Assistant/ Associate Architect

We are seeking a skilled and collaborative Architect to oversee and coordinate the planning, design, and construction of County-owned facilities. This role serves as a vital liaison between building users and contract architects, ensuring functional, efficient, and cost-effective building solutions that meet County standards.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial and public-sector architectural design, project supervision, and cross-agency coordination. They possess exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to translate user needs into practical and innovative design solutions, while expertly managing contracts, timelines, and regulatory requirements.

The position may be filled at either the Assistant or Associate level, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications .

Assistant Architect
Salary:
$4,664.08 - $5,671.68 Bi-weekly
$121,266.08 - $147,463.68 Annually

Assistant Architect- This classification is eligible for a 4% professional incentive pay for maintaining a valid Registered Architect license issued by the State of California. The incentive will end if the incumbent leaves the classification or fails to maintain the required license.

Definition
Under supervision of a licensed architect, to perform architectural duties in connection with the design and construction of transportation facilities and related projects.

Associate Architect
Salary:
$5,427.84 - $6,595.28 Bi-Weekly
$141,123.84 - $171,477.28 Annually

Definition

Under direction, to act as liaison agent between the potential occupants of County owned facilities and contract architects engaged in the design of buildings; to plan and design building and alterations to building; and to assign work, give instructions and pass upon architectural projects.

About Engineering & Program Delivery Division

This division is responsible for the design and construction of all capital projects and infrastructure required to provide a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system for Santa Clara County. These responsibilities include program and project management, design development, engineering management, project controls, construction management and turnover of various projects that are part of VTA's rail, facilities and highway transportation improvement programs.

This division is also responsible for the implementation of the projects identified in the 2000 Measure A Program, which includes the planning, design, and construction of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART Silicon Valley) Project. This project will extend the BART regional heavy rail system to Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara. Click here for the Divisional Organization Chart.

About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara Countys authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused, innovative, and environmentally responsible transportation options promoting the region's vitality. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services and participates as a funding partner in regional rail services, including Caltrain, Capital Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

To learn more, go to: vta.org .

Our Community

Santa Clara County, sometimes referred to as Silicon Valley , is unique for its innovation, natural attractions, and social diversity. With numerous amenities and perfect weather, it has long been considered one of the best places in the United States to live and work. calendar of festivals and celebrations supports the community spirit. Nearby open space provides easy access to mountain parks, trails, lakes, streams, and beautiful coastal beaches. San José has received accolades for its vibrant neighborhoods, healthy lifestyle, and diverse attractions from national media, including Business Week and Money magazines.

The countys population of 1.9 million is the largest in Northern California and is rich in ethnic culture and diversity. Enjoy access and the option to explore our closely neighboring counties of San Francisco and Alameda.

Classification Bargaining Unit: TAEA

Application Deadline: Posting will close June 18, 2025 at 11:59pm

Tentative Interview dates: Week of July 7, 2025

Assistant Architect Typical Tasks

• Performs architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) for building structures and interior space planning projects;
• Confers with department representatives to establish building and interior space planning requirements with scope of work;
• Manages small architectural projects from definition through completion of construction. Elements include code research; programming; feasibility; presentation drawing/models; cost estimates and value engineering; design building systems including materials and systems selection; coordinates civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical design with in-house and/or outside consulting engineers; prepares working drawing and specifications; advises construction inspectors, reviews submittals and shop drawings, and prepares design change orders; and final inspection/acceptance;
• Manages interior space planning projects from definition through completion, including preparing layouts, list of materials, cost estimates; coordinates proposals with system furniture distributors; coordinates installation with users, furniture installers, maintenance crew, and other vendors as required; manages inventory of systems furniture;
• Performs related work as required.

Associate Architect Typical Tasks

• Confers with persons using or who will use County owned buildings and other facilities to determine building design program;
• Makes feasibility and cost estimate studies of proposed building and alterations;
• Prepares and assembles design proposals;
• Approves materials, shop drawing and change orders;
• Advises construction inspectors;
• Approves payment of design and construction projects;
• Makes final acceptance inspections of buildings and alterations;
• Prepares and administers contracts for the design of buildings;
• Coordinates between the contract architect and the user and other agencies;
• Reviews, checks and reports on proposals, drawing and specifications prepared by contract architects;
• Performs related work in the coordination and administration of design contracts;
• Performs project supervision;
• Designs buildings and alterations to buildings;
• Consults with structural, mechanical and electrical engineers;
• Determines materials and methods of construction;
• May do landscape architectural, site development and interior design work;
• Prepares working drawing and specifications;
• Makes presentation drawings;
• Performs related work as required.

Assistant Architect Employment Standards
Graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in building architecture and two years experience of building and/or interior design experience under the supervision of a licensed architect.

Associate Architect Employment Standards
Graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in architecture and four years of experience in professional architectural work including the planning and design of buildings.
Registration as an architect in the State of California at the time of appointment.

