Job title: Architect
Employer: Office of Public Works
Location: Meath
Closing Date: 3pm, Thursday, 27th February 2025
Salary: Starting at €42,907
About the Employer
The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages over 2,000 buildings spread over 1,700 properties throughout the country. It has one of the largest and most diverse property portfolios in the State, ranging from important buildings such as Dublin Castle, Garda stations, Government offices, cultural institutions, national monuments, and specialist buildings like the Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory. The Estate Management function of the OPW delivers a comprehensive architectural design service to the government and other public bodies. The nature and types of projects carried out include:
1. Construction of new office accommodation and office fit outs of State-owned and leased properties, including construction of specialist facilities like the Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory.
2. Construction and refurbishment of Garda Stations and specialist Garda Facilities, Courthouses, Coastguard Stations, and Cultural Institutions accommodation.
3. Restoration & conservation of the State's National Historic Properties as well as adaptation and extension of the State's properties.
4. Deep retrofit of properties to meet Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard.
5. Major maintenance projects.
6. Master planning.
7. Construction of modular housing responding to the Ukrainian Crisis.
8. Construction of facilities for Brexit and Rosslare T7.
9. Specialist architectural advisory and support services.
About the Role:
Reporting to a Senior Architect or Assistant Principal Architect, the Architect will work in a flexible multi-disciplinary team and undertake a range of duties in design, construction and advisory projects. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, they will be required to work as part of a team and/or under their own initiative.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
* Preparing feasibility studies, reports, preliminary design concepts and presentation drawings.
* Preparing developed scheme designs for client presentation and planning approval.
* Developing Tender Documents and input into the Procurement Process.
* Administering or supporting the administration of construction contracts including supervising site construction, agreeing final account, managing client handover and the defects period.
* Undertaking or assisting in the undertaking of the role of Design Team Leader (DTL) and management of Design Team from project inception to completion.
* Carrying out the role or assisting the Design Certifier and/or Assigned Certifier in accordance with the Building Control Regulations 1997-2015 (or as amended).
* Carrying out the role or assisting the Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP) for the project life cycle, ensuring compliance with the health and safety requirements in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006-2013 (or as amended).
* Preparing Statutory Submissions including Planning Permission, Fire Safety Certificate, and Disability Access Certificate etc.
* Providing general advice to the OPW, Government, Public Agencies and Clients on architectural, conservation, restoration, maintenance, design, construction and related matters.
* Assisting in Building and Site Appraisals and development of client brief.
* Assisting in preparing and developing Public Private Partnership (P.P.P.) procurement programme.
* Complying with relevant legislative codes, latest trends appropriate to building design and public procurement requirements.
* Supporting the State/Principal Architect and Assistant Principal Architects and the Commissioners of Public Works in relation to the following:
o The delivery of the OPW Statement of Strategy and corresponding Business Plans.
o The delivery of assigned actions in the National Policy on Architecture - Places for People.
o The setting and maintenance of professional duties and technical standards in all areas of Architecture.
o The development and implementation of the Architectural CPD programme.
o Providing technical guidance in the development of national architecture linked policies and systems in Ireland.
o The development of masterplans and initial studies.
o Leading by example in climate action to support the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate for public bodies.
o The delivery of the Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) Implementation Programme.
o The management of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Implementation.
o The development of a whole of life costing approach to property related services.
o The promotion of excellence in Architectural Education.
o The dissemination of knowledge, experience and research.
o The effective management of risk.
* Supporting the implementation and maintenance of I.S.E.N ISO 9001:2015 procedures and certification in the provision of architectural services in the OPW.
* Supporting the management of the OPW Architectural Graduate Training Programme including the mentoring and/or management of architectural graduates in preparation for examinations in Professional Competence.
* Contributing to the wider management and operation of the OPW.
About You:
Candidates must on or before Thursday, 27th February 2025:
1. Be currently registered or be eligible for registration on the Register of Architects as set out in Section 14 of the Building Control Act, 2007.
2. Strong technical and design skills including a record of achievement in the design and delivery of projects.
3. Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit or other similar computer drafting software for delivering a construction project.
4. An understanding of current and developing issues affecting architectural procurement and awareness of national and international developments in the construction process.
5. Project Management experience and skills.
6. An awareness of trends and developments in architecture and construction.
7. Knowledge of current legislative requirements and familiarity with recent legislative changes affecting building design and construction.
8. The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
9. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships both internally and externally.
10. Self-motivation with the ability to work independently and without direct supervision if required.
11. Sound judgement, problem solving and decision-making skills.
12. Creativity and innovation skills.
13. Good organisational skills.
14. Commitment to continuous professional development.
15. A current full driving licence (Category B), valid in Ireland and have ready access to a car.
Desirable:
* Experience and/or accreditation in Conservation.
* Experience/knowledge of acting in the role of Employer’s Representative under the public works form of contract.
* Experience/knowledge in the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry.
* Experience/knowledge with the use of ISO Quality Management Standards such as ISO 9001.
* Experience and/or knowledge of acting in the role of the Assigned Certifier/Ancillary Assigned Certifier under the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014.
* Demonstrate knowledge and experience relating to architectural design solutions to existing buildings as part of a construction project.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 27th February 2025.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.
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