University Architect Assistant - Level 1 (Provisional)

City University of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 76,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

City College of New York is seeking an University Architect Assistant Level I to support planning, design and management of campus building projects under supervision.

The role involves preparing construction documents, monitoring progress, coordinating with stakeholders, and maintaining project records in a dynamic university setting.

Qualifications

• Requires NAAB-accredited architecture degree and 1 year of full-time architectural experience.
• Alternative: Bachelor of Science in architecture with 2 years of experience in architectural work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare designs, drawings, specifications and cost estimates for small to moderate projects.
• Assist in preparation of construction documents and site plans.
• Maintain project lists, progress reports and documentation.
• Coordinate project schedules and communications with campus stakeholders and contractors.
• Support site visits, inspections and design reviews.
• Assist with space planning and campus improvement projects.

Education

NAAB-accredited architecture degree + 1 year experience

B.S. in architecture + 2 years experience

Job description

University Architect Assistant - Level 1 (Provisional)

GENERAL DUTIES

This class of positions encompasses professional architectural work of varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility. There are two (2) assignment levels within this class of positions. All personnel perform related work.

Assignment Level I

Under direct supervision with limited latitude for independent action or decision performs architectural work of moderate difficulty in planning and design for the creation, construction, alteration, rehabilitation or restoration of buildings and facilities.

• Prepares designs, plans, contract and working drawings, contract specifications and other documents and estimates of quantities and costs indicating the nature and scope of the project.
• Maintains constant surveillance of construction operations to ensure satisfactory progress and strict adherence to contract documents.
• Engages in routine research, investigation, studies or examinations related to architectural functions and user activities.
• Utilizes a personal computer to access and maintain data to perform daily tasks including computerized architectural drawings.
• Prepares construction documents for small to moderate maintenance or alteration projects.
• Assists with the preparation of analyses regarding the utilization of sites and structures.
• Maintains updated project list and prepares monthly progress reports on assigned work.
• Maintains and files reference materials and project drawings for such purposes as an architectural resource library.
• Maintains a register of change orders and statements of corresponding time cost impact.

Assignment Level II

Under direct supervision with limited latitude for independent action or decision performs architectural work of moderate difficulty in planning and design for the creation, construction, alteration, rehabilitation or restoration of buildings and facilities.

• Assists the University Architect or other supervisor in the preparation of special reports.
• Participates in and may supervise the preparation of recommendations for alterations or repairs of buildings.
• Prepares detailed drawings of structures or installations.
• Makes interpretive detail sketches or layouts of architectural plans.
• Prepares a complete analysis of the spatial organization and efficient utilization of sites and structures or of the functional arrangement of interior units, utilities and appurtenances.
• Engages in the conduct of complex and important research, investigations, or studies related to architectural activities.
• Prepares construction documents for medium to large size maintenance or alteration projects.
• Prepares monthly progress reports of assigned projects.
• Prepares and processes change orders, reviews shop drawings for conformance to project specifications.
• May attend construction progress meetings.
• Coordinates the engineering components of a project with its architectural design.
• Performs duties of University Architect, Level I, except signing and sealing architectural drawings or other official documents, and except supervision of University Architects.
• May direct or supervise other University Assistant Architects or other professional support personnel

CONTRACT TITLE

Architect Assistant

FLSA

Exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Reporting to the Director of Planning and Design within the Office of Campus Planning and Facilities Management at The City College of New York, the Assistant Architect Level I will, in addition to the duties outlined in the University job description, perform the following responsibilities:

• Manage small-scale capital projects and multiple in-house renovation projects of varying scope, complexity, and budget through all phases of project development, including planning, design, procurement, construction, and closeout.
• Monitor and coordinate project-related activities among campus stakeholders, Facilities Managed trades, CUNY Managed skilled trades, consulting firms, CUNY Central Office, and DASNY. Responsibilities include project scheduling, design and drawing review, campus coordination, progress monitoring, and construction observation.
• Prepare architectural floor plans, space layouts, and related documentation for in-house renovation and space improvement projects.
• Facilitate collaboration and coordination among campus departments, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
• Coordinate project schedules and construction activities with end users, Facilities Management personnel, CUNY Managed skilled trades, staff, and other affected campus units to minimize operational disruptions.
• Assist with the development of project scopes, cost estimates, design standards, and construction documents for campus improvement projects.
• Communicate construction schedules, campus impacts, service interruptions, and project milestones to the College community and affected stakeholders.
• Maintain, update, and distribute project documentation, reports, schedules, and project tracking records to support effective project management and reporting.
• Conduct site visits and assist with construction inspections to verify compliance with project requirements, design intent, campus standards, and applicable codes and regulations.
• Support space planning, facility assessments, and long-term campus planning initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. A Bachelor or Master of Architecture that is the first professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and one (1) year of full-time satisfactory experience in architectural work; or
2. A Bachelor of Science degree in architecture that is the first four years of a five year first professional degree program in Architecture from an accredited college and two years of full-time satisfactory experience in architectural work.

COMPENSATION

New Hire rate - $76,426

Incumbent Rate - $86,359

**** This amount reflects a 13% salary suppression in effect for the first 24 months of employment only**

BENEFITS

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

CLOSING DATE

September 1, 2026

Location

City College of New York