Assistant Architect
Knowledge of:

• Theories and principles of architecture;
• Computer Aided Drafting and Design systems;
• Building construction materials, systems, and methods;
• Structural, mechanical, and electrical systems as related to industrial and commercial buildings;
• Space planning principles and system furniture design;
• Codes, ordinances, and laws concerning building design and construction;
• Project development procedures such as programming, schematics, design development and working drawings;
• Project management procedures, contracts administration, scheduling, budgeting, and value engineering.

Ability to:

• Perform professional architectural work in support of licensed architects including design work and drawing and specification preparation;
• Operate hardware and software components of a Computer Aided Drafting and Design system;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing as well as preparing and presenting graphic material;
• Make sound architectural judgments based on research and analysis;
• Prepare correspondence and reports using common software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, and scheduling).

Associate Architect
Knowledge of:

• Theories and principles of architecture;
• Architectural details and standards;
• Building construction materials and methods;
• Structural, mechanical and electrical systems as related to commercial buildings;
• Codes, ordinances, and laws concerning building design and construction;
• Principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Determine or establish building design programs;
• Provide project supervision;
• Coordinate the activities of several divisions and agencies;
• Design pleasing and efficient buildings;
• Do rendering and architectural drawings;
• Prepare specifications;
• Make sound architectural judgments based on thorough research and analysis;
• Prepare comprehensive correspondence and reports;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

What's in it for you?

Health: VTA participates in a CalPERS-sponsored medical plan with VTA contribution to employee and dependent premium health insurance premiums. Employees pay a monthly contribution of any amount in excess of the Kaiser Bay Area Family rate.

Flex Spending Account : $300 employer-funded Health FSA for eligible employees

Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents

Leave : 17 days of vacation (accrued), 8 0 Hours of sick time (accrued) , 1 2 paid holidays per year, and 1 floating holiday per year.(after 1st year)

Retirement:

- Participation in CalPERS

• Classic Members: 2%@ 55

• PEPRA Members: 2%@ 62

- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (voluntary)

• 457 pre-tax

• 457 Roth

• Self-directed brokerage account option for qualifying employees

- Retiree medical coverage for eligible employees with VTA contributions to the retirees medical premium

Additional perks :

- All active full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for transit passes for use over VTA lines, including VTA Paratransit services.

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to each employee, eligible dependent, and household member, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- Tuition Reimbursement

- Professional Development Fund

- Wellness Programs

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan , we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: style="margin: 0; padding: 0">

General Instructions Please read this entire job announcement before applying for the position. Print and keep a copy of this announcement so that you can refer to it. Questions not answered within this job announcement may be sent to ... .

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be submitted online to the Human Resources department by the stated closing time and date posted. When the stated closing date is continuous, apply immediately ; the position may close without notice. You will receive an immediate email confirming receipt of your submitted application. If you do not receive this email, contact NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line at ... between 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Only on-line applications will be accepted for this recruitment (paper applications or resumes will not be accepted). Job Interest Notification Cards, or copies of previous , partial, or un-submitted applications, are not an acceptable substitute to a completed application.

ALL APPLICATION AND TESTING NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL. Applicants should select e-mail as the preferred method of notification. Candidates must maintain an up-to-date, valid and reliable e-mail address. Candidates are also responsible for maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and addresses on their on-line account. Due to the number of applications received, candidates must check their application status through their on-line account. Contact NeoGov for assistance if needed.

Information on how to apply for jobs at the VTA is available on the VTA Employment website and from the NEOGOV's Applicant Assistance Line .... NeoGov Applicant support is available from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (PST) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities. If you wish to request an accommodation, call the Human Resources Department at ... or email at ... .

Application Processing Information

All related current and past work experience (including VTA experience) must be listed and fully described in the Work Experience section of the application ("See Resume" is not acceptable). Incomplete or improperly completed online applications may be rejected even if you are qualified for the position for which you are applying. It is your responsibility to ensure that the online application reflects the work experience and education needed to meet the requirements for the position you are applying for. Although your resume may have all your experience and education details, please make sure to complete each section of the online application to ensure that your information is accurately captured during our screening process.

All applications are subject to review as to meeting minimum qualifications at any point in the recruitment process. Passing any step is no guarantee of continuation if it is determined that the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the class specification.

Candidates found to have exaggerated/falsified their qualifications, experience, training, and/or education may be disqualified at any point in the recruitment process and may be denied future employment with the VTA.

If selected for the position, candidates will be required to complete a criminal conviction disclosure form. Candidates who successfully become VTA employees, and fail to disclose any of the criminal background information as required may be subject to discipline up to and including discharge.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. If you have questions related to an Eligible List you might be on or were on, you should contact Human Resources.

If you have questions regarding your status as an applicant for this position, please call the Human Resources Department at ... or email at ... .

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or religious needs, absent undue hardship.

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.