Construction Specialist

The City of Overland Park has a full-time Construction Specialist position available in the Public Works Department.

SUMMARY:

Performs major repair work on city infrastructure requiring advanced level knowledge of standard construction and repair techniques for curbs, sidewalks, retaining walls, stormwater piping and structures. Conducts work using advance level skill in metal welding, carpentry, cement finishing, masonry and structural concrete placement. Operates various types of power tools, hand tools and moderately heavy equipment. Works independently, as part ofa crew or as a crew leader overseeing the work of assigned support staff. Responsible for working effectively and performing work that meets assigned work quality and productivity objectives. Participates in emergency response assignments, such as snow plowing, as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Constructs, replaces or makes repairs to concrete sidewalks, curbs, ditch liners, bridge decks and retaining walls. Reads and accurately follows assigned design plans and specifications. Develops work plans that effectively schedules the use and order quantity of material, labor and equipment.
• Performs masonry repair on concrete inlets, stone walls or other cement block structures. Uses qualified knowledge of masonry and masonry materials to identify repair needs and plan out appropriate corrective action. Coordinates the purchasing and delivery of materials and equipment to the job site. Coordinates the assignment of support personnel through the Stormwater Supervisor.
• Performs skilled carpentry work to construct concrete forms, build or repair landscape timber retaining walls, build or repair wood fencing, repair storage buildings, construct storage shelves and other similar wood items.
• Performs skilled placement and finishing of concrete. Maintains advanced level knowledge of concrete placement methods, finishing techniques, curing procedures and crack control joint placement for sidewalks, curbs and slabs. Understands basic concrete chemistry. Orders correct mixes of concrete and ensures that delivered concrete contains the correct water cement ratio, air entrainment and admixture appropriate for weather conditions and type of concrete placement.
• Operates a skid steer or small tracked backhoe to remove and dispose of job site debris and/or excavate and remove soil. Operates stationary and portable truck mounted welding equipment and air gas cutting torches. Uses hand tools and hand held power tools such as skill saws, drills and soil compactors. Establishes elevations and grade lines using a carpenter's or surveyor's level. Uses concrete finishing tools including darbies, floats, trowels, edgers and finishing brooms.
• Performs minor plumbing repairs such as repairing damaged sprinkler systems or replacing faucet washers.
• Constructs and makes repairs to metal such as steel handrails, culvert pipes, chain link fences and other such items. Uses oxygen/acetylene cutting torches, welders and other equipment as required. Repairs metal guard rails as assigned.
• Inspects contracted repair work as assigned. Operates hand held cameras, enters data into electronic tablets and/or fills out paper formwork to document and report on observed work deficiencies. Effectively communicates with contractors and stormwater supervisors to ensure defective work is corrected.
• Assists as directed in performing minor repair and fabrication of metal appurtenances on vehicles and equipment.
• Serves as the crew leader when assigned. Prepares work schedules and plans for assigned inspection projects.
• Responsible for organizing job resource needs and coordinating proposed work plans with the Stormwater Supervisor. Oversees that performed inspection work follows assigned safety procedures and policies. Guides the work of assigned support staff. Provides task assignments, trains and mentors others in the use of inspection equipment, verifies work quality, monitors work performance and provides status updates to the Stormwater Supervisor.
• Responds to job site questions from residents. Coordinates resolution of job site complaints and/or work restrictions such as access limitations, unsafe underground work conditions and unforeseen need of specialized equipment.
• Participates in snow and ice control as assigned. Operates commercial vehicles including single or tandem axle snow plowing equipment.
• The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks.
• The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to: attendance standards and work deadlines, beginning and ending assignments on time, and scheduled work breaks where applicable.

• Basic education or additional equivalent experience.
• Possession of ATSSA or IMSA Construction Traffic Flagger and Work Zone Safety Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must maintain an insurable driving record.
• Possession of a valid Class A commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsement required within 12 months of hire.

• Two years public works maintenance experience or an equivalent level of experience, to include the operation of moderately heavy to heavy construction equipment and vehicles, as well as construction/repair experience.

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good listening skills.
• Manual dexterity.
• General construction skills.
• Good driving skills.
• Welding and fabrications skills.
• Leadership skills obtained through crew leader role and formal City-sponsored training.
• Maintenance and mechanical skills.
• Concrete skills.
• Carpentry skills.
• Plumbing skills
• Electrical skills.
• Masonry skills.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints.
• Use of automated work management system.

• Ability to analyze safety situations.
• Ability to make quick decisions.
• Ability to stay alert for long periods of time.
• Ability to work independently and without supervision.
• Ability to work as a team.
• Ability to assess situation and use judgement in responding.
• Ability to work under distracting conditions.
• Maintenance and mechanical aptitude.
• Alphanumeric recognition.
• Ability to carry out assignments through oral and written instruction.
• Ability to take on leadership role.

• Hand, eye and body coordination adequate to operate moderately heavy to heavy machinery, equipment and city vehicles.
• Ability to stay alert and work for extended periods of time.
• Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Exposure to vibrations.
• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Visual stamina and acuity adequate to review alphanumeric data.

• Indirect - Work crew

• Bonus of $500 per season ($100 per month) for all responders.
• Dynamic Pay for Active Participation
• Active Duty Pay Differential
• CDL + $14.00 per hour
• Non-CDL + $7.00 per hour
• Support + $3.00 per hour