Deputy Director for Engineering and Design

Summary

The Deputy Director for Engineering and Design provides leadership and direction to a multidisciplinary staff of engineers, architects, planners, technical and support employees responsible for the planning, design, construction, revitalization, and stewardship of Smithsonian facilities. The incumbent is responsible for the safety, cost effectiveness, efficiency and overall quality of all engineering and design projects for the Institution.

Duties

The incumbent serves as a principal advisor on all aspects of facilities engineering, architecture, design excellence, accessibility and the stewardship of Smithsonian facilities. Advises senior leadership on broad policy, design standards, code application, program and human resource matters affecting facilities engineering and design of SI programs and operations. Advises senior leadership on architectural and engineering approaches that balance functionality, life-cycle performance, sustainability, preservation requirements, visitor experience, and SI mission needs. Oversees strategic and business planning, goal setting, quality implementation, organizational performance measurement, and reinvention efforts to ensure alignment with the vision, values, and goals of the Secretary, and Director for Office of Planning, Design and Construction (OPDC). Leads the architectural and engineering design program to ensure projects achieve excellence in design quality, functionality, durability, sustainability, accessibility and compatibility with historic and cultural resources. Successful adoption of these best practices and standards is essential to maximize the Institution's buying power and to help reduce the more than $1.5 billion backlog in revitalization projects. In addition, the incumbent will continue to oversee existing priorities, including facilities safety and security, energy efficiency, historical preservation, and public access in facility projects and construction criteria. Manages the completion of an aggressively changing project that includes responsibilities that may evolve in its complexity. During the next ten years the Institution will invest to revitalize aging facilities and construct new facilities to support additional exhibits and programs. The project workload will require the incumbent to establish policies, processes and procedures, and to develop a training program that will ensure appropriate performance standards are achieved throughout the division. Oversees the established control systems to monitor and ensure adherence to the budgetary commitments allotted to the engineering and design initiatives and services. Responsible for assessing the effectiveness of these control systems to ensure the engineering and design division remains within budget. Adheres to financial management policies and procedures contained in the Institution's Office Memorandums. Serves as SI's expert in the development of policy, standards, and procedures to ensure operation of an effective and efficient engineering and design program for all SI facilities. Develops, implements, and assesses processes and systems involved in capital improvement initiatives, new construction, and repair and revitalization projects and contracts. Leads studies on current and innovative approaches to providing quality driven engineering and design functions and customer services. Provides expert technical advice and guidance to SI leadership on various contracts (i.e., internal engineering and design services, supervision and inspection) and facilities planning and programs. Ensures the Quality Control and Quality Assurance of engineering and design work products, whether internally or externally developed, reflect the commitment to excellence and outstanding service that establishes the division's credibility, authority and efficient operations. Oversees engineering and design services and program functions and resolves issues that are outside the purview of engineering and design branch staff. Oversees the fulfillment of the division staff Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) responsibilities to meet division's contract administration and inspection functions. Keeps abreast of the latest private and public sector developments and innovations related to architecture, engineering and design; maintains liaison with counterparts in other federal agencies and external stakeholders such as universities and the cultural community; evaluates the applicability of those developments for SI engineering and design services and incorporates into SI programs as appropriate. Oversees architectural planning and design activities for new construction, major revitalization, preservation, and adaptive reuse projects. Ensures compliance with applicable design standards, historic preservation requirements, accessibility guidelines, and SI engineering and design criteria. Reviews and evaluates conceptual, schematic, and architectural designs to ensure alignment with SI objectives and long-term facility goals. Ensures appropriate consideration of cultural landscapes and architecturally significant facilities while balancing operational, programmatic, life-safety and sustainability requirements. Through subordinate supervisors the incumbent: plans, organizes, and directs the personnel and activities of OPDC's, Engineering and Design Division.

Requirements

Meet the basic qualifications and specialized experience as listed below:

Qualifications and evaluation

The qualifications listed in this document will be used along with your resume and your responses to the questions posed in the electronic application process to determine the candidates who will move forward in the evaluation process. When crafting your responses to the questions, please provide concise, detailed information on your background and experience. Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to the major duties and qualifications criteria listed for this position. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Benefits

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits program for both Federal and Trust employees. See www.sihr.si.edu for details. We also offer a rich program of services and opportunities to balance and enhance your work life. They include Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (an accredited educational program for children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years), transportation benefits, professional interest groups, employee advocacy groups, special events such as brown bag lunches, an annual picnic on the Mall, an annual holiday party, free lectures, behind-the-scenes tours and employee discounts at our theaters, shops and after hours events. These and other programs have made the Smithsonian one of the top 10 places to work in the government.

How to apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: -You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). -You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR -You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package. -The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. -If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Required documents

· Uploaded resume or detailed resume created in the USAJOBS Resume Builder · Current and former Competitive Service candidates: submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, and an additional SF-50 indicating tenure of at least one year at the GS-15 level. · SES candidates with Reinstatement eligibility based on prior Competitive Service employment: submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, and an additional SF-50 indicating Competitive Service tenure and Reinstatement eligibility. · Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment. · Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable. · A recent performance evaluation, if requested. · Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy) if you are requesting a special appointment authority, such as VEOA. · Proof of severe disability if you are requesting special placement consideration. · Proof of eligibility for a military spouse appointment, such as a permanent change station military order. · Proof of eligibility for any other special appointing authority not specifically mentioned here.

Additional information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS Receives general supervision from the Director, Office of Planning, Design, and Construction, who provides broad guidance in terms of overall policy, program objectives, and delegated authority. Within this framework and with a minimum of direction, independently develops, directs, and carries out all aspects of assigned programs, exercising a high degree of managerial and executive knowledge and abilities. Major policy questions or controversial issues are discussed with the Director for guidance. Keeps the Director informed of all significant program activities and potential problems. Work performance is appraised in terms of overall effectiveness in achieving program objectives. SECURITY LEVEL This position has been reviewed to determine the level of POSITION SENSITIVITY. Based on the nature of the work, the position has been determined to be Public Trust/HIGH RISK. This designation will require (1) a pre-employment Security Agency Check (SAC) for the prospective incumbent; and (2) a subsequent comprehensive background investigation and favorable adjudication in order to continue in the position. EEO The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors. REASONABLE ACCOMODATION The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. RELOCATION Relocation expenses will not be paid.