Architectural Associate

Job Summary

Performs a wide range of complex, professional architectural assignments in planning, design, and construction of Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs), public works projects and tenant improvement projects.

Representative Duties

Note: Duties may vary depending upon assignment.

Performs complex technical work related to the design, construction and improvements of various public facilities, structures, City parks and Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs), public works projects and tenant improvement projects.

Serves as a project manager and/or supports another project manager by overseeing in-house and/or outside consultants' designs, preparing plans and specifications, preparing cost estimates, preparing requests for consultant/contractor services, and monitoring project progress through construction completion for a wide variety of architectural projects, including but not limited to new construction, additions, remodels, space planning, roof repair and roof replacements.

Performs preliminary or feasibility investigations and prepares project reports.

Conducts planning studies, data collections, budgeting activities and project work scheduling tasks. Tracks and monitors actual progress versus planned progress.

Performs materials engineering, evaluation and selection.

Prepares design studies.

Inspects project sites to monitor progress and ensures compliance with architectural and/or engineering plans, specifications, and construction and safety standards.

Performs field calculations in response to change orders and contract estimates. Assists in labor compliance monitoring, claims mitigations and related negotiations.
Observes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) concepts in the course of work.

Researches and responds to citizen complaints and prepares written correspondence and reports.

Prepares and presents reports to City Council, City staff, private and public organizations, boards and commissions and outside agencies.

Maintains project records and participates in the review of the work of consultants.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Theory, principles and practices of architectural design.
Design, construction and maintenance requirements of public works facilities.
Applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances.
Mathematics and physics applicable to architectural design.
Strengths, properties and use of construction materials.
Statistical procedures applicable to compilation, analysis and presentation of architectural data.
Project management techniques.
Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Read, interpret, prepare and check architectural and engineering drawings.
Analyze problems and make logical recommendations.
Make accurate calculations.
Perform work using word processing, spreadsheet and database software applications.
Use computer-aided design and drafting software (CAD, CADD; Revit; Bluebeam).
Write technical reports and letters.
Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Read, interpret and implement provisions of, but not limited to, the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, Uniform Building Code, California Environmental Quality Act, and other regulatory documents.
Perform work requiring physical dexterity.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with a variety of individuals, including City employees, contractors, developers, boards and commissions, outside agencies and the general public.
Provide effective customer service.

Skill in:

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.
Drafting technical reports quickly and concisely.
Interacting effectively with various stakeholders.

Education, Training and Experience :

Graduation from a college or university accredited by the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) with a Bachelors' degree in Architecture or a closely related field, or accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) or ECPD (Engineering Council for Professional Development) with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

Two years of recent, paid and progressively responsible work experience in professional architectural design or civil engineering.

Licenses and Certificates :

Possession of a valid class C driver license. Registration as a Professional Architect in the State of California is desirable. Possession of LEED Professional Accreditation, or other green building rating system, is desirable.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

Training and Experience Evaluation
Oral Interview

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 4/16/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• 

• City of Santa Monica

Show more