Exam Bulletin - Senior Architect

Department of General Services

Exam Code: EX-2502

Examination Plans Included:

  • SENIOR ARCHITECT - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

SENIOR ARCHITECT: $10,886.00 - $13,625.00 per Month

View the SENIOR ARCHITECT classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed examination. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation, your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the examination until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • SENIOR ARCHITECT - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2502

For SENIOR ARCHITECT, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02502

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00103961 - SENIOR ARCHITECT

Possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Architect issued by the California State Board of Architectural Examiners is required. (Applicants who are eligible to apply for registration will be admitted into the examination but must possess a valid certificate of registration to be eligible for appointment.) And

Either 1

Two years of experience in California state service performing the duties of an Associate Architect or Architectural Project Production Analyst.

Or 2

Experience: Five years of experience in an architectural office, at least three years of which shall have involved responsible planning and designing of major buildings. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with major work in architecture. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Position Description

00103961 - SENIOR ARCHITECT

Incumbents, under general direction, create architectural plans and designs for buildings and groups of buildings which have difficult architectural problems; direct the work of design and planning teams.

Special Personal Characteristics

Demonstrated creative and artistic ability.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. Architecture, architectural practice, details of planning and designing of public buildings, and groups of buildings
  2. Architectural and building materials
  3. Costs, codes, and construction methods
  4. Structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering as related to buildings
  5. Methods of organization and personnel management
  6. Principles of budgeting
  7. The department's Affirmative Action Program objectives
  8. A manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives
Ability to:
  1. Make and analyze comprehensive architectural designs
  2. Present information clearly and effectively in pictorial and written forms
  3. Analyze situations accurately, and adopt an effective course of action
  4. Direct the work of a group of architectural designers or project architects
  5. Effectively contribute to the affirmative action objectives

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the SENIOR ARCHITECT Classification will be established for:

  • Department of General Services

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Senior Architect Training and Experience Examination Preview

How much knowledge, experience or training do you have in the following areas?

 

  1. Architecture, architectural practice, details of planning and designing of public buildings, and group of buildings in order to design and review building projects.
  2. Architectural and building materials in order to plan, design and review building projects.
  3. Project budgeting and construction cost estimating at the conceptual, construction documents and construction phases.
  4. Architectural and engineering systems and their related construction means and methods.
  5. Investigation, mitigation and remediation of hazardous materials encountered during the design and construction of building modernization and renovation projects.
  6. Structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering as related to buildings, specifically the California Administrative and Building Codes of Title 24, the Americans with Disability Act, and other pertinent laws and regulations associated with Access Compliance.
  7. Principles and practices of energy efficiency, conservation and sustainable design, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems and certifications.
  8. Mathematical calculations, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and architectural/engineering applications to design, review and evaluate architectural and engineering calculations and designs.
  9. Computer assisted drafting and design “CADD” software, applicable to design, presentations and construction documentation of buildings, sites and their components including but not limited to AutoCAD, 3D Viz, and similar applications.
  10. Methods and techniques of design document quality assurance including but not limited to plan review and back check procedures, constructability review, analysis and coordination of technical information.
  11. Methods and techniques of the Submittal Review process, Request for Information process (RFI), Change Order process, revisions and deferred approvals, payment request, punch list process, close-out procedures, etc., to manage the construction administration phase.
  12. Manual or electronic review and comment of construction documents for compliance with the applicable codes and regulations.
  13. Federal, State, and Local regulations and standards including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act, California Building Code, Title 24, State Historical Building Code, California Environmental Quality Act and other pertinent laws, regulations and standards, to perform functions essential to the practice of architecture.
  14. Methods of architectural and engineering organization and personnel management for the design and construction of building projects.
  15. Structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, grammar and the principles of effective oral and written communications in a technical design setting to effectively communicate.
  16. Computer software applicable to general office operations and project administrative functions including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Project Scheduler, review and editing software, etc.
  17. Methods and techniques of managing the bidding process including but not limited to, Request for Information (RFI), addenda/clarification and evaluation of bids, etc., to complete the bidding phase of a project.
  18. Methods and techniques of managing a multidisciplinary project design team, including but not limited to meeting facilitation, dispute resolution, Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling, consultant and construction contract administration, quality assurance and inspection, building commission and project closeout.
  19. Developing and analyzing comprehensive architectural designs and technical data in accordance with professional standards, responding to project scope and code requirements according to client/customer needs.
  20. Analyzing situations accurately to identify an effective course of action needed to deliver completed work, services, and or deliverables.
  21. Using mechanical drafting equipment such as scales, levels, triangles, templates, compass, various pens and pencils, etc., as needed to perform assigned tasks in a competent and professional manner.
  22. Conducting work for an extended period in a variety of environments including but not limited to professional offices, existing buildings and construction sites, to complete assigned tasks within the defined scope, schedule and or budget.
  23. Interpreting Federal, State, and Local regulations, standards, policies and procedures including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act, California Building Standards Code, Title 24, State Historical Building Code, California Environmental Quality Act and other pertinent laws, regulations, standards and procedures, to perform functions essential to the practice of architecture.
  24. Reviewing, analyzing, interpreting and applying policies, procedures and regulations used to identify and record noncompliant code issues related to the accurate review and approval of construction documents.
  25. Presenting information in response to questions/inquiries from client/customers, other regulatory agencies and the general public in graphic, oral and or written formats to effectively communicate project information.
  26. Solving problems in a productive, collaborative, rational and non-emotional manner using language and tone of voice that promotes respectful interpersonal relationships.
  27. Handling multiple projects and tasks, exercising flexibility, coordination and time management methods to resolve project related issues.
  28. Exercising professional judgment and assuming responsibility for actions taken, decisions made and resulting outcomes to ensure effective project administration.
  29. Establishing and maintaining cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work in order to foster on-going communications and effective project management in a professional manner.
  30. Respectfully and professionally handle stressful situations when working with others to promote a positive work environment.
  31. Using tact and diplomacy to gain the confidence and respect of public officials, architects, engineers, contractors, and others in connection with the planning, design and construction of facilities and buildings.
  32. Effectively function as a proactive team leader using collaborative and cooperative efforts in order to provide direction, establish and meet team goals in a professional manner.
  33. Directing the work of a group of architectural designers or project architects in order to facilitate the completion of the project.

