Architectural Technician - 2 Posts in Belfast

Responsible to: Head of Service, Minor Capital Delivery, Operations and Estates

Reporting to: Locality Managers – Minor Capital Delivery, O&E

Overall Job Purpose: The Post Holder will provide Architectural design and supervision services, under the direction of the Locality Manager, Assistant Locality Manager, based on the RIBA ‘Plan of Work’, either individually or as a team member on construction minor works projects, in connection with the various MiCD Programmes.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out building and site surveys and update estates records as required.
• Develop the brief in consultation with authorised representatives of Client Departments.
• Conceptualise and design buildings, develop plans, prepare design drawings, coordinate and communicate the production drawings, tender documents, graphical information, reports, prepare schedules and specifications up to tender stage, using where appropriate computer aided technology systems.
• Submit schemes and collaborate with other statutory bodies including DENI, The Planning Service, Public Health and Building Control etc.
• Analyse building codes, technical booklets, nZEB regulations, by laws, space requirements, site requirements and other technical documents and reports.
• Co‑coordinate and lead the input of Mechanical, Electrical and Structural Consulting Engineers throughout the design process.
• Supervise contracts on site, chair site meetings and record minutes for action as required.
• Consider Health and Safety implications for individual or allocated projects by acting as a Principal Designer.
• Assist with the preparation of risk assessments, pre‑tender Health and Safety plans and health and safety files.
• Assist with the supervision the enforcement of health and safety regulations on site by the contractor and his operatives.
• Support other Project Managers when necessary and act as project lead to perform the duties of a Project Manager for appropriate allocated projects, to administer contracts on site, instruct contractors on changes to contract work and establish procedures with the contractors and building users to ensure the minimum disruption to normal activities within the building during the contract.
• Assist with the direction of the Clerk of Works in their duties during a contract.

Finance:

• Conduct and prepare feasibility reports and financial analysis of building projects.
• Manage projects during design phase, within cost limits, up to tender stage.
• Control finances during the construction phase, agree cost variations to contracts and recommend stage valuation payments.
• Agree final accounts with contractors on completion of projects and recommend payment.

Other Duties:

• To take photographic records of on‑site operations and relevant premises to assist in the development of projects.
• To respond to client’s questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner; communicate and coordinate regularly with appropriate others to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• To provide needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain tasks particularly computer‑based tasks to new and existing staff.
• To attend meetings, workshops and training sessions and review publications and materials to become and remain current on the principles and practices and new developments in assigned work areas.
• To monitor/supervise students on placement as required.
• To carry out such other duties relevant to the post as may be directed by senior or line management.
• To assist in the management and archiving of the Education Authority’s database for School Building Layouts and Data.
• Assist EA Legal with Site boundary Maps, Wayleaves, Consent to discharge and recording of Portfolios.
• To work in collaboration with EA colleagues in Asset Management Service (AMS), Quality Environment and Safety (QES), Facilities Management Service (FMS) and Major Capital Development (MaCD).

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post‑holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS:

• You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
• You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
• The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
• Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
• Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
• In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed.
• It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria:

• Hold a Higher National Certificate or Higher National Diploma in Architectural Technology/Building Studies/Construction; OR Foundation Degree in Architectural Technology or Architecture; OR Other course approved by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
• Have a minimum of three years experience working as an Architectural Technician/Architectural Assistant within the construction industry.
• Demonstrable experience of regularly and directly supporting Project Manager’s/Architect’s in delivery of construction projects through RIBA Works Stages 0-7.
• Experience of preparing Planning Applications, Building Control Applications, clearly demonstrating knowledge of NI Building Regulations and other statutory/regulatory application procedures including direct liaison with statutory/regulatory bodies, utility providers etc.
• Experience and evidence of project management of leading detailed design process and co‑ordinating design information through RIBA Work‑stages 0-7.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of design, construction management including contract management through RIBA Work‑stage 0-7 and maintenance of buildings.

Other:

• The successful candidate will be required to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; or be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

Section 2 - Essential Criteria:

• Demonstrable experience in the use of AutoCAD.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the requirements of an Architectural Technician;
• Knowledge of the function of the Education Authority;
• Demonstrable knowledge of Northern Ireland Building Regulation and implementation of relevant NI Technical Booklets;
• Knowledge of the DENI building Handbook for schools;
• Knowledge of project managing and administrating construction contract through RIBA Work‑stage 0-7;
• Knowledge of financial aspects associated with project delivery.

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including reporting skills;
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team;
• Ability to work under pressure and achieve target deadlines as required by Locality Lead/Assistant Locality Lead;
• Be flexible and self‑motivated with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to use own initiative/be innovative to make decisions.

Values Orientation:

• Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values.

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of the preparation and administration of PQQ and ITT procurement processes.
• Experience of NEC Suite of Contracts.

Our Values: Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND: The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre‑employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES: To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.