POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Project Support Specialist
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1376
GRADE 31
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Associate Director, Planning, Design & Construction
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR University Architect and Director, Planning, Design & Construction
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Project Support Specialist provides technical expertise in both hardware and software concerns for the office of Planning, Design & Construction. The Project Support Specialist assists with the development of construction documents through the use of AutoCAD and other computer-aided design programs, including drawings, specifications, graphics, and architectural renderings. The Project Support Specialist researches and compiles building data for use by the University, stays current with the software used in the department, and assists in the development of the campus master plan. The Project Support Specialist assists in the maintenance of standards by working with others in the department to develop standard details and specifications that may be incorporated into projects. The Project Support Specialist also provides management of electronic files following the procedures established by the office and University.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: An Associate’s degree or an equivalent amount of credit hours in a field related to drafting, design technology, interior design, construction technology, construction management, or a related field is required.
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience working in a similar position is preferred, which includes experience in construction-related work in which the primary focus is on the design and planning of commercial and institutional buildings. Experience in the preparation of graphic and architectural presentation materials in various media is required. Experience working with AutoCAD in construction-related work in which the primary focus is on the design and planning of commercial and institutional buildings is required. Experience in providing technical expertise in both hardware and software concerns is required.
Skills: The ability to prepare renderings and graphics in various forms of media in order to adequately convey the concepts of projects or prepare representations of expected final constructed results is required. The ability to prepare contract documents, including plans and specifications, and to read and interpret contract documents is required. The ability to proficiently manipulate graphics software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop or similar programs to achieve desired results is required. The ability to effectively use spreadsheets, word processing, and similar computing systems is required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and interpersonal skills are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Knowledge of building codes, industry standards, and contract language applicable to the construction industry is preferred. Knowledge of materials and methods of construction, including proper detailing of architectural building systems is preferred.
Effort: Requires the ability to move throughout the campus including climbing ladders and/or stairs on construction sites or in University facilities.
Other: The scope of the job may require working in the evenings and on weekends, particularly during the progress of construction projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assists with coordination of project activities as assigned, including preparing graphic
presentation materials, code review, project design, development of contract documents
through effective use of computer-aided design programs, preparation of project estimates
and budgets, site observation of construction, and project close-out.
2. Assists in ensuring that construction projects meet the needs of various campus constituencies by helping coordinate with appropriate student groups, faculty and/or staff committees, and pertinent campus departments such as Facilities Management, Computer Services for networking and telecommunications, University Safety, and those overseeing classroom technology.
3. Assists with the development of contract documents as needed for assigned projects and ensuring the documents properly convey the intent and needs of the University based on information received.
4. Verifies that projects are in compliance with University design standards and the University master plan.
5. Assists with monitoring progress throughout the project, including supervising the bidding process.
6. Promotes and supports the University’s statement on sustainability by using sustainable principles such as those established by the U. S. Green Building Council and following guidelines such as those set forth by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education and other similar organizations.
7. Assists project delivery personnel to ensure that the conditions of contract documents for assigned projects are met by contractors through construction administration which includes observing the progress of construction, interpreting plans and specifications, recommending change orders, and serving as a liaison between the consultant and/or contractor and the University.
8. Coordinates the activities of other University departments, such as Facilities Management, Computer Services for networking and telecommunications, University Safety, and with outside vendors for items such as scheduling the availability of spaces, relocation of occupants, voice/data wiring, installation of classroom technology, procurement of furnishings, fixtures, and equipment, and location of existing utilities, etc., as necessary for the successful completion and occupancy of the project.
9. Works with various departments such as Facilities Management, Computer Services for networking and telecommunications, University Safety and others on an ongoing basis to develop solutions to facility-related issues.
10. Assists in the development and maintenance of departmental policies, guidelines, and standards applicable to the entire University and assists with dissemination of this information by various means, including face-to-face interactions, published guidelines, and web pages.
11. Assists in the collection and analysis of data needed for short-, mid-, and long-term planning for facilities, capital projects, and infrastructure to meet campus program and growth requirements.
12. Assists in the identification of problems, trends, and future facility or infrastructure needs and makes recommendations.
13. Assists with issues such as programming needs for projects and develops solutions in order to prepare preliminary budgets so that informed decisions can be made.
14. Assists in representing the University with on-campus and off-campus groups and organizations related to planning, design, and construction issues.
15. Assists in ensuring compliance of projects with all building and life safety codes adopted by the University, Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines (ADAAG), and other applicable regulations.
16. Assists in the preparation of requests for qualifications for outside consulting firms and in the review of responses received for these requests, participates in the selection of the consultants, and assists in documenting the selection process for auditing purposes.
17. Promotes a positive and cooperative image of the University with the construction industry by assisting in coordination between the University and various agencies.
18. Assists with compiling appropriate and necessary documentation regarding the projects.
19. Reduces the reliance of the University on outside consultants, particularly with less significant projects, by providing in-house technical and design support and expertise.
20. Assists with and prepares required and requested reports to federal and state agencies regarding University projects and facilities.
21. Assists in fund-raising efforts for campus construction projects by assisting in the preparation of applications and other necessary supporting materials for construction grants, loans, and donations.
22. Creates and maintains a database of simplified floor plans of University buildings for use by others.
23. Ensures that AutoCAD and other design software are used effectively to meet the needs of the department by assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of updates for AutoCAD and other design software, assisting in the management of design software policies and procedures, developing and maintaining an orderly standard detail electronic file allowing for easy retrieval of information, maintaining graphics standards for documents created and produced by the department of Planning, Design & Construction, and assisting in the training of other department staff on the use of AutoCAD and other design software.
24. Ensures that staff have the opportunity to effectively utilize computer resources in an office environment by supervising service and support activities, performing problem determination and resolution, coordinating problem resolution with the supervisor, distributing printouts, managing the use of software and documentation manuals, answering questions about software packages accessed from microcomputers, meeting regularly with the supervisor and staff to review, assess, and suggest improvements regarding technical support, and maintaining communication with the centralized User Support Group of Computer Services regarding procurement, implementation, problem determination, and resolution.
25. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
26. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the supervisor.
27. Contributes to the overall success of Planning, Design & Construction by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Project Support Specialist is supervised by the Associate Director, Planning, Design & Construction and may oversee tasks assigned to support staff and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
JUNE 2018
