Architect (VA LPTA)

What We Do 
We empower our defense and law enforcement customers to focus on their primary mission by removing friction points and setting them up for long-term success. VWI provides facilities and infrastructure management; our specific services include housing management, custodial services, facilities management, operations & maintenance, and various professional services. By providing strategic, responsive, and mission-driven solutions, we forge long-term partnerships with our customers, vendors, and team members. We invite you to join our team, providing essential services for those who serve our country.

Please note that this position is in support of a contract for which we are bidding. Any offer of employment shall be contingent upon contract award.

What You’ll Do
Serve as an Architect who works with the Engineering Service or Section Chief. Under the responsibility of the Section Chief will meet deadlines, overall objectives, resources available and tasks necessary to complete the work. The Architect is primarily responsible for site investigations supporting the documentation of campus buildings and all utilities, independent planning, and carrying out the assigned tasks to meet the objectives, including but not limited to overseeing and assisting with accurate documentation of existing structures, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc. The complete work is reviewed by the Section Chief in terms of effectiveness in meeting all requirements.

• Independently create full campus facility architectural and engineering documentation including utilities using Computer Aided Drafting (AutoCAD) and Revit for all existing campus buildings.
• Engage in activities related to complete documentation management and/or documentation administration. Responsibilities and tasks shall be assigned and directed by the Section Chief.
• Prepare detailed, scaled AutoCAD and Revit drawings, reflected ceiling plans and elevations of buildings, utility components and systems to accurately dimension and document. Documentation shall include important notations made during site investigations.
• Analyze architectural drawings and develop and follow a system of proper AutoCAD and Revit plan layers, for systems and components of building codes, major equipment, materials, placeholder furnishings and traffic patterns. Communication of documentation maintenance and tracking using Microsoft Office Suite and AutoCAD and Revit software.
• Interpret and review provided architectural plans for concurrence to the VA’s Technical Information Library (TIL), standards and specifications as used for the basis of current construction and procurement package development.
• Identify incomplete or inaccurate information and discuss with the Section Chief.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend appropriate solutions to resolve complex interrelated problems and issues.
• Bring any concerns to the attention pf the Section Chief to discuss resolution and how best to document this in the drawing files.
• Update drawing files with outside Contractor Company. This involves uploading AutoCAD and Revit drawings into the outside Contractor, noting departmental changes, and changing functions of space after moves and minor construction on campus.
• Maintain in good order the Drawing Room and that includes drawings and plans, and project binders relating to various design and construction projects.
• Assist in the management of documentation of archive and original building drawings for the Medical Center.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned, such as providing documentation of existing plans, creating schedules, and attending project meetings.
• Follow basic working knowledge of Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS), VA Barrier Free Design Guide, VA Technical Information Library (TIL), International Code Council (ICC), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), International Fire Code (IFC), Life Safety.
• Identify, develop, and manage projects making improvements to the medical facilities and surrounding property. This includes building renovations, interior finish improvements, water distribution, waste-water treatment, storm drain collection systems, roads, and pavement.

What You’ll Have
Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 8-10 years of architectural experience.
• Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ Architectural employment, a minimum of two (2) years of experience including site investigations, preferably in the healthcare field.
• Knowledge of healthcare design and the understanding of fire codes, life safety codes, building codes, barrier free design, systems, components, cleaning and maintenance concepts, ergonomics, and safety criteria.
• Knowledge of building systems found in commercial and/or healthcare construction as necessary to coordinate with other design and construction disciplines/trades typically included on construction projects, including but not limited to architectural, structural, civil, landscaping, equipment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm/fire protection, and telecommunications.
• Must be able to perform site investigations, identify variances between drawings and the built environment for a one hundred (100) acre property with an excess of twenty (20+) buildings of varying construction and occupancy types.
• Ability to review and interpret construction drawings and specifications for disciplines/trades typically included on construction projects, including but not limited to architectural, structural, civil, landscaping, equipment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm/fire protection, and telecommunications.
• Skilled in free form drawing and drawing to scale when on a job site measuring for a project.
• Preferred certifications such as National Council of Architectural Registration Board, Project Management Certification, Evidenced Based Design Accreditation and Certification and/or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
• Minimum 2 years of AutoCAD, 2 years of Revit and 2 years of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook) experience is required.
• Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams are beneficial but not required.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally with a variety of contractors, management officials, vendors, Contract Officers and VA Long Beach staff and meet stated deadlines.
• Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Qualified candidates shall have received an annual seasonal influenza vaccination, or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons, prior to start of work.

What We Offer
At VWI, our people are our greatest strength. Our respect for the skills and expertise of our employees drives every decision we make. We strive to uphold our values of respect, dignity, teamwork, and transparency in the benefits and compensation we offer to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, covered by employer-funded Health & Welfare contributions, as per SCA regulations.
• Paid Time Off and Vacation Days 
• Opportunities for bonuses and compensation increase over and above guaranteed SCA wages.
• Opportunities for promotion to supervisor and management positions 
• Leadership and development opportunities  

VWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer