Project Coordinator (Grounds)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Project Coordinator of Grounds coordinates, leads and directs multiple on-site projects of hardscape contractors (through various maintenance contracts (concrete/mason/hardscape) and Facilities and Campus Services (Buildings and Grounds/utilities) inspecting sites for conformance to plans and specifications of construction. Involved in developing projects for in-house staff and outside contractors on UMass Amherst and other properties owned by the university. Perform duties independently on site and remotely on a day-to-day basis.

Essential Functions

• Leads and monitors the construction work on campus involving hardscape, new projects, in-house maintenance, and repair projects with campus utilities. Assigns and manages tasks for team members to ensure efficient project execution. Oversees construction project(s) sites from start to finish, ensuring compliance with project specifications and timelines.
• Compiles and plans financial estimates, such as budgets and cost estimates. Identifies required materials, supplies, and equipment to perform assigned project work.
• Plans and schedules all construction project operations (outside contractors and Physical Plant Staff) and supplies benchmarks and construction timelines to department administration. Is the contact person for outside contractors and Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) in house staff for hardscape related projects. Meets with outside contractors to review scope of work and obtain Delivery Order form per specific maintenance contracts.
• Plans and coordinates distribution of work between in-house FCS staff and outside contractors for equalization of work and cost/budget savings.
• Collaborates with Facilities and Campus Services Landscape Architect and Head of Grounds - Construction Services for design and scope of work for hardscape projects.
• Inspects and coordinates work to start, work in progress and completed work to verify adherence to and compliance with university specifications and standards. Maintains an up-to-date listing of contractor work involving maintenance, repair, and new projects.
• Prepares estimates of labor, material, and equipment costs, according to accepted plans, drawings, specifications, work descriptions, field sketches and site conditions.
• Schedules, estimates, and prioritizes work, to maximize effectiveness and minimize disruptions. Meets routinely with contractors and departments to coordinate and identify work needs.
• Possess knowledge of the UMass lock out tag out, confined space, trenching and shoring.
• Drives across campus locations to verify site conditions and estimate plan work. Uses UMass vehicles to travel to job sites.
• Interpret maps, work orders and utility diagrams and verify "Dig Safe" requests for planned excavations. Reviews and comments on project design drawings.
• Attends and takes part in construction project review meetings with Design and Construction Management and/or Campus Planning staff.
• Maintains campus landscape/hardscape standards as they related to workplace practices and projects.
• Practices and promotes excellent customer service in the workplace. Implements innovative approaches to promote and assure quality improvements and exhibits a clear commitment to the diverse needs of customers.
• Assists and coordinates completion of required paperwork and documentation for submission to obtain applicable permits as required. (Demolition permit, building permit, AQ06)
• Performs construction work that requires the CDL licensure, hoisting license, as needed.
• Supplies weekly projects updates to Assistant Director and Associate Director. Report any discrepancies to superiors and implement effective and prompt solutions.
• Participates in campus snow removal operations during snow.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• A Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of relevant project management experience in landscape, site, or construction environments OR 10 years of professional construction/hardscape experience.
• Strong interpersonal and administrative communications and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and lead and assign work for completion.
• Skill and ability to operate personal computer with various applications.
• Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
• Ability to give written and oral instruction in a precise, understandable manner, establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other.
• Valid class D driver's license.
• Must have OSHA 10 training/card.
• Must have Asbestos 10-hour training/card.

Preferred qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Construction, Landscape Architecture, Construction Management or another related field.
• Class A CDL driver's license with air brake endorsement.
• Class 2A Hoisting License.
• Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate.
• APPA Supervisory Academy or obtain within the first year of hire.
• UMass Amherst Supervisory Leadership Training and Development Class or obtain within first year of hire.

Physical Demands/ Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Drives to various campus locations to verify site conditions and estimate plan work.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 1^st Shift.

Additional Details

• Receives general supervision from the Associate Director for Grounds and Events, who provides procedural guidance, assigns work, and reviews performance.
• This is an essential position.

Salary Information.

Level 28

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.