Construction Assistant Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Construction Coordinator (CC) coordinates and oversees water and wastewater capital projects, from construction stages through acceptance of the improvements and close of the project. The position works closely with department managers, operations and engineering personnel, public officials, and developers, and oversees all aspects of construction including inspection, installation, testing, disinfection, startup, etc. The Construction Coordinator may act as backup for the assigned division’s Field Supervisor, managing personnel and operations as needed.

$50,000-$70,000.

• Collaborate with operations and engineering in development, implementation and monitoring of annual capital improvement plans that identify and prioritize capital projects.
• Assist in developing annual capital budgets, including evaluating alternatives, designs, cost estimating and project scheduling.
• Oversee construction activities to meet established budget, scope and timelines and ensure that company financial, compliance and operational objectives are met.
• Coordinate construction phases of projects with staff in multiple departments, outside contractors, and suppliers; ensure operational needs are addressed.
• Assist engineering with preparation of permit applications covering land development, zoning, construction and environmental approvals.
• Meet with public officials and regulatory agency personnel to assist in obtaining project permits and authorizations.
• Engage homeowners to promote and construct water main extensions and resolve customer concerns and complaints associated with construction activities.
• Manage all aspects of construction project procurement and construction, including reviewing and approving contractor applications for payment.
• Oversee construction inspectors for multiple concurrent projects.
• Represent the company at various state and local levels.
• Establish and maintain positive public relations with key customers, local officials, state regulators, other state agencies, elected officials and industry groups.
• Assist in the development and implementation of state/regional engineering‑related policies and maintain standard designs and materials specifications.
• Assist in reviewing construction plans for customer services including commercial fire services, backflow devices and customer services.
• Coordinate service installation with the customer, their contractor and company construction crews or contractors.
• Assist engineering to provide necessary design information; may assist in preparing designs when required.
• Assist in reviewing designs for compliance with state, local and company requirements.
• Prepare cost estimates for construction when required.
• Close out projects and update water system maps, records and electronic data; reconcile inventory, record drawings, asset completion and retirement reports, GIS, AIMS and Maintenance Connection.
• Act as Division Field Supervisor in absence of the Field Supervisor to manage daily field operations.
• Promote a safety culture, address safety issues arising from construction projects and adjust project timelines to ensure safe working conditions.
• Assist with other tasks or projects as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate degree in Civil Engineering or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of construction experience, including cost estimating, preparing bidding and contract documents, monitoring construction progress, payments, negotiating change orders, construction inspection and monitoring safety practices, and contract closeout.

• Proficiency with personal computers, particularly Microsoft Office products and databases.
• Experience with AutoCAD, GIS and WaterGEMS desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; communicate effectively, clearly, concisely and professionally with internal customers.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team player; ability to work effectively in a team fostered multi‑tasking environment.

May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, and gas exposure hazards, fumes, dust, mists, gases and/or poor ventilation. Travel to work sites up to 75%; overnight generally not required but possible. Must be available on call for emergencies and after‑hours events.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity /affirmative action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If a condition may prevent you from applying online or requires an accommodation during the interview process, please call 1‑877‑271‑9012.