City Seeks Staff ‘Program Architect’ To Oversee and Approve Public Works Projects
Here is the city’s posting, applications are due Friday:
Program Architect
Salary
Minimum   Maximum
$52,000.00Â Â Â $77,974.00Nature of Work
This is an advanced professional architectural position responsible for overseeing and approving the development of designs and plans for major public works projects in the City according to proper architectural principles. The current vacancy is in the Design Division of the Department of the President, Board of Public Service.Minimum Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible professional experience as an architect.
Registration: Must be a Registered Architect in the State of Missouri.
Now when I was in architecture school issues of ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) were not even discussed really. Granted, I was in school before the ADA was passed by Congress! Still, it seems to me, that many very talented Architects may not have the experience necessary to see that proposed projects might not be fully ADA compliant or just generally pedestrian friendly. I say this because many of the Architects & Engineers responsible for recent public works projects clearly have not gotten it right. Intersection after intersection is only marginally acceptable at best.
I hope whomever they hire has a personal interest in making our city more friendly to pedestrian and bicyclists. Â For full job posting click here.
Just curious — what does an “advanced professional architectural position” in the private sector pay?
The private-sector probably pays more than this pay scale, although how much more might depend on a number of factors.
But this is a promotion-only position, meaning only the current staff of BPS architects (or maybe a handful of certified architects in the civil service outside BPS) are eligible to even apply for this slot.
Interesting that they’re only promoting from within. If the goal is to bring in new thinking, they should also consider applications from the “real world” – this is a perfect scenario for repeating past mistakes. I also wouldn’t expect a higher level of ADA compliance. I read in the job description that it’s more for aesthetic review and not screwing up our many older civic structures than in pushing any new agendas. And, yes, the pay scale is competetive with the private sector, especially when the typical government-employee benefits (holidays, retirement benefits, health coverage, a true 40-hour workweek, etc.) are factored in.
How many current employees fit this bill? can we name names? Not to mention the “5 years experience as an architect” which would probably rule out many who already work for the department and if they have the experience it was probably in the dark ages when things were done on vellum and mylar. Maybe the last part is overly critical since there are a couple of really good ppl in the plan review department who would be perfect candidates for the positon, too bad they probably dont want it. Would those people be eligible?
Jason
Michail Crooks, presently at BPS, recently got his license.
Here’s one I saw on stltoday:
Engineer Airport Deputy Director Planning and Development Lambert-St. Louis International Airport is seeking a professional engineer or architect to direct all airport strategic planning projects, capital improvement projects and safety and environmental programs. Person will be responsible for the selection of consultants and contractors engaged in the plan, design and construction stages of capital improvement projects and master facility plan projects. Person will report to the Director of Airports. Annual salary range $98,228 to $147,342 plus comprehensive benefit package. Requires a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, architecture or a directly related field and at least seven years of professional engineering or architectural experience managing major capital improvement projects and strategic long term planning an development projects. Must be a licensed engineer or architect in the state of Missouri or eligible to be licensed in the state of Missouri. To apply visit the City’s website at http://www.stlouiscity.com and link to Jobs with the City or contact Department of Personnel 314-633-9094 for application. EOE