Architectural Associate I

Behind every great airport experience is a dedicated team of architects shaping the journey!

The Architectural Department at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a team of 15–20 architects dedicated to enhancing and maintaining the airport’s-built environment. The department operates under the Design and Construction Divisions, which also includes Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Civil, Utilities, Construction Services and Project Management. Its primary focus is on renovations, design, and construction support. The team manages ground-up construction projects typically under 10,000 square feet, as well as interior improvements, and space reconfigurations. The team collaborates closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including Facilities, Aviation Management, Revenue Developments, Airport Operations and design consultants, to deliver thoughtful, high-quality projects that prioritize operational efficiency and enhance passenger experience.

Under direction, the Architectural Associate I performs a variety of difficult and responsible architectural duties in connection with the investigation of building sites, preparation and coordination of preliminary and final working designs and drawings, and the preparation of related specifications for a variety of building renovations and construction maintenance and conversion projects.

1. Prepare and supervise the preparation of preliminary plans and detailed drawings for a wide variety of complex construction, conversion and repair projects.
2. Develop finished designs of ordinary projects and portions of designs for highly complex projects.
3. Analyze and interpret data, sketches and designs and provides technical assistance to subordinate architectural drafting personnel engaged in such work.
4. Prepare and review contract specifications for various projects; coordinates design activities with those responsible for the structural, mechanical and electrical design phases of such projects; participates in meetings and discussions with representatives of City departments and outside organizations relative to design, specifications, and functional use problems.
5. Make field observations of projects under construction to ensure compliance with contract documents; takes field measurements, documents existing conditions and incorporates data provided by other professionals, such as surveyors and geotechnical engineers.
6. Make, coordinate, and review quantity and cost estimates; checks construction submittals to determine if contract specifications are complied with.
7. May be required to perform duties in connection with the architectural phases of interior design and construction management; when appropriate applies critical path method techniques to such work.
8. Assist in the development and advancement of subordinate personnel; may plan and assign work to subordinate architectural drafting personnel.
9. Perform duties as listed in the 5265 Architectural Associate I class specification, which can be found on DHR’s website.

How to Qualify

1. Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Architecture or an architecture related field such as Environmental Design or Interior Architecture, or a professional degree in Architecture (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture) from an accredited college or university;

AND

1. Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the architectural field including architectural design, architectural detailing, construction documents, programming, preliminary cost budgeting, specification coordination and review, construction administration, and field observation of architectural construction projects, all under the direction of a licensed architect. One (1) year must have been served as a job captain, project lead, or in some role of increased responsibility and supervision on a project. (Experience in a lower-level class (i.e., 5260 or 5261) is considered qualifying.);

AND

1. License and Certification: Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

One year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40 hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications.

Desirable Qualifications:

The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify job finalists at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.

• Experience serving as Job Captain, with strong proficiency in preparing concept and schematic design drawings, presentation materials, construction documents, specifications, and detailing—preferably for Type I interior and aviation-related projects.
• Proven construction administration experience across various building typologies, with a focus on small-scale and interior renovation work in Type I Construction.
• Highly proficient in Revit for drafting and design coordination.
• Experience collaborating within interdisciplinary project teams of 1–4 members.
• Experience working with a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
• Understanding and practical knowledge of San Francisco and California Building Codes.
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, including Lumion, Photoshop, Acrobat, In-Design and Illustrator.
• LEED accreditation or demonstrated experience with Title 24 Energy Code and Net Zero Energy Buildings is a plus.