Senior Construction Specialist

City of Arlington; Virginia; On-site; USD 76,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Arlington seeks a skilled Construction Specialist to monitor and direct architects, consultants, and contractors on major municipal building projects, ensuring compliance with plans, codes, and schedules.

The role backs up the Construction Manager, leads field observations, reviews payments and change orders, and coordinates with staff and contractors to keep projects on track and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, construction engineering or architecture with five years of related experience.
• Knowledge of building codes, construction specifications, and construction practices.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Project).
• Strong communication skills under pressure and ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders.
• Plan, organize and manage multiple projects with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support the Construction Manager on large projects as a backup to the Construction Manager position.
• Observe and administer construction of City building projects to confirm compliance with project requirements and progress; submit field reports.
• Communicate with Construction Manager, City staff, architects and contractors to resolve design and construction conflicts.
• Review contractors' payment applications; prepare and review change orders and allowances.
• Maintain knowledge of current construction practices and provide recommendations on construction issues.

Skills

Knowledge of building codes and specs

Effective communication

Project planning and management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management / construction engineering / architecture

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Project

Job description

SALARY

$75,711.00 - $94,639.00

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, monitors and directs the activities of architects, consultants and contractors who design and construct major municipal building projects

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Support the Construction Manager on large projects as a backup to the Construction Manager position.
• Observe and administer construction of City building projects to confirm compliance with or deviation from project requirements; participate in weekly meetings to facilitate timely and effective progress; create and submit field reports from project observations, noting current activities and recording conditions requiring attention by others.
• Communicate with Construction Manager, other City staff, architects and contractors to resolve design and construction conflicts and facilitate progress and solutions in the field.
• Review contractors' payment applications to ensure completeness and accuracy with relation to work represented; prepare and review change orders and allowance expenditures.
• Maintain knowledge of current construction practices, materials and systems, and make recommendations with regard to construction issues.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Review and interpret plans and specifications prior to construction, including attending pre-construction meetings.
• Assist the other Construction Specialists on large projects and fill in for other construction specialists when they are occupied with other projects.
• Ensure that critical requirements are met for final acceptance of construction projects.
• Perform jobsite observations as needed, sometimes at unusual hours such as very early or very late in the day.
• Review insurance coverage for contractors and architects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of technical documents such as building codes, construction specifications, etc.
• Knowledge of current construction practices, materials and systems, as well as finishes and details.
• Knowledge of architectural theory, design, graphics, and architectural or construction engineering drafting.
• Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of City staff, architects, engineers, general contractors and subcontractors with regard to municipal construction.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations for handicapped accessibility. Knowledge of sustainable construction practices.
• Knowledge of office and administrative practices and procedures.
• Skill in the use of proper grammar, spelling and intermediate mathematics.
• Skill in communicating effectively in stressful or adversarial relationships.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft computer programs including Excel, Word and Project.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in using PC Software including current Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
• Skill in communicating professionally and tactfully with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
• Skill with organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to make judgments or decisions based on known or obtainable standards, characteristics or dimensions.
• Ability to learn or store pertinent information and selectively retrieve or recall information that is relevant to a specific context.
• Ability to generate new or innovative ideas or solutions or select from possible alternative methods the best answer or solution to a problem.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment utilizing knowledge of the organization's policies.
• Ability to work independently under general instructions.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to filing, pulling, seeing, sorting, squatting, standing, stooping, twisting body, typing, walking, and writing.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to PC, telephone, calculator, scanner, and copier.
• Ability to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
• Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish unit objectives.
• Ability to understand mathematical calculations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to work within a set schedule.
• Ability to operate a motorized vehicle.

Qualifying Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, construction engineering or architecture plus five (5) years' experience in building construction administration or construction management, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Prefer experience with American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract documents and implementation, building construction practices, building code plan review and inspection, field observation, specification work and