Construction Specialist

Responsible for monitoring design and construction contracts, scheduling and coordinating all aspects of construction projects, and conducting research and field investigations to make recommendations related to daily facility repairs and long-range planning needs. Prepare and present design proposals, including detailed drawings of finished renovations or restorations. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates building occupancy and space utilization requirements to ensure adequacy, efficiency, and compliance with County standards and all applicable codes and ordinances, in response to space renovation requests from County departments.
• Performs conditions assessment of space, estimates the cost of renovation/addition, and prepares a project schedule.
• Produces design and construction documents for construction to be done by a contractor, and coordinates with structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other disciplines as required.
• Monitors design and construction contracts for budget, timeliness, and accuracy.
• Coordinates the work of different contractors to complete construction projects.
• Coordinates occupant moves with the construction timeline, occupants, and movers.
• Required to drive personal or county vehicles to various work sites.
• Required to climb ladders periodically to access building roofs.
• Subject to working early morning, evening, weekend, and emergency events as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Troubleshoot and identify emergency repairs on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
• Inspect, report, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration damage.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of space planning, preliminary design, design development, construction documents, and construction services for commercial projects.
• Two (2) years of experience in Construction Management.
• Two (2) years of experience with computer-aided design (AutoCAD) software.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity Of Operations

In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

Qualifications

• Ability to develop project cost estimates and evaluate those received.
• Ability to develop space programs, functional space plans, and construction documents.
• Knowledge of construction materials, methods, practices, and procedures.
• Experience and knowledge of all applicable building codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Working knowledge of Harris County government and procedures is helpful.
• Ability to communicate diplomatically with elected and appointed officials, contractors, and user tenants.
• Valid driver's license (Texas upon hire) and a good driving record.
• Well-versed in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and AutoCAD.
• Ability to receive CJIS clearance, pass a security check, and a drug test, as required.
• This position is Safety Sensitive and will be subject to random drug and alcohol screening.

Preferences

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from any accredited university.

Schedule

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week. Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Physical Demands & Environmental Exposure

• Most assignments will be performed in an office, at a meeting, or in an operations command center, but some fieldwork may be required.
• May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).
• This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Wellness.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 457 deferred compensation plans.
• Retirement pension (TCDRS).
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).