Massachusetts Designer Selection Board Seeks 1 Professional Engineer for the Board

Serving on a state board or commission is a volunteer opportunity; it’s a great way to contribute your professional expertise to improving how public projects are delivered and also a way to build your understanding about how public officials evaluate proposals and ideas from design professionals.

The Massachusetts Designer Selection Board (DSB) is now seeking resumes from candidates who are Professional Engineers licensed in and residing in Massachusetts for 1 opening on the DSB.

Serving on the Board is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. The Massachusetts Designer Selection Board (DSB) is seeking committed individuals, like you, to serve your state in a vital capacity as a member of their volunteer board. It’s a great way to contribute your professional expertise to improving how public projects are delivered and a way to build your understanding about how public officials evaluate proposals.

By joining the DSB, you will have the opportunity to contribute your skills to the selection of designers for state facilities and charter schools. If you are an electrical, mechanical, structural, or civil engineer, your expertise is valued and needed.

The Massachusetts Designer Selection Board (DSB) is an autonomous 11 member board that selects designers for public building construction of state facilities throughout the Commonwealth, as well as charter schools.

The DSB reviews designer applications for DCAMM (Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance) work, selects and ranks three finalists. The board then forwards its recommendations in writing to the DCAMM Commissioner who has authority to appoint and contract with the selected firm.

Your role would be one of eight members appointed by the Governor, three of whom are registered architects, three registered engineers, and two representatives of the public who are not architect designers, engineers, or construction contractors.  Three additional members are appointed by the following professional societies: The Boston Society of Architects (BSA), Design Professionals Government Affairs Council (The Engineering Center Education Trust) and the Associated General Contractors (AGC). Certain officers will have additional specific responsibilities.

This is an important Public Board.  We need PE candidates, licensed in and living in MA, The candidate selected for recommendation to the Governor’s office will need to go through standard background security and financial checks before appointment. 

The DSB meets approximately every two weeks on a Wednesday from 8:30 AM- 11:30 AM via Zoom.  If you are interested in applying to serve, please see below for details. 

Diverse and associate candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Description for the Massachusetts Design Selection Board:

Title: Member, Designer Selection Board
Reports to: DSB Chair
Purpose: To serve the Board Chairman as a voting member; to develop plans, policies, procedures and practices for the operation of the DSB programs and performance. The DSB reviews designer applications for DCAMM (Division of Capital Asset Maintenance and Management), Commonwealth Public Agencies  (including DCAMM), Counties and charter school projects, selects, ranks and interviews finalists for single projects and house doctor projects. The board then forwards its recommendations to the Agency for contracting with the selected firm.

Term: 2 years; opportunity for re-appointment for another 2-year term by (Governor, etc.); opportunity to serve as an officer.

Expected Meeting Attendance: 
Regularly attend DSB meetings as scheduled (about 24/year).  Meetings are every two weeks , so approximately twice a month from 8:30 AM-11:30 PM.  The DSB provides a parking space to Board members for in person meetings, however, based on current Open Meeting law, meetings are virtual on zoom at least until March of 2025. 

Obligations of the Board:

• Establish policy for DSB as a Board member.
• Avoid conflict of interest during meetings.  You are responsible to consult the Designer Selection Board or the State Ethics Commission for more information on conflicts for special employees, but Abbie Goodman can answer some questions about what this means.

Duties for Board members:

• Use best professional judgment to support DSB activities
• Promote DSB participation by encouraging firms to apply.
• Be responsive to requests for information, participation or assistance from DSB Board, DSB staff, DCAMM and/or municipal staff.
• Be an advocate and a spokesperson for DSB in coordination with DSB Executive Director.
• Participate in current policy and Board objectives.

Information about Conflict of Interest:

• As with any similar public service, it is extremely important to maintain the integrity of the Board. Members must adhere to the conflict-of-interest requirements during meetings as defined by Chapter 7C, Section 49, paragraph (e) and should review in advance of the meeting with the State Ethics Commission at 617- 727-0060 for any instances of conflict that might arise. Other requirements may apply.

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to the public good, we encourage you to submit your resume, with full home and work contact information on it,  to Abbie Goodman by September 6, 2024. Please reference “Designer Selection Board” in your subject line. Let's work together to build a better future for Massachusetts, one project at a time. Your dedication to public service will leave a lasting impact on our communities.

More information about the Designer Selection Board