Resident Construction Engineer/ Manager

Summary

Controls all on-site activity to ensure that construction work, major modifications, non-recurring, and seldom occurring maintenance work items are assigned and executed in accordance with project schedule, authorized budget, and in conformance with the approved engineering design, contract documents, and all codes and standards; as applicable to electric utilities and public works.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed inspection and evaluation of various equipment and systems from the perspective of a design engineer for proper installation, problem identification and trouble-shooting or improvement.
• Act as the liaison between Headquarters and on-site staff in the provision of principle onsite construction expertise. Also provide technical guidance in on-site O&M and startup activities when necessary.
• Ensure that all efforts are in accordance with contract and design specifications, applicable codes, standards, permits, and regulatory requirements.
• May perform daily safety walk downs; reviews job hazard analyses; reviews site specific health and safety plans and recommends changes if needed; monitors for compliances with approved health and safety plans.
• Evaluate technical proposals & functional designs and provide failure analysis as needed for various disciplines, and provide recommendations based on sound engineering principles to NYPA Engineering for review.
• Manage field changes with applicable Change Order and Engineering procedures, and ensure changes are approved as per the Authority’s Expenditure Authorization Procedures. 
• Recommend improvements for increased field productivity and provides support to field personnel on construction problems relative to contract document interpretation, labor relations, cost and scheduling and general construction items. Review and approve invoices including certified payroll.
• Review construction drawings, specifications and related documents for constructability, milestone schedules and deliverables of major equipment. .
• Prepare daily construction logs documenting progress, including photo logs; recommend corrective courses of action to the RCM when progress is not in accordance with approved plans and contracts.
• Ensure contractor compliance with the Construction Inspection & Monitoring Plan (CI/MP).
• Ensure contract punch lists are developed for each project, maintained, and closed accordingly.
• Ensure engagement of third party inspection agencies when necessary.
• Responsible for site budget administration of all cumulative Project Management Activities. Works with Headquarters and Plant O&M staff in preparation of long & short term future budgets. Assist in resolving claims by contractors.
• Ensure staff and contractor personnel are trained and adhere to Clearance and Protection Procedures-1 (lock out – tag out procedures).
• Responsible for completion of tasks on schedule, and that work is planned, executed and checked in a cost-effective manner
• Work with direct reports to ensure construction logistics are planned including site layout, temporary structures / accommodations, and project accessibility.
• Support staff including Construction / Project Engineers and provide guidance and direction in solving field erecting/construction problems.
• Supervise all site construction management personnel and assure adherence to procedures, provide coaching and discipline of personnel.  Identify and recommend solutions to modify staff to meet NYPA needs.
• Assist the Senior Program Director of Construction in various tasks (budgets, long range planning, scheduling, and vendor negotiations) and may fully act in their absence.
• Establish and monitor performance goals for site construction
• Act as liaison between Headquarters and on-site staff in the provision of principal on-site construction expertise.
• May provide testimony if required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Substantial knowledge of engineering disciplines, with ability to consider the contractual, legal and financial implications of project-related decisions, and understand the effects on NYPA and its customers.
• Extensive knowledge of industry best practices related to construction techniques, project management, and contract administration. 
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple, diverse, and complex projects and programs. 
• Demonstrated expertise in the analysis, design configuration and integration of power system components as related to power generating plant and substation facilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive understanding of NYPA’s interactions with outside organizations, including other utilities and regulatory agencies, and with its customers.
• Ability to assess perspectives across engineering disciplines, plant operations, and maintenance. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills & strong negotiation skills.
• Strong technical leadership in the area of construction, project management and operation of an electric utility.
• Knowledge of NYPA’s policies and procedures as well as industry-wide practices and safety regulations. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision at remote locations.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• New York State PE License is required.
• Advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience managing contractual, legal, and financial aspects of multiple, diverse and complex projects.
• Inspection experience associated with Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation & Control projects.
• Certified Construction Manager certification preferred, or ability to obtain within 1 year..
• OSHA 30-hour certification required or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Project Management Professional certification preferred.
• Design Build Institute of America certification preferred or ability to obtain within 1 year.

Physical Requirements

• Daily inspection of work areas throughout facility.
• Some travel within New York State may be required.
• Ability to enter confined spaces and climb/scale power system apparatuses is required.