Building Enclosure Consultant (Entry-Level)

RDH Building Science; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental coverage

401K contributions

Vacation and Sick Time

Learning fund of $1,000

Discretionary incentives

Job summary

A consulting firm is seeking a Consultant to enhance building enclosure performance in Oakland, California. The role involves site evaluations, design recommendations, and developing reports for new and existing projects. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in Engineering, with skills in building science principles and collaborative communication. This position leads to potential career growth into Project Management, alongside a competitive salary range of $75,000 to $90,000 and robust employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in building science consulting is an asset.
• Field experience addressing site conditions is preferred.
• Eligibility to enroll in an EIT program is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project design meetings with stakeholders.
• Conduct site visits to review construction progress.
• Prepare reports documenting observations and recommendations.
• Assist with the development of educational programs.

Skills

Beginning technical knowledge of building enclosure design

Ability to build collaborative relationships

Analytical problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Strong work ethic

Ability to gather and diagnose information

Education

Bachelor of Engineering or Applied Science

Job description

The Consultant role requires knowledge in building science, enclosure design, and building enclosure construction principles. Responsibilities include: Design and field reviews for new projects. Investigation, design, document preparation, and field reviews for existing buildings.

The role ranges from supporting senior staff to being the main contact on projects. You will review onsite work and assist with design and construction documentation. This work focuses on assessing solutions to ensure excellent building enclosure performance across various types.

The position involves a mix of site field review and office work related to building documentation.

This role can lead to Professional Engineering licensure and a Project Manager position as experience and responsibilities grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Participation as part of the RDH team from concept design to the implementation stages of new construction and existing building projects
• Write reports; prepare and deliver presentations to internal RDH teams and external project teams
• Assist to ensure delivery of services and products to meet RDH quality standards including following RDH internal processes and technical standards/checklists
• Assist with the development and delivery of in-house and eventually client education and training programs

Building Enclosure Consulting (New Construction or Existing Building Rehabilitation)

• Along with senior staff, participate in design meetings with owners, developers, architects, and other consultants. Provide design recommendations and design review of building enclosure assemblies and details. Conduct drawing, detail and specification reviews.
• Perform site visits for new construction and existing building projects to review building enclosure construction progress relative to the project contract documents.
• Prepare site visit reports documenting observations and field‑testing results. Provide recommendations for all deficiency items, including field sketches, where required.
• Attend regular site meeting with owner(s), architects, contractors, developers, product manufacturers, and any other relevant parties to discuss progress of the work.
• Review “mock‑ups” of various details and assemblies within the scope of work. Use independent judgement on site and make recommendations for modifications to design.
• Review contractor’s shop drawings for conformance with the project intent, performance with respect to the various building science principles, and for any scheduling of work issues.
• Review or create Site Instructions and/or Proposed Change Orders for items not included in the original contract.
• Research building materials when considering alternative/new materials requested by contractors or materials considered for specific, non‑typical conditions. Use independent judgement in the evaluation of materials, and make recommendations to senior staff for contractor alternate submittals.
• Use independent judgement in assisting senior staff in development of recommendations to clients, both in new construction, and in existing building consultation. Work independently and in group settings.
• Act as a liaison with clients in order to foster strong client relationships.

Existing Building Enclosure Investigation

• Review architectural, structural and mechanical drawings to determine original construction detailing and identify area of risk for water penetration, air leakage, and/or condensation.
• Review any other documentation, including maintenance records, targeted repair documents, and previous reports by other consultant/professionals.
• Coordinate and undertake on site investigation of existing problems. Conduct visual review of the building exterior and interior components, re‑evaluating existing conditions and high‑risk areas. Exterior review is typically conducted from ladders, swing stages, etc.
• Provide order of magnitude budget costs which require quantity take‑offs and unit rate development.
• Prepare written reports, fully documenting the current condition, evaluating the future risk and providing recommendations for renewals, rehabilitation, and/or maintenance.
• Direct preparation of construction document packages for a range of renewals and rehabilitation projects.
• Coordinate building and development permit applications.
• Coordinate and undertake field review and/or contract administration activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering or Applied Science required
• Experience in building science consulting, including co‑operative education positions with building science consulting or construction firms is an asset.
• Field experience addressing site conditions and working with construction process in an asset
• Eligibility to enroll in an EIT program is preferred but not required.

Skills And Competencies

• Beginning technical knowledge of building enclosure design and construction principles
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, coworkers, and consultants
• Ability to gather and diagnose information, interpret data, and drawings and assess conditions of multiple components
• Analytical problem‑solving skills and strong investigative aptitude, including ability to troubleshoot and diagnose building performance issues
• Proven team player who fosters teamwork and cooperation
• Excellent ability to communicate technical information to clients, trades, employees, and project managers while instilling confidence
• Excellent ability to shift focus between changing priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic, eager to assume responsibility and do what it takes to have successful project outcomes for RDH and our clients
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong desire to learn.

Benefits And Perks

The base salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000 annualized for a full‑time role. Salary is dependent on various factors, including qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. You may also be eligible for discretionary incentives and share ownership. We offer a robust benefits package to support the well‑being of our employees. This includes: GRSP/401K contributions, Health and Dental coverage, Primary Caregiver benefits, Vacation and Sick Time, Statutory Holiday substitutions, and a learning fund of $1,000 per year for education or career goals.

About Us

RDH is an amazing place to work. A role with RDH is a career commitment to learn and grow alongside inspiring and dedicated people who care deeply about making buildings better. We are an employee‑owned consulting firm with 300 employees in nine offices across North America. Our core area of business is the integration of building science engineering, architecture, and construction management to optimize the performance of the building enclosure (walls, windows and roofs). Since our beginnings in 1997, we have become industry leaders in North America and continue to grow as we focus on technical excellence and delivering high‑quality projects. We offer a positive workplace with incredible teams, opportunities for professional growth, development and ownership. As well as your background, we seek alignment with RDH’s core values: 1) commit to excellence, 2) act with integrity, 3) work as a team 4) do what it takes, and 5) always learn.