Field Observer

LSW Engineers Arizona, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

LSW Engineers Arizona, Inc. seeks a Field Observer in Phoenix, AZ to oversee installation and functionality of fire suppression, fire alarm, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and technology systems by visiting construction sites and preparing detailed reports.

This role requires interfacing with the project team, architects, clients and contractors, performing field investigations, coordinating meetings, and supporting project closeout documentation; some out-of-town travel is required.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Commercial Electrical Inspector and/or Commercial Mechanical Inspector.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
• Knowledge of BAS and commissioning processes.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel for reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee contractor installations for plan/spec compliance and applicable codes.
• Prepare detailed construction progress reports and identify deficiencies.
• Coordinate pre-construction and construction meetings; prepare minutes.
• Act as AHJ for electrical/mechanical projects when contracted.
• Assess existing conditions; prepare reports for repairs or replacements.
• Perform inspections and oversee commissioning-related testing and documentation.
• Review closeout documents and assist with project closeout reporting.
• Maintain ability to pass background check for security clearance; maintain clean driving record.

Skills

Electrical inspection

Mechanical inspection

BAS understanding

Report writing

Field observation

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Driving/travel

Education

Commercial Electrical Inspector Certification

Commercial Mechanical Inspector Certification

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

Microsoft Word/Excel

Job description

Field Observer

Department: Field Observation

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Description

LSW Engineers is a consulting engineering firm specializing in mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and technology systems. Since 1947, LSW has built a longstanding reputation for delivering reliable, innovative, and energy-efficient engineering solutions across a diverse range of facilities, including educational, medical, institutional, mission-critical, aviation, and commercial projects.

Description:

Perform as a critical construction administration team member to thoroughly oversee the installation and functionality of fire suppression, fire alarm, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and technology systems by visiting construction sites to observe the installation of those systems. Interact with the firm’s project team members (designers and engineers from the mechanical, electrical and technology systems disciplines), as well as architects, consultants, clients, and contractors by preparing written reports listing installation deficiencies and assisting in responding to field questions. Demonstrate a trustworthy presence through your professionalism, demeanor, and technical knowledge. Some out-of-town travel is required for this position

Key Responsibilities

Apply strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of multiple fields of construction to ensure the project requirements are met throughout construction. This includes interfacing with the client and contractors, field investigation, design review, construction observation, and review of project closeout documentation. Responsibilities will include:

• Construction administration as it relates to overseeing contractor installations of various systems for plan and specification compliance and compliance with all applicable codes.
• Preparing detailed reports for construction progress and identifying installation deficiencies that are either not in compliance with the construction documents or with applicable codes (i.e. NEC, NFPA, ICC, BICSI).
• Coordinating and administering pre-construction and construction meetings and preparation of minutes.
• Acting as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for electrical and mechanical projects when specifically contracted for this service.
• Conducting assessments of existing building conditions and preparing detailed reports outlining specific items requiring repair or replacement for overall conditions of said systems.
• Conducting special electrical and mechanical inspections and providing oversight/supervision of contractor performance of such tasks for certifying duct smoke detectors and fire smoke dampers, grease duct testing and fire wrap installation, witness Hi-Pot testing and verification of grounding for electrical systems, testing of conductors, etc.
• Preparing written reports for Engineer’s stamp and review. Reviewing and approving contractor’s pay applications and produce/process AIA documentation for clients.
• Performing quality control checks for plan review of LSW designed projects prior to release of final documentation.
• Assisting with gathering pictures and documentation of pre-design conditions during field investigation and system assessments.
• Reviewing closeout documentation such as as-built drawings and O&M manuals and preparing reports identifying missing or incorrect documentation.
• Be able to pass a background check for security clearance badging that will be required for various projects and clients.
• Possess and maintain a clean driving record in order to be covered on auto liability coverage.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Certification as a Commercial Electrical Inspector and/or Commercial Mechanical Inspector. If not currently certified, you will be required to obtain both certifications post-employment.
• Working knowledge of acceptable construction standards for mechanical, plumbing and/or electrical systems.
• Experience in working with Building Automation Systems (BAS) to be able to understand graphical interfaces and programming intent as well as installation practices for BAS infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Professional oral communication is a must for client and office interactions.
• Excellent written communication skills to complete detailed reports, meeting minutes, and email correspondence as needed.
• Ability to work well within a team structure.
• Ability to learn and grow professionally.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to walk construction sites, climb ladders, etc.

Highly Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive experience in at least one field of construction related to building mechanical or electrical systems.
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam and Procore.
• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to assist with troubleshooting efforts for clients and/or contractors where needed.
• Experience creating and/or working with complex spreadsheets used for commissioning of projects for new and existing buildings.
• Working knowledge for how to prepare reports, commissioning plans, functional testing procedures and administration of functional testing processes for commissioning processes for HVAC, power distribution, access control, surveillance, paging and lighting systems.
• Troubleshooting and identifying malfunctions or symptoms within a system and proposing and coordinating solutions with an Engineer, which restores the system or process to its working state.
• Certification as a Commissioning Services Provider