Construction Observer

SMH Consultants, P.A. (SMH) is a growing 34-year-old civil engineering and land surveying company with primary areas of land development and surveying expertise. Company-wide, SMH has about 35 full and part-time employees throughout its headquarters office in Manhattan, Kansas, and additional offices in Dodge City, Kansas; Kansas City; and Colorado Springs, Colorado. SMH is a solid company built on experience and long-lasting relationships with clients. The dedication and commitment to this approach sets SMH apart from other competitors. We accomplish this by hiring great employees and providing them with a work environment that is professional, relaxed, and fun.

We are currently seeking a dynamic and permanent Construction Observer to join our team in the Dodge City office. This position will oversee and perform general construction and field observation on KDOT partied projects, ensuring compliance with plans and specifications. The Observer will work independently with minimal supervision and will apply knowledge of all construction practices and materials testing requirements to document the Contractor's construction progress and perform quality assurance on projects. This position will also focus on transportation projects.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform construction and field observation of KDOT and other projects.
• Read and interpret construction plans and specifications for quality assurance during the construction process.
• Conduct materials testing, including soils, concrete, asphalt, etc., to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Maintain daily logs of contractor progress, weather conditions, quantities completed, and other relevant information for project records.
• Measure installed items of work specified. Must be able to calculate areas, distances, and volumes.
• Document adjustments made during construction differing from design.
• Complete detailed construction reports using Microsoft products and AASHTOWare.
• Address design compliance issues with contractors when identified.
• Perform submittal control reviews.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Ability to quickly learn new concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, and testing regimens (training provided).
• Understanding and knowledge of KDOT testing procedures (training provided).
• Ability and aptitude to interpret and understand plans and specifications.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Exhibit initiative, responsibility, flexibility, and leadership.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Good technical writing skills including appropriate grammar and proofreading.
• Ability to pass all certification exams required by a KDOT-certified engineering inspector.
• Ability to embrace new technology and processes.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years in the design/construction industry

Additional Information and Expectations:

• Overnight travel is required with expenses covered in a personal or company vehicle. Travel ranges from 20-80% of the time, depending on the employee's base location and/or project work. A valid driver's license is required.
• Subject to drug and alcohol testing, including a required DOT FRA drug test as a condition of employment.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions and potential hazards associated with outdoor work, such as loud, heavy-moving equipment, along streams and rivers, exposure to odors or airborne particles, contact with toxic or caustic waste, and the risk of electrical shock, explosives, radiation, and vibration exposure.
• Ability to work 10+ hours a day and weekends if needed.

Compensation will range from $20.00-$35.00 per hour based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include a 401K retirement plan, unlimited paid full-time off, a health care plan, professional development opportunities, and more. SMH is an equal opportunity employer. All employees are hired at-will and subject to a 90-day primary evaluation period.

If you meet our criteria and possess strong organizational and collaborative skills, we encourage you to apply. Learn more about SMH at www.smhconsultants.com.