Definition
Performs journey-level technical engineering, master planning, or architectural work; reviews architectural and engineering drawings for building construction projects and oversees the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of buildings, utilities, earthwork, and related facilities; performs related work as required.
The work examples and competencies listed below are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.
Work Examples
- Plans, directs, and participates in the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of buildings, utilities, earthwork, and related facilities including related mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems and equipment; ensures that the components are utilized properly and to best advantage according to architectural, engineering, or related knowledge and principles.
- Inspects existing facilities and the related mechanical and electrical systems and equipment; prepares recommendations for repairs or improvements.
- Consults with construction groups; prepares special requirements necessary for the proper functioning of the facilities.
- Prepares, reviews, or approves master plans, construction drawings, construction specifications, and cost estimates for construction of new facilities and repairs and/or modifications of existing facilities.
- Consults with and oversees the work of contractors prior to, during, and after construction or remodeling; ensures that the facility is being constructed properly.
- Inspects or directs the inspection of sites before, during, and upon completion of construction; reviews change orders; ensures that the work performed and the materials used meet standards.
- Reviews and approves contractor or consultant applications for payment and disburses construction funds to projects; meets obligations and allows contractors sufficient operating capital to continue construction.
- Prepares or oversees the preparation of all records and reports; maintains an up-to-date account of completed and in-progress construction projects.
- Reviews final drawings and specifications, and/or preliminary proposals of various building types to ensure compliance with the Iowa State Building Code, Chapters 5 and 16 of Iowa Administrative Code 661, and the National Fire Protection Associations various codes and standards, including the Life Safety Code. This includes such areas as: means of egress and fire escape; energy efficiency; accessibility; fire alarm systems; mechanical systems; lighting; building entrances; occupancy criteria; seating arrangements; fire suppression systems; and other code-required features.
- Communicates with local building officials and the public to answer questions and provide guidance in complying with state accessibility requirements and to clarify and interpret State Building Code and Model Building Code issues as they relate to specific projects throughout the state.
Competencies Required
Knowledge:
Design – Design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Engineering and Technology – The practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Building and Construction – Materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
English Language – Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Mathematics – Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics – Prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Law and Government – Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Abilities:
Category Flexibility – Generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning – Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering – Arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Mathematical Reasoning – Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Oral Comprehension – Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression – Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity – Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Visualization – Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Written Comprehension – Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression – Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Skills:
Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making – Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Mathematics – Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operations Analysis – Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Science – Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Systems Analysis – Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in architecture, construction management, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, construction engineering, fire protection engineering, or a related field and experience equal to four years of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures; work with building codes, fire codes, and handicapped accessibility regulations, direct involvement in the preparation of architectural or building engineering construction documents or in the review of such documents for conformance with applicable portions of these codes and regulations; or work as a construction manager, general contractor, subcontractor, or similar role.
All of the following (a and b):
Four years of full-time work experience in engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures; work with building codes, fire codes, and handicapped accessibility regulations, direct involvement in the preparation of architectural or building engineering construction documents or in the review of such documents for conformance with applicable portions of these codes and regulations; or work as a construction manager, general contractor, subcontractor, or similar role; and
A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in architecture, construction management, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, construction engineering, fire protection engineering, or a related field equals one year of full-time experience.
All of the following (a and b):
Two years of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and
Licensure as a Professional Engineer by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board.
All of the following (a and b):
Two years of full-time work experience (as described in number one); and
Licensure as an Architect by the Iowa Architectural Examining Board.
Effective Date: 08/26 SA