Architect - (5268) - Design & Construction - Architecture - SFO - (157064) TPV

Appointment Type: Provisional.  A provisional appointee must participate and be successful in a Civil Service Examination process for this classification and be selected through an open competitive process in order to be considered for a permanent appointment.  Provisional appointments may not exceed three (3) years.

The Architectural Department at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a team of 10–15 architects dedicated to enhancing and maintaining the airport’s-built environment.  The department operates under the Design and Construction Divisions, which also includes Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Civil, Utilities, Construction Services and Project Management. Its primary focus is on renovations, design, and construction support. The team manages ground-up construction projects typically under 10,000 square feet, as well as interior improvements, and space reconfigurations. The team collaborates closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including Facilities, Aviation Management, Revenue Developments, Airport Operations and design consultants, to deliver thoughtful, high-quality projects that prioritize operational efficiency and enhance passenger experience.

Specific information regarding this recruitment process are listed below:

• Application Opening: Monday, August 11, 2025
• Application Deadline:  Apply immediately.  Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this announcement may close at any time after 5:00 PM on Monday, August 25, 2025.
• Compensation Range:  $169,754 - $206,440 Annually
• Recruitment ID:  RTF0157063, TPV-5268-157064

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), an enterprise department of the City and County of San Francisco, has a workforce of approximately 1,900 City employees and is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive employer.

SFO is more than an airport—we are a dynamic organization where employees collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to support global travel, economic development, and public service. We are recognized as a leader in environmental sustainability, equity, and forward-thinking infrastructure, and continue to be at the forefront of transforming the travel experience.

Our mission is to deliver an airport experience where people and our planet come first.

Our Vision, Mission, and Core Values shape our culture and operations as we continue to build a supportive, purpose-driven workplace where all employees can thrive.

Learn more about careers at SFO at flysfo.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Threads.

Under the direction of the 5211 Senior Architect, this position is responsible for preparing and supervising the creation of preliminary plans and detailed drawings for large, complex capital projects; presenting to stakeholders and the Airport’s internal committee; developing design options; preparing and reviewing specifications; producing construction documents for permits and procurement; managing the construction administration phase to ensure compliance with plans and specifications; overseeing OAC meetings; and performing other related activities during construction administration and project closeout.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties:

• Provides comprehensive project planning and coordination services, including maintaining client relationships, support of contract negotiation and administration, public and user group presentations, and maintenance of budgets and schedules for the assigned projects. The Architect also participates in the professional development of subordinate staff. 
• Supervises and participates in the preparation of complex and difficult conceptual, schematic and detailed design, through final architectural contract documents, bidding and supplemental documents, preliminary and final construction cost estimates, project schedules and budgets for a wide variety of construction and maintenance projects.
• Prepares and facilitates communication between engineering disciplines, clients, agencies, consultants and contractors. Prepares and conducts presentations to clients, public interest groups and Commissions.
• Participates in the preparation of Proposals for Services and agreements with clients and consulting architects and engineers.
• Participates in the leadership of the Department, Bureau and section (or workgroup where assigned) and in the supervision, training and mentoring of subordinate staff and establishing goals for annual work plans and professional development. 
• Supervises and participates in the preparation of project programming, and summaries of the size and scope of projects and contracts, including cost estimates. Researches, analyzes and interprets regulatory requirements; facilitates project approvals and permits from regulatory agencies. 
• Coordinates the preparation of environmental impact statements feasibility studies and reports for architectural projects.
• Researches and analyzes project data; selects and specifies building systems, materials and finishes. 
• Plans, distributes and coordinates work by staff; coordinates the work of multiple design and engineering disciplines, checks drawings and specifications prepared by staff, consulting Architects and Engineers for conformance with prescribed federal and state standards, project design criteria and codes. 
• Examines, analyzes and makes recommendations on submitted construction bids and consultant qualifications and proposals; reviews and analyzes contract modifications and makes recommendations accordingly. 
• Reviews and checks contractors' correspondence, reports, change order requests, payment requests and submittals including shop drawings, material samples and substitutions to insure contract compliance and conformity with the design intent. 
• Coordinates with contractors, construction managers, inspectors, project managers, and code officials; conducts field observation of work in progress to assure contract compliance.
• Performs related duties as required.

Experience:

Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the architectural field, including architectural design, architectural detailing, construction documents, programming, preliminary cost budgeting, specification coordination and review, and construction administration. This experience must include four (4) years serving as a job captain or project leader, and two (2) years of verifiable experience as a licensed architect in the State of California. (Experience in lower-level classes (i.e., 5260, 5261, 5265, or 5266) is considered qualifying.)

License and Certification:

Possession of a license to practice architecture in the State of California issued by the California State Board of Architectural Examiners

Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

NOTES:

A valid out-of-state driver’s license is acceptable during the application process.  A valid California driver’s license must be obtained prior to appointment and maintained throughout employment

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

One-year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40 hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

Desirable Qualifications

The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred to for hiring:

• Experience serving as Project Architect, with strong proficiency in preparing concept and schematic design drawings, presentation materials, construction documents, specifications, and detailing—preferably for interior and aviation-related projects.
• Proven construction administration experience across various building typologies, with a focus on small-scale and interior renovation work.
• Highly proficient in Revit for drafting and design coordination.
• Experience collaborating within interdisciplinary project teams of 5-10 members.
• Experience working with a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Understanding and practical knowledge of San Francisco and California Building Codes.
• Understanding and practical knowledge of San Francisco Administrative Code.
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, including Lumion, Photoshop, Acrobat, In-Design and Illustrator.
• LEED accreditation or demonstrated experience with Title 24 Energy Code and Net Zero Energy Buildings is a plus.
• Experience in managing project budgets, cost forecast and schedules 

Verification:

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Please review our articles on Employment Application and Minimum Qualifications and Verification of Experience and/or Education for considerations taken when reviewing applications. 

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.  All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications. 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. 

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

Selection Procedures:

The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements.  Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview.  Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates.  If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the Department will be invited for an interview.

Notes:  Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through all of the steps in the selection procedure.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance:

Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Customs Clearance:

This position requires that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the San Francisco International Airport U.S. Customs Security Area. An application for a U.S. Custom Access Seal may be submitted to Customs ONLY after employment has commenced.  Employment in this position requires that the incumbent submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a Customs Access Seal. Per Civil Service Commission Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain customs access, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission. Customs Access Seal requirements and procedures are located in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 19, Part 122, Sections 181 or 189.

Terms of Announcement and Appeal Rights:

Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. Clerical errors may be corrected by the posting the correction on the Department of Human Resources website at https://careers.sf.gov/.

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for City and County of San Francisco jobs are only accepted through an online process. Visit https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CityAndCountyOfSanFrancisco1/ and begin the application process.

• Select the “I’m Interested” button and follow instructions on the screen

Applicants may be contacted by email about this recruitment and, therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that their registered email address is accurate and kept up-to-date. Also, applicants must ensure that email from CCSF is not blocked on their computer by a spam filter. To prevent blocking, applicants should set up their email to accept CCSF mail from the following addresses (@sfgov.org, @sfdpw.org, @sfport.com, @flysfo.com, @sfwater.org, @sfdph.org, @asianart.org, @sfmta.com, @sfpl.org, @dcyf.org, @first5sf.org, @famsf.org, @ccsf.edu, @smartalerts.info, and @smartrecruiters.com).

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from [email protected] that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

Exam Analyst Information:  If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Nina Huey at [email protected].

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.