Project Manager/Architect (Office of the Circuit Executive)

Are you interested in a position that supports the federal judiciary’s mission of ensuring equal justice under the law? Come join our talented and diverse team at the Office of the Circuit Executive!

About the Role

The Project Manager/Architect is responsible for managing a portfolio of projects by providing senior level technical support for space planning, physical facilities, and security projects under the purview of the Ninth Circuit Judicial Council and the Office of the Circuit Executive. The incumbent reports to the Assistant Circuit Executive (ACE) for the Space and Facilities Unit, and supports the Ninth Circuit Judicial Council and its committees. The incumbent’s role as an owner’s representative provides support and consultation to Ninth Circuit court units within the portfolio, working with partnering agencies for the development of projects. Project types range from the planning, funding, design, and construction of new courthouses and offices to the repair and/or alteration of existing courthouses and offices. 

Representative duties include:

Providing services related to all aspects of space planning, construction, security, and post-occupancy troubleshooting, for a portfolio of projects ranging from minor renovations to major additions and new courthouse construction projects. Coordinating and facilitating the development of projects that involve multiple stakeholders and a variety of decision makers in the judiciary, as well as a number of federal agency partners. Representing the judiciary’s objectives to ensure meeting project budgetary and scheduling goals. Developing creative solutions to challenging space, facilities, and security-related issues within policy guidelines and funding restrictions. Maintaining clear communication with judges, senior management staff, professionals, and other individuals at all levels and court unit types. Regular travel within the circuit, and occasionally nationally, is required.

Required skills include:

• Ability to review, analyze, and support effective design solutions that meet multiple requirements.
• Ability to review, analyze, and support cost control and constructability measures.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with industry-standard cost estimating.
• Ability to work well with diverse, interdisciplinary teams and to coordinate multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to understand and explain policies and procedures, negotiate fees and costs, and manage and coordinate services required for space delivery.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with federal judges, court unit executives, court staff, and federal agency partners.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy in dealing effectively with judges and senior management.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, or a related field from an accredited college or university and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible project management work experience in architecture or construction.
• Experience developing design programs, reviewing construction documents and estimates, and resolving related issues from preliminary design through construction for complex architectural projects.
• Appropriate educational substitutions may be credited as one year of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Architect license, any state or NCARB. LEED, CASP, or other professional registrations.
• Familiarity with courthouse or other public sector construction projects, the Federal General Services Administration regulations (GSA P-100), and the U.S. Court Design Guide.

About the Office

The Office of the Circuit Executive (OCE) serves the Ninth Judicial Circuit of the United States, which is the largest federal circuit in the country, comprising nine western states and two United States territories. The OCE serves the Court of Appeals as well as all of the District Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, Probation and Pretrial Services Offices, and Federal Public Defender’s Offices within the Ninth Circuit.

The OCE was created by statute to provide professional administrative staffing to circuit councils, which are composed primarily of judges engaged full-time in deciding cases. The OCE provides administrative support to the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit and its various committees. It also provides direct services to all judicial court units within the Circuit. All OCE responsibilities flow from directives of the Judicial Council or the Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit. The OCE is organized around the Judicial Council’s core functions.

The OCE is committed to providing professional support to the Judicial Council and all court units within the Ninth Circuit and ensuring the highest level of public trust in the administration of justice. This support includes identifying needs, conducting studies, proactively developing and implementing innovative policies, providing training, providing public information and human resources support, coordinating building and IT projects, and advising the Judicial Council on procedural and ethical matters. Position Details Location: The Office of the Circuit Executive (OCE) is based at the James R. Browning United States Courthouse in San Francisco, California. Hybrid work options (telework and in-person) are available for this position, subject to supervisor approval, following an initial in-person onboarding and training period.

Rewards & Perks

Salary: $102,962 - $167,349 (CL 29) depending on qualifications and experience. 

Time off:

11 paid holidays, 13 vacation days, and 13 sick leave days per year. After three years (including any prior federal work experience), vacation days accrue at a higher rate. 

Benefits:

• Federal pension plan and optional employer-matching Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K).
• Choice of a variety of employer-subsidized federal health and life insurance plans.
• Optional dental, vision, and long-term care coverage.
• Flexible spending account to pay out-of-pocket health and dependent care expenses with tax-free dollars.
• Public transit subsidy.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• On-site gym (in Browning Courthouse).
• Remote/Telework/Work-From-Home options may be available.

Conditions of Employment

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship. Successful applicants are provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting. Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the OCE. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees. Direct deposit of pay is required.

The OCE reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, for any reason including but not limited to budgetary issues. Said modifications may occur without prior written or other notice.

Equity Focused Employer

We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. The OCE encourages applications from all qualified individuals and seeks a diverse pool of applicants in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstances.