Architect IV

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 119,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (100% for full-time)

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission seeks an Architect IV under the Architectural Review Unit Director. This senior-level architect leads architectural and construction projects, provides advanced consultative services, and guides design professionals across hospitals and related facilities within ARU licensing programs.

Responsibilities include leading complex inspections, ensuring code compliance, interpreting NFPA and life safety codes, training staff, coordinating with contractors,

Qualifications

• Licensed Architect required and maintained license.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting building codes and standards.
• Strong communication with stakeholders and teams.

Responsibilities

• Directs architectural work for health facilities with complex systems.
• Lead inspections and ensure code compliance and safety standards.
• Train staff and coordinate with contractors and other officials.

Skills

Architectural design

Code compliance

Inspection & enforcement

Communication

Leadership

Education

Licensed Architect

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Date: Sep 14, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• a defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

Functional Title

Architect IV

Job Title

Architect IV

Agency

Health & Human Services Comm

Department

HCR ARU - Admin SS & Mobile

Posting Number

21517

Closing Date

03/15/2027

Posting Audience

Internal and External

Occupational Category

Architecture and Engineering

Salary Range

$10,678.03 - $13,051.00

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Salary Group

TEXAS-B-28

Shift

Day

Additional Shift

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel

Up to 85%

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Full Time/Part Time

Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt

Exempt

Job Location City

AUSTIN

Job Location Address

701 W 51ST ST

MOS Codes

32EX,510X,653X

Under the supervision of the Architectural Review Unit (ARU) Director, this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) architectural work directing architectural and construction projects and activities. Provides advanced consultative services and performs leadership functions by directing and guiding highly specialized design professionals as it relates to general and special hospitals, limited services rural hospitals (LSRH), private psychiatric hospital and crisis stabilization units (PPH&CSU), ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), end stage renal dialysis (ESRD) facilities, and freestanding emergency medical care (FEMC) facilities within the multiple licensing programs of the Architectural Review Unit. Communicates with highly skilled design and construction professionals and implements decisions on their building systems. Leads complex and large-scope healthcare construction inspections and investigates complaints and is responsible for identifying non-code complaint deficiencies on construction sites. Conducts required annual and initial surveys to determine compliance with state licensure and federal certification requirements. Identifies and writes deficiencies in accordance with federal, state and local building code requirements and makes appropriate referrals to state and federal agencies. Accurately interprets codes, rules and regulations and writes guidance letters to disseminate to stakeholders. This position both reviews and approves federal survey and state inspection plan of corrections. Trains inspection staff, and coordinates travel. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties assigned. Works cooperatively with agency staff, Unit Managers and HHSC Regulatory Services Division.

Directs architectural work related to health control, including building systems. Provides senior-level technical consultative services regarding complex healthcare building systems to highly skilled design and construction professionals and provides direction for cost-effective healthcare technology. Coordinates the design and construction of healthcare facilities with complex building systems to ensure code compliance. Provides code and policy interpretation to design professionals, facility owners, and facility planning directors. Writes guidance letters for interpretation of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes to reduce failed inspections. Serves as an expert resource in architectural issues for healthcare facilities. (25%)

Leads the testing of fire safety and multiple lifesaving building systems, including but not limited to egress, life safety systems, medical gas system, emergency electrical system, nurse call system, heating and air conditioning system, emergency water, fire alarm system, and sprinkler system on extraordinarily complex and large-scoped healthcare facilities. Surveys complaint investigations and monitors quality control. Surveys operational healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with codes, standards, federal Medicare regulations, and project requirements. Makes professional judgments and advises best architectural practices. Trains field inspectors for consistency and updates staff on changing codes and rules. Coordinates with contractors, construction managers, and other code officials. Coordinates inspection travel, including planning and booking transportation and lodging. (25%)

Facilitates meetings with health facility representatives, including architects, engineers, contractors, health care providers, and facility planning directors. Determines functional and spatial requirements of new structures or renovations. Provides public presentations and training regarding various areas of design and architectural standards and agency procedures and methods. Prepares educational materials and training forms. Serves as a preceptor and mentor in the orientation and initial training of newly employed architects and engineers. Participates in the rule review development and revision related to architectural requirements for healthcare facilities. Researches cost associated with architectural improvements and investigates options for advanced technology to assist in rule development. Attends enforcement conferences and hearings to provide expert testimony related to violation of rules related to architectural requirements. (20%)

Prepares field reports for both state and federal inspections, reduces facts to specific findings, and recommends corrective solutions when the project is not code compliant. Evaluates facility’s corrections for compliance with federal and state laws and standards. Reviews and approves construction drawings, specifications, technical reports, structure specifications, construction materials and equipment on complicated healthcare projects. Makes appropriate referrals to state and federal agencies about leading architectural design in the healthcare market. (20%).

Maintains professional license. Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas as evidenced by working knowledge of applicable standards, rules and techniques. Attends workgroup meetings. Completes special assignments as assigned by Unit manager. Performs other duties as assigned for smooth daily operations and management objectives. Maintains effective working relationships being tactful and professional within our interdisciplinary team and with external groups to foster an environment of continuous improvement. Actively participates and serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment. (10%).

Registration, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Licensed Architect by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners is required. It is required to maintain your professional license.

Valid Class C (or higher) Texas driver’s license is required. It is required to maintain your Texas driver’s license.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of architectural design and engineering principles, techniques, and procedures; of construction methods and management; of architectural specifications related to design work; and of mathematical applications.

Knowledge of fire safety principles, fire prevention practices, fire and safety hazards, fire control and protection equipment, and disaster preparedness principles. Knowledge of life safety applications and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.

Knowledge of conducting inspections and directing others. Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract construction administration. Ability to read, understand and analyze contract construction documents. Ability to remember codes, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Knowledge of coordinating a substantial workload and prioritizing multiple assignments with minimal supervision.

Skills in exercising independent judgment, analyzing new situations and responding with sound technical judgment.

Skills in communicating effectively, intelligently, and professionally with public, stakeholders, and other State agencies. Skilled in expressing ideas clearly and concisely.

Skills in conducting interviews and reviewing maintenance logs, recording information, preparing case narratives and lengthy documents.

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel programs. Knowledge in composing, editing, and proofreading technical correspondence and drafting concise reports and business correspondence.

Skill in tactfully and diplomatically interacting within the team and with external groups to foster an environment of continuous improvement, maintain effective working relationships, and develop professional contacts.

Skill in working independently without close supervision and performing with a high degree of diligence and communicating directions.

Skill in the use of architectural tools and capable of climbing ladders and going through tight spaces, such as attics and mezzanines.

Initial Selection Criteria

Experience in writing reports and letters via organizing, preparing, proofreading, and presenting information in written format via Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Experience in a position that requires direct contact with the public and responding professionally and clearly verbally.

Professional architectural experience that relates to the Life Safety Code, fire safety, or other building codes.

Additional Information

Requires travel through Texas, including overnight travel. May be required to work other than usual hours (8 am – 5 pm M-F), including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Requires working in inclement weather. Must have reliable transportation.

Salary Note: The salary offered follows HHS HR Policy and Procedures and contingent upon allocated funds set by the current budget. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant’s current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget. The salary on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum allowed, however, budget considerations may result in salary offers below the maximum of the posted range.

Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. HHS agencies use E Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market

Austin