Staff Architect

Virginia Beach City Public Schools; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Beach City Public Schools seeks a Specialist (Professional) to manage architectural and construction contracts for renovations, new builds, and maintenance projects. The role serves on the Architectural Selection Committee and coordinates with architects, engineers, and contractors while monitoring project progress and payments.

Required: a bachelor's in architecture and five years' experience; Virginia licensure or active pursuit with a two-year plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or related field and at least five years of experience.
• Licensed as an architect in Virginia or eligible for licensure with ability to obtain within two years.
• Strong knowledge of architecture, design, and construction principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct the daily administration of architectural and construction contracts pertaining to school design and construction.
• Evaluate and oversee decisions regarding design, construction, renovation, or potential use of existing school facilities.
• Coordinate services and prepare contracts; oversee field inspections of school construction.
• Solicit professional architectural and engineering services; secure and evaluate proposals for school projects; make recommendations.
• Review drawings and specifications prior to bidding; assist in initial preparation and update of Capital Improvement plans.

Skills

Contract administration

Architectural knowledge

Construction management

Communication skills

Budget estimation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Architect license or pursuing

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Classified - Position - Specialist (Professional)

Job Number 3700274728

Start Date

Open Date 10/14/2026

Closing Date 11/04/2026

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for administering architectural/engineering contracts and construction contracts for school renovations (both large scale and partial), new school construction and replacement/maintenance contracts that are procured through the department. Also serves on the Architectural Selection Committee and facilitates the programming and planning phases of projects. Acts as a liaison between the school personnel who use the facilities being renovated, built, etc. and the architects, engineers and contractors who must interact with school personnel. Monitors the progress of construction projects and authorizes appropriate monthly payments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Conduct the daily administration of architectural and construction contracts pertaining to school design and construction
• Evaluate and oversee decisions made regarding the design, construction, renovation, or potential use of existing school
• Coordinate services and prepare contract
• Oversee field inspections of school construction
• Solicit professional architectural and engineering services; secure and evaluate proposals on school projects; make
• Review drawings and specifications prior to the bidding
• Assist in the initial preparation and update of the Capital Improvement
• Understand public use of buildings, including safety standards, occupancy standards, and ADA accessibility standards.
• Prepare project scopes, preplanning studies, and preliminary budget estimates for future
• Develop recommendations for the standards of quality of all materials and equipment to be used in school projects.
• Redesign administrative office space as requested by the superintendent or appropriate senior leadership.
• Develop recommendations for facility modifications based on new federal and state codes and
• Update informational documents (e.g., maintenance and replacement inventory, cost data, and facility history data).
• Prepare School Board agenda items; make presentations regarding professional services or general construction projects.
• Maintain current and comprehensive knowledge of local planning policies, procedures, city ordinances, and state
• Perform related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of architecture, design, and construction as applied to the development projects; ability to plan, lay out, and direct the work of subordinates; ability to plan projects and prepare related designs, estimates, and specifications; ability to perform difficult architectural/engineering computations and to make comprehensive recommendations on problems; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors, and the general public; skill in the use of civil engineering instruments and equipment; ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to calculate complex cost estimates and prepare technical reports.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required: A bachelor's degree in architecture or a related field and at least five (5) years of experience in the architectural profession are required. Candidates must be licensed as an architect in the Commonwealth of Virginia or be eligible for and actively pursuing licensure, with the ability to obtain it within two (2) years.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Frequent sitting, grasping, fingering, repetitive motion, and reaching. Occasional walking, standing, bending, stooping, and driving. Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, extreme vibrations, hazards such as moving vehicles, electric current, exposure to chemicals, moving mechanical parts, etc. and/or loud noises. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Requires timely and regular adherence to established work schedules.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, disability, marital status, age, genetic information or veteran status in its programs and activities. (Reference: School Board Policies 2-33,4-4,4-6)

To seek resolution of grievances resulting from alleged discrimination or to report violations of these policies, please contact the Chief Human Resources Officer at [phone],2512 George Mason Drive, Municipal Center, Building 6, Virginia Beach, VA, 23456.

Alternative formats of this application which may include taped, Braille, or large print materials are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Call or write the Department of Human Resources, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, 2512 George Mason Drive, P.O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. Telephone: [phone] (voice); [phone] (TDD) or email at: [e-mail].