State Department Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview & Benefits
Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.
When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.
For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:
https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire
General Summary
$70,603- $94,595
This position is Hybrid.
Do you enjoy coordinating projects that improve workspaces and support the daily operations of an organization? Oakland County is looking for a collaborative and detail-oriented professional to help lead construction, renovation, and facility improvement projects. In this role, you will coordinate small to medium projects that help ensure County facilities remain functional, efficient, and well maintained.
What You'll Do
• Serve as the project leader for small to medium construction, renovation, and maintenance repair projects.
• Coordinate projects involving furniture planning, staff relocations, and facility improvements.
• Oversee project design coordination, budget tracking, and scheduling to ensure timely completion.
• Assist in developing drawings and specifications used for design development, bidding, and construction.
• Support the bidding and contract award process for professional services and contractor work.
• Act as the department's liaison with architects, engineers, construction managers, consultants, and client departments.
• Inspect and document construction progress and monitor project status.
• Communicate project updates and notify leadership of issues beyond the original scope of work, providing recommended solutions.
• Estimate project costs and prepare documentation needed to obtain funding when required.
• Review specifications and obtain quotes for project-related purchases.
• Utilize Countywide and department-specific software systems to complete assignments and track project activity.
Why You'll Love It
• Help shape and improve the workspaces used by County employees and the community.
• Manage a variety of projects including renovations, furniture planning, relocations, and facility improvements.
• Work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and multiple County departments.
• Gain hands-on experience coordinating projects from planning through completion.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred major in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Have had at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in architecture, engineering, or construction management.
NOTE: A Master's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field from an accredited college or university OR registration as a Professional Architect or Engineer in an appropriate Architecture discipline by the Michigan State Board of Architects or Engineers may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement above.
3. Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. If qualifying for the position with a Registration as a Professional Engineer, must maintain registration as a Professional Engineer by the Michigan Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
2. If qualifying for a position with a Registration as a Professional Architect, must maintain registration as a Professional Architect by the Michigan State Board of Registration for Professional Architects.
3. Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.
4. Required to successfully clear a national, fingerprint-based background check conducted by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. This check includes access to nonpublic criminal and court information, beyond convictions. Clearance must be obtained and maintained to hold unescorted access to County facilities.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Functions as project leader for small to medium construction and renovation projects, including furniture planning, staff relocations, and maintenance repairs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Functions as the primary liaison between the client department, architect, engineers, contractors, consultants, construction manager, and Facilities Management for small to medium renovation projects, including furniture planning, staff relocations, and maintenance repairs.
Acts as the central point of contact for other County departments providing project related support, such as Risk Management, Purchasing, Fiscal Services, Corporation Counsel, etc.
Prepares designs for construction, alteration and renovation of proposed or existing facilities including airports, park structures, County offices, and institutional buildings to address departmental needs.
Responsible for meeting the needs of the client department and/or County while still maintaining the project budget and schedule.
Reviews designs prepared by consultants and lower level engineering staff and prepares technical specifications for construction of proposed facilities, conferring with higher level County and consulting engineers regarding project objectives and County guidelines.
Makes recommendations to higher level engineers regarding project feasibility based on cost of materials, funds available, applicable zoning ordinances, building officials and representatives of utilities.
Prepares monthly payment estimates as a recommendation for payment to contractors by receiving and reviewing reports from inspection personnel regarding amount of work completed in the previous month and recommending to superiors change orders when unanticipated factors necessitate a deviation from original plans.
Conducts preliminary studies based on cost of materials, funds available, municipal zoning, and interviews with involved consultants, and reports findings to supervisors to determine feasibility of project construction
Operates a computer aided design (CAD) system using AutoCAD, and/or other CAD programs to prepare designs, construction drawings, and graphics.
Estimates labor, material and administration costs of approved plans for allocation of funds and preparation and review of public bids for construction.
Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES
Assists in the evaluation of bids, making recommendations on the award of contracts according to knowledge of quality of contractors' work, cost, needed work and other factors.
Assists higher level engineers in the management of large scale projects and operational matters requiring either inception to completion or component responsibilities such as construction progress or mechanical system review.
Requisitions materials needed to complete jobs following supervisory authorization.
Monitors delivery of materials to ensure receipt of proper type and amount.
Inspects project progress, notifies division manager and supervisor of any issues significantly beyond the original scope of work and provides recommendations for action.
Using final and approved plans, determines work priorities within an assigned project to ensure that work is made according to sound construction principles.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.
Ability to use equipment required to perform craft jobs.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is carried out in a typical office environment and construction sites, with exposure to weather conditions and noise.
May participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.
ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of construction project management.
Considerable knowledge of the provisions of the zoning laws, building codes, and other State Acts affecting construction.
Considerable knowledge of the methods of survey, building design and construction.
Considerable knowledge of the nomenclature and symbols used in engineering, drafting, and design. Considerable knowledge of field and office procedures relating to the required architecture, engineering, or construction discipline.
Considerable knowledge of administrative practices related to project management.
Considerable ability to plan, organize, and supervise architectural, engineering, or construction work.
Considerable ability to determine compliance of structures with specifications.
Reasonable knowledge of the technical phases of estimates, contracts, specifications, and reports.
Reasonable ability to prepare contracts and specifications.
Reasonable ability to organize and evaluate information for special reports.
Reasonable ability to utilize current CAD, project management, word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
Additional Minimum Qualifications
Union*
BU61 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Facilities Management Non-Supv (UAW)
*If applicable
EEO Statement
We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Inclusion Statement
Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.