JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Architectural Assistant POST NO: DEPARTMENT: DIVISION: RESPONSIBLE TO: GRADE: Fixed Assets Division Design and Maintenance Consultancy Services Manager M1 PURPOSE OF POST: To support the Design team in the delivery of numerous major projects by undertaking a range of architectural duties including preparation of surveys, plans, specification and drawings and to ensure the effective and timely delivery of best value services that comply with all statutory building and design requirements and Council policy. ORGANISATION CHART: PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: % 1. Assist in implementing the work programme by managing specific projects as directed within the fee allocation including: Determine client s requirements and ensure client s expectations are met and that their participation in the design process is facilitated. Ensuring that client is involved in the decision making process and is kept informed regularly. Undertake site appraisals advising client of any statutory constraints and site conditions. 60 1
Provide the professional expertise to achieve appropriate design solutions within agreed objectives and within the given timescales. Undertake organisation, preparation and implementation of all necessary drawings and correspondence connected with allocated projects. Carry out risk assessment and assist in the preparation of Health and Safety Plan in accordance with CDM regulations. Administer projects during the construction phase, ensure that information is available to enable projects to be completed on time and within budget and maintain good working relations with all involved. 2. Ensure that allocated projects comply with current legislation, and statutory requirements and that all necessary approval and consents are sought i.e. planning, building regulations, CDM, Health and Safety regulations etc. 3. Represent the Property Services Team as requested at public meetings, client meetings and meetings with Elected Members and ensure that good professional relationships are maintained. Assist in marketing of the services. 4. Undertake measured surveys of buildings and produce CAD plans, ensuring that accurate and up to date records and attribute information (asset data, condition) are electronically updated onto the Council s Asset Information Systems. 5. Contribute to the development of the Property Services Team, including recommending improvements to working practices, constructive problems solving, coaching other team members etc. DIMENSIONS: Supervisory Management: External agency/consultancy staff (as required). Allocating work to contractors and monitoring of some. Financial Resources: Capital Budget - currently 5m Revenue Budget - 0,000 Physical Resources: Other: Typical number of feasibility schemes and project briefs per year: 20-25 Typical number of projects undertaken per year: 15-20 2
CONTEXT: This post is subject to capital funding availability. This post forms part of the Design & Maintenance Team within the Fixed Assets Division. The Design & Maintenance Team is responsible for the design and delivery of feasibility schemes, major capital works, planned maintenance and the provision of advice in conjunction with the other members of the teams. This role will be supporting the design and delivery of major projects which include housing masterplanning, new build and refurbishment of schools, office refurbishments which range in value from 1m to 17m. Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. Therefore, it is essential in making your application you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders 1974 (Exemptions) (Amendments) Order 1986. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are spent under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority. The fact that a bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment. Physical effort: Working Environment: The post requires the postholder to visit and inspect properties which may also require the postholder to climb ladders / scaffolds. The job holder will be required to visit buildings sites and therefore some exposure to hazards of building site work in all weather conditions although Health & Safety training and protective clothing and/or equipment is provided. 3
Person Specification This acts as selection criteria and gives an outline of the types of person and the characteristics required to do the job. Essential (E) :- without which candidate would be rejected Desirable (D):- useful for choosing between two good candidates. Please make sure, when completing your application form, you give clear examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Attributes Essential How Measured Desirable How Measured Experience In-depth experience of providing architectural services including project management, contract administration and making associated professional judgements. Some experience in controlling budgets. Some experience with building contracts and contract administration and site supervision. Skills/ Abilities Demonstrable written and verbal communication skills; Able to negotiate and influence others and to create and maintain effective working relationships, both internally and externally- Able to write reports /specifications. 1.2 Able to produce detailed drawings using 3D SketchUp design based software Able to control, supervise and monitor the performance of contractors. - Able to use Microsoft Word and Excel software or equivalent, NBS & Technical Indexes. Able to produce detailed drawings using REVIT and AutoCAD design based software-,3 Able to prioritise, plan and organise own workload to meet conflicting demands, fee targets and deadlines. Equality Issues Able to identify when discrimination is taking place in service delivery or in the work place and to take appropriate action if discrimination occurs. Specialist Knowledge In depth knowledge of Health and Safety Legislation including CDM regulations, DDA and Asbestos regulations. - 4
Education and Training Part 2 Architectural Assistant or a trained Architectural Technologist,4 A relevant project management qualification or experience i.e. Prince2 Practitioner,4 Other Requirements Able to undertake site visits and access all parts of building sites including use of ladders. Able to attend meetings within and outside the Borough (Frequency: Monthly) (1 = Application Form 2 = Interview 3 = Test 4 = Proof of Qualification 5 = Practical Exercise) We will consider any reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995), to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post. The Job-holder will ensure that Luton Borough Council s policies are reflected in all aspects of his/her work, in particular those relating to; (i) Equal Opportunities, ii) Health and Safety, iii) Data Protection Act (1984 & 1998) 5