Architect​/Design Manager V- Security Clearance

Position: Architect/Design Manager V-536042 with Security Clearance
Description The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) directs the worldwide overseas building program for the U.S. Department of State. Working with other offices and bureaus, foreign affairs agencies, and Congress, OBO sets worldwide priorities for the design, construction, acquisition, maintenance, use, and sale of real properties and the use of sales proceeds. As the single real property manager for the U.S. government's diplomatic facilities overseas, OBO's portfolio spans 285 worldwide missions and over 80,000,000 square feet of functioning property.

OBO's primary mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support the Department's staff as they work to achieve U.S. foreign policy objectives abroad. The Program Development, Coordination, and Support Directorate (PDCS) is responsible for the design, coordination, and management of OBO's construction and renovation programs. The Office of Design and Engineering (DE) provides expertise in architecture;

landscape architecture; space programming; space planning; interior design; graphic design; sustainability; civil structure, seismic, blast, geotechnical, electrical, and mechanical engineering; energy; telecommunications; and security. Working with Planning and Real Estate, DE develops and updates the Space Requirements Programs (SRP). DE directs design coordination of OBO's building program, managing designs from planning through construction. DE monitors the performance of the architecture-engineering contractors hired to execute OBO's projects.

The office serves as the building code official, confirms the technical adequacy of construction documents, and issues building permits. The Energy group (NRG) provides multidisciplinary expertise for high performance buildings, planning, design, engineering, construction, utility management, and maintenance of OBO projects. This position will support the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, Program Development, Coordination and Support Directorate, Office of Design and Engineering, Architectural Design Division (OBO/PDCS/DE/AD).

Job Duties:

* Serves as a team member in the evaluation of new embassy sites; works in partnership with appointed real estate specialists in reviewing sites for conformance to facility requirements; makes technical recommendations based on examination of surveys, plans, and specifications; determines suitability for use, structural soundness, environmental value, and aesthetic appropriateness; prepares studies indicating how properties may be utilized or improved, and employs creative site design techniques to create more site acquisition opportunities on sites of limited size.

* Acts as a technical coordinator of projects between the Department and the posts; reviews preliminary designs for program conformity, technical sufficiency, and general suitability; participates in guidance of design to acceptable solution of problem areas and recommends approval or modification necessary to obtain desired results; participates in value engineering studies' and recommends adjustments, as necessary.
* Coordinates with other offices regarding architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications requirements of projects and with interior design and furnishing groups regarding space planning, finish and color schedules, furniture, etc.; reconciles design issues among the design disciplines; reviews working drawings for conformity with good construction practices, use of materials, ease of maintenance, economy, and quality of appointments; oversees review of plans and specifications for fire protection, physical safety, and adherence with applicable building codes;

and participates in Integrated Design Reviews.
* Participates in the preparation of preliminary and final design of projects for which no contract architects are commissioned; prepares sketches illustrating possibilities for development of the work performed; and travels as required to inspect and consult when on-site knowledge of conditions is necessary.
* Coordinates problems submitted from the construction field and provides recommendations to field supervisors (Project Directors), as necessary, on intent of drawings and specifications, substitutions, etc.; maintains active documentation on projects; and participates in post-occupancy evaluation as a member of an interdisciplinary review team.
* Summarizes meetings and documents the record; participates in periodic meetings of presentations for the purpose of reviewing architectural and engineering contract work at key design stages; coordinates the attendance of any engineering or technical experts required, and the documentation of the meeting by appropriate OBO architects; and ensures that OBO management and other members or principals receive essential materials prior to meetings.

* Remains abreast of the latest developments in architecture and interior design related…