SENIOR ARCHITECT
New Jersey treats Senior Architect as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
The minimum is 3 years of relevant experience and a professional license.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under direction, does the work required in preparing preliminary and detailed architectural designs, plans, and drawings including difficult and complex problems; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Conducts feasibility studies. Prepares estimates for projects which are extensive in scope and importance and require skill, ingenuity, improvisation, or special knowledge of precedents, techniques, or procedures. Adapts or modifies precedents to meet the circumstances arising from varying factors such as extreme or variable climate, seismic conditions, or rugged terrain. Checks or reviews work on projects planned by contracting architects for quantities, costs, accuracy, completeness and conformity with contract requirements, and agreement between architectural and engineering elements, sketches, and specifications, or work of similar level and difficulty performed within the agency. Makes counter proposals for improvement in planning, design, and construction, supported as necessary by plan, elevation, sectional, and perspective sketches. Prepares sketches of institutions and buildings embodying as far as is possible those physical features conducive to efficient and economical institution operations. Prepares plans, specifications, and details. Takes the lead over architects, drafting technicians, and other staff. Interprets drawings, plans, and specifications for estimators, inspectors, contractors, and the various departments when questions arise and makes enlarged drawings of details not clearly understood. Checks shop drawings submitted by various contractors concerned with the erection of the building to ensure compliance with the design and intent of the plans, specifications, and contract. Confers with representatives of municipal departments and citizen groups to provide advice and professional assistance on construction projects. Assists in the selection of outside architects, engineers, planners, and other technically oriented consultants. Assists in the review of architectural projects prepared by outside contracted architects. Does the field work to implement the various projects. Prepares factual reports. Maintains essential project records and files of plans, drawings, and specifications. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Three (3) years of professional experience in the design of large and varied types of buildings and in the preparation of architectural plans, drawings, and specifications.
License
Possession of a valid license as a Registered Architect issued by the New Jersey State Board of Architects. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the sciences and art of architecture. Knowledge of principles and procedures to be observed in determining the design of buildings of varied types. Knowledge of technological developments in the field of architecture relating to economic and efficient types of buildings. Knowledge of the means of obtaining information from superintendents and their assistants to determine how architectural principles can be applied so as to serve their needs. Knowledge of the particular factors which influence the preparation of designs, plans, and specifications for buildings which will be of maximum usefulness. Knowledge of factors to be taken into account in determining the location of heating, lighting, and ventilating devices, and other operating equipment. Ability to organize work, analyze architectural problems, and develop effective work methods. Ability to prepare plans of buildings from rough sketches and verbal information. Ability to supervise and assign work to subordinate employees. Ability to prepare plans and specifications embodying features ensuring efficient and economical operation. Ability to take due account in preparing designs, plans, and specifications of factors involved in locating heating, air-conditioning, ventilating, and lighting plants advantageously and placing of operating equipment properly. Ability to work harmoniously with associates, superintendents, and their assistants. Ability to interpret drawings, plans, and details in such a manner as to make their meaning clear to those having a part in building construction work. Ability to prepare reports. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.