Construction Supervisor 

Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Public Works

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., M-F

DATE WRITTEN: May 2023 DATE REVISED: July 2024

STATUS: Full-time

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Construction Supervisor for the Public Works Division of the St. Joseph County Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Department, responsible for providing and maintaining public infrastructure and capital improvements to roads, bridges, and drainage systems, assisting in plan review, and inspecting projects under contract by the St. Joseph County Commissioners.

DUTIES:

Assists Project Manager in supervising Construction Technicians, including prioritizing and delegating work assignments, establishing specific work goals and standards, evaluating job performance, ensuring timely completions of tasks, and maintaining discipline and recommending corrective action as warranted.

Assists Project Manager in overseeing County construction projects involving roads, bridges, and drainage systems. Maintains communication with Project Manager regarding progress of work and any non-routine decisions based on guidelines and policies.

Inspects contractors' work for conformance with contract documents, specifications, construction plans, and special provisions for assigned projects.

Records daily field reports and observations, tracks quantities used on projects, and captures photos of construction activities.

Analyzes existing infrastructure, performs topographical surveys using various types of survey equipment to establish, verify, stake, and identify lines and grades. Compiles and prepares data for Engineers to use on future projects.

Attends and occasionally leads pre-construction and progress meetings. Assists in preparing construction drawings and project specifications.

Assists in reviewing contract documents and compiling paperwork for construction projects. Maintains files of County projects involving roads, bridges, and drainage systems, including status of each project.

Receives and responds to complaints from the public and other County departments regarding projects, road conditions, drainage concerns, and construction.

Tests or supervises testing of materials used on construction projects. Attends professional training or conferences as required.

Responds to emergencies on a 24-hour basis. Performs related duties as assigned.

I.  JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Must be at least 21 years of age.

Ability to meet all Department hiring and retention requirements, including passage of a drug test.

Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local codes and ordinances and ability to apply safety rules and regulations related to surveying, drainage, and planning as required.

Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques used in road, bridge, and drainage system construction projects and related terminology with ability to review progress of ongoing projects to ensure quality of work under established specifications and guidelines.

Working knowledge of field surveying principles and design procedures, and ability to perform field work and ensure accuracy of assigned survey projects.

Working knowledge of County road system and general construction practices, regulatory requirements, and ASTM testing procedures for concrete, soil, and asphalt.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare project documents, paperwork, and detailed written reports as required and maintain accurate and organized records.

Ability to assist Project Manager in supervising Construction Technicians and overseeing County construction projects.

Ability to judge, analyze, make recommendations and decisions, and resolve complex problems.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, vendors, utility companies, contractors, developers, consultants, and the public, in a courteous and tactful manner, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.

Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment, on several tasks at the same time, and often under time pressure.

Ability to read, understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.

Ability to file, post, and mail materials, copy data from one document to another, and interview to obtain information.

Ability to plan and layout assigned work projects and read and interpret detailed blueprints, specifications, surveys, and maps.

Ability to compute and perform arithmetic operations and calculations.

Ability to properly operate standard office equipment, including computer, calculator, telephone and effectively use Department-specific computer software, such as spreadsheet, email, word processing, and other software as required.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate and hostile persons.

Ability to analyze, evaluate, observe, diagnose, investigate, coordinate, place, make determinations, act based on data analysis, discover facts, and develop concepts or interpretations.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to state requirements.

Shall comply with all employer and Department policies and work rules, procedures, and job tasks, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to work extended hours and occasionally work weekend and evening hours, respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.

Possession of a valid driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

II.  DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent performs duties that are complex in nature and call for consideration of many variables in assisting with overseeing capital improvement projects. Individual judgment is needed in selecting and adapting standard practices and procedures to fit varied circumstances.

III.  RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent performs duties as Construction Supervisor under general supervision. Assignments are guided by broad policies and/or general objectives. Incumbent establishes procedures and performance standards, interprets policies, and refers to supervisor when interpretations of Departmental policies, programs, expenditures, are thought necessary. Decisions are always determined by specific instructions or existing, well-established policies and procedures. Work is reviewed primarily for compliance with Department policy. Errors in work are usually detected or prevented through supervisory review, procedural safeguards, and/or notification from other departments or the public.

IV.  PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains contact with co-workers, other County departments, vendors, utility companies, contractors, developers, consultants, and the public, for the purposes of exchanging, explaining, and interpreting information, and supervising and directing personnel.

Incumbent reports directly to Project Manager.

V.  PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, outdoors, and onsite, including sitting/walking at will, sitting/standing/walking for long periods, walking on uneven terrain, handling/grasping objects, crouching/kneeling, bending/reaching, pushing/pulling, lifting/carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds, keyboarding, speaking clearly, driving, close/far vision, color/depth perception, and hearing sounds/communication. Incumbent is regularly exposed to normal hazards associated with construction sites, such as equipment, traffic, chemicals, dirt, dust, fumes, noise, extreme hot/cold temperatures, and wet/icy conditions. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to avoid injury to self and others. Incumbent may work with or be exposed to hostile/irate individuals.