Career Center

DCH is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the Architect 3 position in the Office of Health Planning. The Office of Health Planning, which accounts for approximately three billion dollars annually of the State's budget, is dedicated to advancing the health, wellness, and independence of those they serve by providing access to quality care and resources statewide to approximately 1.7 million Georgians. The position is based in downtown Atlanta, GA (Fulton County).

Under broad supervision of the Architect Supervisor, provides architectural review of construction projects at hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical treatment centers and other health care facilities for compliance with State and Federal Rules and Regulations. Develops architectural designs, drawings and specifications for new and existing structures, landscapes or interior spaces. Consults and interacts with external engineers, owners, contractors, internal and external regulatory authorities, designers and users, and provides technical assistance to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

Performs timely reviews of plans and specifications:

• Reviews plans for health care facilities in the schematic or initial stages to ensure functionally efficient plan and required elements are included.
• Reviews detailed plans in the design development stages making suggestions regarding details, safety code requirements, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
• Reviews and approves for construction the completed construction plans for compliance with program needs and any applicable local, state and federal codes.
• Acts as liaison during each stage of review with other local, state and federal agencies if required.

Conducts Inspections of Health Care Facilities:

• Inspects health care facilities for recommendations regarding adequacy of size, accessibility, topography and utilities. 
• Conducts periodic field inspections to determine whether work is performed in accordance with the approved plans and any Certificate of Need requirements. Performs final inspections checking for compliance with state/federal standards and guidelines. 
• Provides consultative services:
• Informs supervisor of all architectural/engineering activities regarding plans, specifications, inspections and occupancy of pending projects to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines. 
• Maintains contact with existing health agencies and organizations at the local, state and federal levels to keep informed of current trends, standards, regulations, codes, designs and construction techniques. 
• Provides consultative services to owners, architects, engineers and others on architectural/engineering/construction matters for health care facilities. 
• Makes feasibility studies for existing facilities to determine practicality of renovations versus new construction. 
• Assists state and federal agencies in development of revised, updated construction standards for health care facilities.

Continuing Education:

• Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in the health care environment. 
• Participates in educational programs, seminars and professional meetings as available for continuing professional education and applies pertinent knowledge to performance of responsibilities.
• Takes initiative to investigate opportunities to improve professional and personal development.

Bachelor's degree in architectural design, landscape architecture, architecture or a closely related field from an accredited college or university AND Two years of experience in a directly related area OR state license to practice architecture AND Two years of experience in a directly related area OR One year of experience at the lower level Architect 2 (FEP011) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, demonstrate some or all the following skills/experiences):

• Georgia Registered Architect
• Project Architect with experience in the design and construction of health care facilities.
• Knowledge of construction means and methods
• Knowledge of health care planning, design, and construction
• Ability to read and make independent judgements in interpreting architectural and program regulations and procedures
• Ability to conduct inspections, read and interpret engineering construction documents for compliance with standards, codes and regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills