Project Coordinator (Construction)

The Role

Coordinates, controls, and administers design and construction stages of capital building construction projects for new construction, renovations, and major repairs. This includes project planning, design, inspections, administering/accepting contractor work, and turnover for final use. Ensures projects meet client specifications, and are delivered on schedule and within budget. Collaborates with other Section staff to assist on large, complex projects.
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Advises project teams regarding construction methods, practices, products, equipment, and contractor selection. Collaborates with divisional partners on project delivery/maintenance. 
• Liaises with project teams (including clients, stakeholders) to review project needs/requirements and confirm/assist in the development of work scope and budgets. Produces project plans and recommendations for project team approval (e.g., alternatives/costs, price quotes). Informs project teams regarding progress, changes, and updates, and obtains approvals as required.
• Inspects buildings and systems to validate scope and prepare work/plans (e.g., roof, building envelope and interior fabric; electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems).
• Participates in the procurement process, and negotiates requirements with contractors as appropriate. Administers all phases of construction/renovation projects, ensuring contractors comply with contract plans/specifications. Plans and monitors project schedules, budget, and overall requirements, including legislated inspections and approvals (e.g., architectural, mechanical, electrical, civil and structural building construction, permits).
• Coordinates and monitors the development of preliminary and final project designs. Reviews and provides comments on designs to ensure alignment with client needs and project requirements.
• Prepares studies and surveys, or coordinates through consultants (e.g., engineering, geotechnical, hydrogeological, building envelope, legal). 
• Identifies, documents, reviews, and updates workplace hazards with contractors/consultants, including legislated health and safety precautions. Involves corporate health and safety as required.
• Writes building/project notices when the public and internal operations are impacted.
• Reviews, prepares, administers, and maintains project documentation and records (e.g., charters, drawings, site reviews, meeting minutes, compliance certificates, contractor payments, insurance and training certificates, inspection certificates, equipment manuals, project changes, cost variances, close-out documentation, warranty information, project/building information).
• Prepares and presents reports for senior staff, Finance, Legal, risk management, and Standing Committees as appropriate.
• Attends conferences, seminars, and in-house training to upgrade skills. Participates in in-service training and shares knowledge with colleagues.
• Reviews and recommends/signs off on contractor and consultant payments, progress draws, and payment certificates per contract plans and specifications. Prepares payment certificates.
• Has occasional contact with the public (e.g., public consultations, neighbouring property owners, tenants including Waterloo Region Housing).
• Performs related duties as assigned.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have a 3-year diploma/degree (with certification/eligibility for CET certification at the technologist level OR certification/eligibility to practice in Ontario as a Certified Facility Manager).
• Must have a minimum 3 years of related project management/coordination experience in the building/facility construction industry.
• Knowledge of project management to guide the facility project lifecycle from conception, through construction, to occupancy.
• Knowledge of comprehensive facility type construction and technology, including architectural, building related engineering (structural, mechanical, electrical), site civil work, and other construction design principles and practices. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, legislation, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., national and provincial building codes, Ontario Fire Marshall's Regulations, health and safety, Insurance Advisory Council Regulations, Landlord and Tenant Act, CSA Standards, Ministry of Environment guidelines, and standards for steel, concrete, masonry, timber, electrical, and mechanical work).
• Knowledge of contract law as it relates to building construction and renovation projects, including various forms of Agreement (CCDC type contracts) and the Construction Act.
• Organizational and problem solving skills to prioritize and create schedules; adapt to changing demands and conditions; and manage projects simultaneously. Ability to identify potential difficulties and their causes, generate workable solutions, and make rational judgements.
• Communication, negotiation, and human relations skills to exchange technical information and maintain relationships with contactors, project teams, and other stakeholders; negotiate and deliberate contract details with contractors; provide updates to clients; present reports; and participate as an effective team member. 
• Ability to read and understand construction contracts, drawings, reports, standards, specifications, and supplier instructions. 
• Ability to maintain records and write construction reports, log reports, letters to contractors, consultants, and architects, and building occupant notices. 
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.