Remote Architectural Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of General Services (DGS)

Location:Richmond, VA 

Agency Website:www.dgs.virginia.gov 

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The Division of Engineering & Buildings (DEB) is seeking a qualified, Professional Engineer or Registered Architect to serve as a State Review Fire Protection Architect/Engineer. Under the general supervision of the Director of Engineering & Code Compliance, this position will leverage extensive knowledge of building and building system designs, and construction practices for a variety of facility types and sizes in order to inspect construction and evaluate building construction plans and specifications. They ensure building code compliance, best practices for design development, construction detailing, and the proper use of public funds are addressed through reviews, comments, and collaboration in meetings.

DEB's Architectural & Engineering staff members are the highest-level building-related architects and engineers (A/Es) in the State System. They act on behalf of the State Building Official for all buildings on state property and review and direct the work of A/Es at state agencies and the work of private sector licensed A/Es providing services on state projects. They have the responsibility and authority to exercise their professional judgment to direct changes to the work.

This position is responsible for providing professional and technical expertise to assure that the applicable Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) codes, Construction & Professional Services Manual (CPSM) technical policies and practices, and other relevant statutes are correctly applied and coordinated for the design of state-owned buildings and structures as it relates to passive and active fire protection systems, life safety systems, fire rated construction, and means of egress. Unique alternative technical design solutions are researched, evaluated, and accepted or rejected.

They also ensure that state Capital Outlay facilities/projects conform to good construction practices, are economical solutions to program requirements, conform to Virginia Public Procurement Act standards, conform to the CPSM design standards, and are within the project description authorized by the Governor and the Legislature.

Job duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Reviewing and directing corrections necessary for plans and specifications to conform to the CPSM, VUSBC, International Fire Code (IFC), the Virginia Existing Building Code (VEBC), the Elevator Safety Code (ASME A17.1), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, VEBC, and Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and other related codes and design standards.
• Creating technical reports and recommendations on the proper application of codes and standards and effectively present that information orally and in writing to management, clients, and other upper-level professionals, managers, and administrators.
• Consulting with other DEB reviewers to determine correct applications of ambiguous code and standard requirements to assure consistent and uniform guidance to designers.
• Participate in building inspections.
• Provide technical assistance to Agencies, their A/E designers, and representatives from A/E firms.

This position is located in Richmond, Virginia and eligible for a hybrid telework schedule (telework up to 2 days/week) after the completion of a Telework Agreement.

We've got great benefits! 

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally, supplemental bus passes, ride share, or parking are available and DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Minimum Requirements

• Professional Engineer or Registered Architect licensed in Virginia (or the ability to be licensed in Virginia within one year of employment).
• Valid Virginia driver's license (or able to obtain VA license within 60 days of employment).
• International Code Council certification as a Fire Plans Examiner and as a Commercial Fire Inspector (or the ability to attain the certifications within one year of employment).
• Substantial experience in building code, program, and functional analyses, and in the preparation of plans and specifications for a variety of facility types and sizes, including the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), NFPA, IFC, Elevator Safety Code, and other regulatory standards to design development and construction practices for medium and large new construction, renovations, and additions.
• Substantial experience inspecting construction in progress.
• Ability to research and analyze policy and requirements and develop alternative solutions to problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including creating and presenting written reports and analyses for all levels of professionals, managers, and administrators.
• Ability to independently prioritize and schedule normal workload and special deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills and personal discipline, including strong interdisciplinary coordination skills and the ability to conduct interactions with work associates and clients in a professional, fair, and cooperative manner.
• Ability to use word processors, spreadsheets, and electronic document review software (ex: BlueBeam, Adobe) to review and produce written comments and reports.

This position requires on-site inspections; candidate must have ability to walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat and lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire. 

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and a DMV driving records check. 

Additional Considerations 

• Considerable knowledge and experience with Commonwealth of Virginia building regulations and policies, including the CPSM, VUSBC, VEBC, and Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
• Knowledge with the Virginia Public Procurement Act.
• Experience with BlueBeam.

Special Instructions 

The online state application must contain all required information and fully respond to questions to be considered for this job opportunity. Please be sure that all of your relevant qualifications and considerations are specifically addressed in your submitted application. 

Online applications should be submitted via jobs.virginia.gov. 

Fax, e-mail, or mail applications will not be accepted. For assistance or computer access, please visit your local Virginia Employment Office or contact our office jobs@dgs.virginia.gov or 804-786-3910.