Senior Architect

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks. The Engineering Section is a group of design and construction professionals within the DNR that provide critical facility support and manages all construction projects that occur on DNR-managed land.

The DNR is seeking a senior-level architect to join our team. As the DNR architect, you will be responsible for lead design work on a wide variety of building projects from concept through construction, with duties that include communicating with park managers and wildlife biologists, CAD drafting, researching and developing cost estimates and bid documents and conducting site visit inspections to verify that contracted work meets specified requirements. In this position, you will be exposed to a variety of architectural projects that include new construction and/or renovations of staff offices, shop buildings, storage buildings, restrooms and shower buildings, picnic shelters, and campground kiosks.  Additionally, you will be responsible for evaluating the condition of various historic DNR-managed structures, including buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in order to develop maintenance and renovation plans.

Essential Functions

• Application of the knowledge of the principles and practices of building and design of state building codes, rules, and regulations.
• Preparation of complete architectural plans and specifications for complex and advanced building facilities in the capacity of a professional architect.
• Fulfill the requirements of the Architect of Record for design and construction phases of a project.
• Estimating and scheduling using computers and specialized software.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with DNR staff, management personnel, and other state and federal agencies.
• Read, interpret, and accurately obtain necessary information from architectural related source documents/data to document proposals, search for precedents, and seek out alternative procedures for architectural problems or projects.
• Work independently with consistent results and minimal supervision.
• Develop and foster teamwork, and plan and participate in the work of subordinate professional and technical assistants in the development of plans and specifications.
• Adjust to change, work pressures, or difficult situations without undue stress; travel across the state as required.
• Demonstrate initiative, a customer service focus and display high standards of ethical conduct.

Critical Job Competencies

Accountability, Integrity, High Productivity, Team Player, Customer Focus, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Self-Management, Interpersonal Skills, Technical Skills (architectural, engineering)

What You Get From Us:

• A competitive pay plan and rewarding work.
• Insurance benefits that start the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

(Premiums can start as low as $61/month for single and $205/month for family coverage).

• Separate vacation and sick leave accruals that start on the first day and can roll over annually.
• Nine paid holidays/year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package with employer match.
• Optional deferred compensation (457/401A) plan with employer match.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Flexible schedules and opportunities for hybrid telework (as approved by supervisor).
• Family friendly and professional work environment.
• Employee Discount Programs (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling)
• The State’s total compensation package features benefits that are worth about 30% of your total

compensation. For a list of additional benefits, please visit the DAS website for more information.

Comments:

This position will be based out of the DNR Central Office in Des Moines, IA, with hybrid telework office options available.

Applicants for this position must have a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the State Board of Engineering Examiners or Certificate of Registration as a Professional Architect by the State Board of Architectural Examiners or be able to obtain one through reciprocity within six (6) months.

The starting salary for new state (Executive Branch) employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Additional salary increases may occur after the first six months, and then annually (if applicable). The State’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation. Visit the DAS website for more benefit information.

For more information about DNR Employment Opportunities and position specific notices, please visit the DNR Employment website.

The State of Iowa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

 Iowa DNR Mission:

To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.