Architect (13061, 14023, Grade 28)

Montgomery Parks is seeking two experienced Architects to lead the planning, design, and delivery of architectural projects that support park facilities, operations, and visitor experiences across Montgomery County. Based at Wheaton Headquarters, these positions serve as both project managers and licensed design professionals, managing projects from concept through construction while ensuring they are functional, sustainable, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals. Projects may include feasibility studies, building renovations, new construction, facility improvements, site development, and space planning. The Architects will collaborate with park staff, consultants, contractors, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality projects that support the needs of park employees and visitors. These opportunities are well suited for a licensed architect who can successfully balance technical design with project leadership and collaboration.

About the Park Development Division
The Park Development Division plans, designs, and delivers projects that improve Montgomery Parks facilities and infrastructure. Its multidisciplinary teams coordinate architectural, engineering, landscape, construction, regulatory, and stakeholder needs to support safe, functional, sustainable, and welcoming park environments. Montgomery Parks stewards hundreds of structures, including two ice arenas, six nature centers, 20 greenhouses, 29 park activity buildings, 36 comfort stations, 105 historic buildings,147 storage buildings,165 picnic shelters and more. The Architectural team within the Park Development Division designs and manages projects across this broad spectrum of building types.

About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 417 parks, trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.

• Learn More About Montgomery Parks: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Architectural Project Management

•  Lead architectural projects through planning, design, permitting and procurement and support projects in construction and project closeout. 
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, cost estimates, and delivery strategies. 
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and resolve project challenges. 
• Monitor project performance and communicate progress, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.

Architectural Design & Technical Leadership 

• Prepare architectural designs, construction documents, specifications, estimates, and presentation materials for building renovations, facility improvements, space planning efforts, and other park-related projects. Ensure projects address applicable codes, accessibility requirements, sustainability goals, permitting requirements, and Parks design standards.
• Provide professional architectural expertise and technical review for projects impacting park facilities and parkland.

Consultant, Construction & Stakeholder Coordination

• Manage consultant contracts and review consultant and contractor deliverables for quality and completeness.
• Coordinate regulatory reviews and other project requirements. 
• Collaborate with park staff, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other project stakeholders.
• Participate in construction meetings, inspections, issue resolution, commissioning, and project closeout.

Important Skills

• Applies architectural and project management principles to unfamiliar project types, to independently advance projects from concept design through construction.
• Successfully manages multiple complex architectural projects while remaining flexible and responsive to shifting priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder needs. 
• Builds strong working relationships and effectively integrates input from diverse project partners. 
• Provides clear written and graphic communication and develops practical solutions to project challenges.
• Maintains quality and accuracy throughout planning, design, documentation, permitting, and construction. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Architecture or a closely related field. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and advanced graphic or project management software.
• General knowledge of local, state, and federal code, regulations and permitting requirements for building and site development projects. 
• Working knowledge of accessibility codes and standards. 
• Comprehensive professional knowledge of architectural concepts, principles, practices, and techniques. 
• Skill in applying design and construction project management methods to a full range of projects. 
• Working knowledge of related disciplines including landscape architecture, environmental, geotechnical, civil and structural engineering, as well as construction management

1. A Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or a degree in any related field.
2. Five years of progressively responsible architectural designer and/or construction manager experience that includes substantive work in the range of duties and responsibilities in this class specification.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 9 years.
4. Valid Registered Professional Architect License issued by any state within the United States is required for eligibility.  A valid Registered Professional Architect License issued by the State of Maryland is required within six months of appointment to a position in this class.
5. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.  Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Classification Specification: Architect

May be subject to medical, drug, and alcohol testing. 

Working Conditions:

• Works in indoor, mainly office, and outdoor settings, including parks, facilities, and active construction sites. 
• Work is mainly sedentary but requires occasional exertion in the field and at construction sites. 
• May be exposed to inclement weather and construction-site hazards, including close proximity to energized equipment and moving vehicles. 
• Maintains situational awareness, follows established safety procedures, and wears required personal protective equipment.
• May be subject to a high volume of work, tight deadlines, competing priorities, occasional travel, and schedule adjustments associated with project and construction needs. 

Additional Details: 

• The salary range shown reflects the approved pay range for this position. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience. 
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.