Engineering Project Technician / Drafter

T. Baker Smith is seeking a self-driven representative to join our Construction Engineering and Inspection team. The Associate will be primarily responsible for inspecting and monitoring commercial, municipal, and private projects of all types for conformance to specifications, codes, and standard safety requirements on a daily basis.

The Opportunity:

• Work with contractors to achieve safe and efficient execution of construction projects.
• Serve as onsite representative for project managers at the project site.
• Interpret plans and specifications to complete construction projects.
• Monitor project scope and schedule in coordination with project team.
• Ensure construction operations conform to contract specifications.
• Communicate field decisions with the supervisor and project team.
• Use plans and specifications to guide the construction progress in a positive and safe direction.
• Suggest alternatives to the contractor but allow them to make final decisions.
• Provide progress and status reports to project team daily, weekly, and/or monthly as directed.
• Verify contractor pay requests for accuracy.
• Build constructive relationships with the clients in the field.
• Verify that material and equipment certificates, operation and maintenance manuals, and other data required by the specifications have been submitted.
• Participate in weekly/monthly project progress meetings.
• Stay abreast of requests for information (RFI’s), submittals, and change orders that may alter the scope or schedule of the project.
• Participate in substantial and final completion inspections.
• Inspect completed work items for conformance to contract plans and specifications and accepted industry standards.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, balance, stoop, and kneel; Occasional lifting of items not to exceed 50 lbs. Use hands to operate, handle, maneuver and/or manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; use manual dexterity to operate and  inspect  equipment,  computer  keyboard,  calculator,  and  telephone;  talk  and  hear;  Specific  vision abilities  required  by  the  job  include  close  vision,  distance  vision,  color  vision,  peripheral  vision,  depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• Associates Degree or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Technology, Construction Science, Construction Management, or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of one to two years of experience in heavy construction, specifically levees, pump stations, roads, bridges, bulkheads, concrete, piling, steel erection, piping, storm drainage, water and sewer mains, etc. is required, as well  as  a  knowledge  of  the  materials,  methods,  and  the  tools  involved  in  the construction of buildings, bridges, or other structures such as highways and roads.
• The ability  to  work  toward  and  achieve  certification  by  the Louisiana Transportation  Research Center  in  the  inspection  of Portland  Cement  Concrete  (PCC)  paving,  structural  concrete, embankment and base course, or other material as directed by the Construction Engineering and Inspection (CE&I) Group Leader within one year of acceptance of position.
• The ability to use computers and other technology compliant for documentation and communication of project requirements. Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is required, and experience with any form of Construction Management software (ProCore or equivalent) is strongly preferred.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the associate will be working on various project sites and in field environments that may expose the Associate to weather conditions. Associate  may  be  exposed  to  extensive  noise,  dust,  smells,  weather,  and  other environmental  factors  typically  present  at  a  project  site  and  may  be  required  to  use  safety  glasses, hearing protection, or other protective clothing and equipment when in this work environment or to perform specific tasks. The Associate may be asked to board marine vessels for short periods or work at height with protective equipment. Nights away from home are required.

Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable – and passion goes a long way. Here at TBS, we are in the business of cultivating people, and you are set up to succeed if you identify strongly with these values / behaviors; Growth oriented, Trustworthy, Responsive, Works hard, smart, & safe, Builds a positive team & family spirit, and are Enthusiastic & energetic.

We also know that diversity of background and thought can enhance problem-solving and encourage more creative thinking, which is why we are dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Our purpose is investing in people to enhance communities and that commitment has endured for over 100 years. We pride ourselves in doing this by recruiting, hiring, and retaining diverse, passionate, and forward-thinking talent. T. Baker Smith is an equal opportunity employer, and we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and diverse environment for all associates.