 

How much experience or training do you have in the following areas?

 

  1. Evaluating construction packages (plans, specifications, required forms, fees, etc.) for varied structural, access, and fire and life safety issues for completeness prior to formal plan review to ensure uniformity, consistency, and compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
  2. Performing initial project planning through research, site assessments, feasibility studies and conceptual designs to produce documents for difficult and complex multi-building projects.
  3. Preparing final as-built drawings on the most difficult projects for accuracy and completeness utilizing the contractor’s marked up drawings and plans.
  4. Continuing education and training on new advances in design methods, technological advances and building code requirements.
  5. Developing project drawings including but not limited to plot plans, floor plans, elevations and sections for the most difficult projects using AutoCad drafting software in accordance with generally accepted industry standards.
  6. Providing expert assistance on projects that include historical or politically sensitive buildings and/or structures by applying personal experience and knowledge.
  7. Resolving conflicts in the contract documents in a timely fashion utilizing the most effective communication methods (i.e., phone, e-mail, meetings, etc.) to assure project remains within the approved budget and schedule.
  8. Conducting periodic on-site observations during the construction phase to assure project construction is consistent with the contract documents, within budget and on schedule through review of monthly payment requests, inspection reports, plans and specifications.
  9. Developing successful, comprehensive project submittal packages by utilizing knowledge of the plan review process and consulting with clients in person or via telephone as requested to ensure that submittal packages (plans, specifications, required forms, fees, etc.) are complete.
  10. Coordinating the contracting process in order to obtain a successful bid by issuing bid documents, responding to request for information and issuing addenda, maintaining logs, performing pre-bid site inspections, and attending bid openings using organizational/ quality assurance/ plan-check skills, spreadsheet, wordprocessing, scheduling, and AutoCAD software.
  11. Preparing written project correspondence on construction document deficiencies during the plan review phase for the architect, client, and others and identifying corrections necessary to comply with the applicable energy and building codes and regulations.
  12. Selecting, managing and reviewing the work product of consultants by reviewing their proposals, conducting interviews, preparing contract requests, coordinating their work and processing pay request using personal knowledge/experience, spreadsheet, wordprocessing, scheduling, and or CAD software.
  13. Developing project management plans to assist the project team and client in understanding and controlling the projects scope, schedule and budget.
  14. Approving invoices and applications for payment for the most difficult projects to accurately compensate consultants and contractors.
  15. Coordinating with staff and contractors to initiate, negotiate and issue change orders on the difficult and complex multi-building projects.
  16. Acting as team leader for the architectural and engineering staff by coordinating and monitoring project activities based on complexity of projects and level of experience, to ensure timely completion of design documentation and deliverables.
  17. Reviewing and assisting project staff with addenda, change orders and deferred approvals on the most difficult projects to ensure compliance with energy, building codes and regulations.
  18. Negotiating professional service agreements and other types of project agreements for difficult and complex projects.

Testing Departments

  • Department of General Services

Contact Information

Technical questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Department of Human Resources
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

Administrative questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of General Services
Office of Human Resources
P.O. Box 989052
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052
Phone: (916) 376-5400

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of General Services reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)