Lead Construction Representative jobs in Tacoma, WA

This is an AFSCME represented position.**The salary range posted is reflective of the 2023 salary schedule for the position and will be updated with 2024 salary information.**

Under direct supervision of the Capital Projects Division Manager, this position is responsible for ensuring City public works construction projects are effectively managed with regard to the scope, budget, schedule, and safety criteria of engineering plans and contract specifications. This position will work collaboratively with Civil Engineers, junior technicians, interns, and contractors, as well as coordinate the work of construction inspectors. This is not a supervisory position.

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following.

Attendance

Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Budget and Funding

Manage project expenses to approved budget and contract; review invoices for appropriateness and resolve issues; ensure payment is conducted in a timely manner; track expenses and seek outside funding reimbursements, as appropriate; and update budget and project plan designs to align with change orders.

Communication

Provide guidance to appropriate staff with public outreach, engagement, and communication regarding capital projects and programs under construction; respond to citizen questions, concerns, and complaints; and keep all relevant parties apprised of project status, concerns, and/or issues.

Construction Management

Manage all phases of construction projects, pre-construction to closeout, to ensure all components of the contract are adhered to and documented including expenses, specifications, materials, equipment, personnel, safety, timelines, construction quality, etc.; investigate and resolve technical and/or non-compliance issues; and meet with appropriate engineers, consultants, staff, etc. for progress updates.

Coordinate Staff

Coordinate and facilitate the work of junior-level engineers, technicians, inspectors, and/or interns associated with the construction phase of projects.  This is not a supervisor level position.

Inspections

Develop and recommend procedures for all relevant inspections; facilitate inspection of all city project  construction sites to ensure compliance with  project plan specifications, state, federal, and municipal code, RCW, WAC, etc., as appropriate for the project, safety standards, and timeline; review inspector project reports and resolve identified issues; determine if change orders are necessary and follow established protocols for approval; and implement inspection process improvements, as appropriate.

Permitting

Ensure construction is in compliance with all permits requirements issued for the project during design and approval process.  

Plan Review

Review complex architectural and engineering plans and drawings for municipal construction projects to ensure compliance with City ordinances and policies; indicate deficiencies with corrective action recommendations; and collaborate with the design engineer to develop and/or revise project plans.

Reporting and Presentations

Provide written and verbal reports as necessary on assigned projects and contracts; prepare and present reports to various groups, and maintain reports and supporting documentation per retention schedule.

Safety

Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership.  Ensure contract documents have appropriate safety language and protocols in place; confirm onsite safety protocols are implemented and practiced.   Ensure City construction inspectors are knowledgeable about and adhere to all standard safety protocols; coordinate appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided and monitor employee use; coordinate regular employee safety training relevant to their respective position(s); and ensure all safety concerns and/or incidents are immediately reported to appropriate personnel.

Perform related duties as assigned. 

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would likely provide the candidate with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered.  

Required:  Seven (7) years of progressive experience in construction management and/or construction inspection, three (3) years of which must be with either municipal construction projects, WSDOT construction projects, or other equivalent and relevant experience.  A bachelor’s degree, or other relevant education, in construction management, civil engineering, or other relevant field may count towards the seven (7) years of progressive experience. 

Desired:  Project Management Professional (PMP) or completed training in national standards for PMP. Experience in municipal public works construction inspection or construction management.

License & Certification Requirements

Valid Washington State driver’s license required by hire date with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Principles and practices of construction management and inspection. 

Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Modern engineering methods as applied to project management and construction of public works, public utilities, transportation, and general construction.

Local Agency Guidelines (LAG) Manual.

General environmental and municipal permitting requirements for capital projects.

Microsoft Office Suite software such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.

Technical specialty within engineering discipline appropriate to assignment.

ABILITY TO:

Read, review, and understand engineering plans and specification; interpret survey notes and plan designs.

Perform engineering mathematical computations.

Interpret and explain municipal, state, federal, and APWA codes, ordinances, specifications, policies, procedures, and standards.

Evaluate, inspect, and manage construction projects to assure objectives and codes are followed per project plan.

Present material and information in a clear, concise, and easy to understand manner to various groups.

Effectively utilize general office and specialized construction management/inspection software programs, databases, and related technology.

Effectively plan, organize, prioritize, and schedule work to meet schedules, commitments, and time lines for multiple projects on an ongoing basis.

Effectively coordinate work assignments for technical support personnel.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.

Work independently with little direction.

Safely and courteously operate a motor vehicle, observe legal rules of the road, and utilize defensive driving practices.

Maintain project records and documents per retention requirements.

Keep supervisor informed of progress, as well as emerging and actual issues.

Understand and follow verbal and written directions.

Establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with others within diverse work and community environments.

Effectively and professionally communicate verbally and in writing.

Physically and mentally perform the essential job functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a climate-controlled office environment, as well as in the field in all weather conditions and over rough terrain with exposure to loud noises, nearby traffic, and/or heavy construction equipment zones.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others.  Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc.   Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities.  Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position.  Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Possibly longer distances on job sites.   Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials.  Ability to lift/carry boxes up to 20 lbs. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment.  Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site locations.  Must be able to work in the field gathering information and reviewing/inspecting systems, property, and project construction sites in all weather conditions and over rough terrain. May be subject to loud noises, nearby traffic, and/or heavy construction equipment zones.  

HAZARDS

Working in confined spaces; driving a motor vehicle in traffic, construction zones, and adverse weather conditions; physical exposure to adverse weather conditions, extremely loud noise levels, and potentially hazardous conditions in construction equipment zones and/or high traffic areas. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!