ABOLISHED 12/07/2017 PER PAY LETTER 18-01 - Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency Series
California State Personnel Board Specification
Series established November 28, 1979
Scope
This series specification describes three design and architecture classes used within the California Housing Finance Agency.
Definition of Series
The Design Officer series is used in the California Housing Finance Agency to develop building and housing standards and to review and evaluate plans and specifications submitted by developers for housing projects to be financially sponsored by the Agency.
Positions are responsible for developing building and related design standards including special features for the handicapped and the elderly; determining the feasibility and access of site location, the environmental impact of housing projects, building density, exterior design, the livability of the interior layout, and general marketability of the proposed project; reviewing, evaluating, and making recommendations upon proposals submitted by developers, including the factors listed above and conformance to building codes and regulations, accuracy of cost estimates, quality of proposed construction, and the suitability of the energy system. Positions also perform research studies with regard to energy conservation, building materials, and user need; review and certify housing developments' compliance with Department of Housing and Urban Development Minimum Property Standards; and assist developers and architects in obtaining zoning changes, variances, and conditional use permits.
The Design Officer staff works closely with builders, developers, entrepreneurs and citizen representatives from minority and other communities in all phases of planning, financial management and construction of building projects.
Definition of Levels
Associate Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency
This is the journeyperson level who works under general supervision in the development and review of building plans and proposals.
Senior Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency
Under general direction, a Senior level is responsible for reviewing project designs and sites in the more complex and difficult projects. A Senior Design Officer may have lead responsibility over the work of Associate Design Officers, or may work independently.
Supervising Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency
Under general direction, this level represents the Agency's highest architectural resource expert in either the Northern or Southern regional offices. The Supervising level has the final responsibility for determining the adequacy of proposed projects in terms of architectural design, site location, cost estimation, and conformance to California Housing Finance Agency building and related standards. The Supervising level also performs critical research functions with regard to energy conservation, building materials, and user need.
Minimum Qualifications
All Levels:
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with major work in architecture, design, or a closely related field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree or certificate of registration is preferred.
Associate Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency
Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in the design of housing and related facilities, with special emphasis on citizen participation in the design process.
Senior Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency
Either I
Two years in the California state service performing, the duties of an Associate Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency.
Or II
Five years of progressively responsible experience in the design of housing and related facilities with special emphasis on citizen participation in the design process.
Supervising Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency
Either I
Two years of experience performing the duties of a Senior Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency.
Or II
Broad and extensive (more than five years) responsible architectural and planning experience in the design and development of housing developments, preferably multiunit, at least two years of which must have been in a managerial or supervisory design capacity, demonstrating thorough knowledge of residential unit design, site planning, construction methods and materials.
Possession of an advanced degree in a relevant field is desirable and may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Knowledge and Abilities
All Levels:
Knowledge of: Policies, purposes, programs and procedures of the California Housing Finance Agency; architecture; detail of multiunit housing design; principles and processes involved in community and site planning, design development, and construction of housing developments; the environmental and community aspects and impact of residential construction; environmental and zoning approval processes; State and local building codes, Housing and Urban Development Minimum Property Standards; design parameters for the disabled; materials, methods, costs and codes of building construction; mechanical and structural systems; community and social implications of various design concepts; development cost implications of alternative designs.
Ability to: Analyze information and situations accurately, draw sound conclusions, and make recommendations upon building designing proposals; work effectively with developers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of minority communities; evaluate suitability of sites for housing developments; identify, evaluate, and resolve architectural problems of developers, architects, engineers, and contractors; detect faulty and improper materials and workmanship in building and allied construction; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Senior Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency
Ability to: In addition to the above, lead the work of others.
Supervising Design Officer, California Housing Finance Agency
Knowledge of: In addition to the above, principles and practices of personnel management and supervision; the department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.
Ability to: In addition to the above, plan and direct the work others; research and analyze data affecting design, energy, and construction costs; establish new design guidelines and processes to accommodate programmatic changes; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.
Class History
