Construction administrator

Colonial Group; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Group in Halifax seeks a Construction Administrator / Field Engineer to support electro-mechanical building systems projects. You will bridge design and construction, ensuring compliance with drawings, specs, and codes, while coordinating with contractors, consultants, and clients.

Field-based role requiring hands-on experience and strong documentation skills. Responsibilities include QA/QC, site visits, RFIs, shop drawings, and change directives, with focus on HVAC, plumbing, fire

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Engineering, or related field, an asset.
• Eligibility for or registration with a professional association (P.Eng., EIT, CET) is an asset.
• PMP certification is considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction activities for mechanical and electrical systems to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, codes, and standards.
• Review and respond to RFIs, shop drawings, and submittals.
• Prepare and issue site instructions and change directives.
• Conduct regular site visits and inspections and prepare field reports.
• Monitor project progress, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Review contractor progress claims and change orders.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Electrical systems

Site coordination

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Engineering degree or diploma

P.Eng/EIT/CET asset

Tools

Bluebeam

AutoCAD

Revit

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Construction Administrator / Field Engineer to support the delivery of electro-mechanical building systems projects. This role is ideal for a professional with hands-on field experience who thrives at the intersection of design and construction, ensuring projects are executed in accordance with plans, specifications, and industry standards.

You will act as a key liaison between contractors, consultants, and clients, helping ensure quality, compliance, and timely project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Construction Administration

• Oversee construction activities for mechanical and electrical systems to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, codes, and standards
• Review and respond to RFIs, shop drawings, and submittals
• Prepare and issue site instructions and change directives in accordance with project requirements.
• Conduct regular site visits and inspections and prepare field reports
• Monitor project progress, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions
• Review contractor progress claims and change orders

Field Engineering & Coordination

• Serve as a technical resource during construction for electro-mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, electrical distribution, controls)
• Coordinate between contractors, project managers, engineers, and clients
• Support commissioning activities and verify system performance
• Assist in resolving site conflicts and constructability issues

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure installations meet design intent, applicable codes (NBCC, CSA, NEC/CEC as applicable), and best practices
• Participate in deficiency reviews and verify corrective actions
• Support project close-out, including as-built drawings and documentation

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Engineering, or related field, an asset.
• Eligibility for or registration with a professional association (e.g., P.Eng., EIT, CET) is an asset.
• PMP certification is considered a strong asset.

Experience

• 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in construction administration, field engineering, or site supervision within building systems
• Experience on institutional, commercial, or multi-residential projects, healthcare facilities preferred
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and/or electrical building systems

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of:
  • HVAC systems, plumbing, fire protection (mechanical focus)
  • Electrical distribution, lighting, and controls (electrical focus)
• Familiarity with construction documentation, specifications, and codes in Canada
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and contract documents
• Proficiency with tools such as Bluebeam, AutoCAD/Revit (an asset), and MS Office

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination abilities
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Comfortable working in a site-based environment