• Decision Making & Problem Solving: Seeks information and input to fully understand the cause of problems. Draws logical conclusions. Takes action to remove obstacles and address problems before they impact performance and results. Makes effective decisions about work task priorities based on level of authority. Assesses risks before deciding; does not take unnecessary risks.
• Project Management: Contributes to setting work priorities and direction. Recommends additional resources that would improve effectiveness and helps others access required resources.
• Communication: The ability to understand and analyze projects and communication either written, verbal or graphic representations for user groups, contractors, administrators, consultants, engineers and to a variety of non-professional contacts. 
• Self-Management & Teamwork: Ability to work independently or as a member of a team, ability to be detailed-oriented and consistently accurate, ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced environment. Cooperative, personable, open-minded personal outlook needed to steer project team towards successful goals.
• Organizing, Planning & Multi-tasking: Organizational and planning skills, project planning and management skills. Receives only broad administrative guidance. Assignments are in terms of setting objectives within strategic planning goals. Employee has responsibility for planning, designing and implementing programs and projects and sets goals for a major unit, section or department. Approval from higher supervision may be necessary only in terms of financial impact and availability of funds but little reference to detail is discussed with the supervisor.
• Organization & Accountability: Meticulously well-organized with diligent attention to detail, ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and takes pride in consistently producing accurate, timely and quality work products with minimal supervision. 
• Budgeting Accountability: Makes effective decisions about department priorities. Proposes defensible budgets and works to control expenditures. Ensures appropriate resources are available to meet capability and capacity required by objectives. Ensures policies, procedures and measures are in place to support achievement of objectives.
• Analysis & Sound Judgement: Analytical and trouble shooting skills. Ability to make sound judgements. Ability to improve processes, promote excellence and demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness. Ability to make considered decisions on the spot.
• Leadership & Management: Ability to lead, supervise and coach members of the department. Functions as a manager of a department over two or more full-time staff; has the authority to hire, discipline, terminate, appraise performance or strongly recommend such actions.
• Technology: Proficient with automated technologies that support area of responsibility including AutoCAD, G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is normally performed both in a typical interior office setting which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unusual elements and in the field, which subjects the employee to various external elements including potentially adverse weather conditions
• Requires operating a motor vehicle; standing for extended periods of time; use of a desktop, laptop or video display terminal and identifying and distinguishing colors and shades of color
• Requires minor physical exertion - lifting, pushing, and carrying, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Requires communicating information with co-workers, stakeholders and/or the public; reading correspondence, instructions and/or technical documents; writing correspondence and/or reports and filling in forms
• Must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination on or prior to start of employment

Diversity Makes Us Stronger Together: Prospect Park Alliance serves park users of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and strives to reflect this diversity throughout our operations and in our leadership, staff, stakeholders and supporters. We know that by creating an equitable and inclusive workplace built on mutual respect and the appreciation of difference, our employees will feel safe to express themselves, voice their opinions and work together to find common ground and solutions. Integral to this vision is our longstanding commitment to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.