Construction Administrator

Shive-Hattery is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Construction Administrator to join our team, in either our Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, or West Des Moines office location.  As a Construction Administrator, you will serve as our design team’s on-site liaison during the construction phase of projects. This role ensures that construction activities align with the design intent, specifications, and quality standards. The Construction Administrator monitors progress, facilitates communication between stakeholders, and helps resolve field issues in real time.

Experience and Qualifications: 

• Background in Architecture, Construction Management, Owner’s Construction Representation, Facilities Management, Construction Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in construction administration or site observation, preferably with an architectural firm.
• Understanding of architectural drawings, specifications, and construction processes.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in construction management software (e.g., Newforma, Procore, Bluebeam, Submittal Exchange, Revit, AutoCAD).
• Ability to travel to job sites and work in a field environment.
• Other preferred Qualifications: Architectural licensure or working toward licensure, OSHA 10/30 construction certification, graduate of MBI training programs.

Site Observation & Reporting:

• Conduct regular site visits to observe construction progress and verify compliance with architectural drawings and specifications.
• Prepare detailed field reports, including photos and notes, documenting construction activities and any deviations.

Coordination & Communication :

• Act as the primary point of contact between the design team and the contractor during construction.
• Attend and participate in construction meetings, including OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) meetings.
• Communicate design clarifications and respond to RFIs (Requests for Information).
• Have the ability to discern which decisions can be made on-site and which require input from the design team.
• Represent the firm professionally in meetings with clients, contractors, and public meetings, clearly communicating technical information to both expert and non-expert.
• Help enrich our relationships with construction managers and contractors.

Resource for the Design Team Members:

• Provide feedback to the design team on any issues with details or design elements as they arise.
• Assist in the quality control process during the design phase, through periodic constructability or coordination reviews of the design documents
• Responsible for educating staff on proper construction administration practices and procedures, and contributing to updates to company standards and specifications pertaining to the construction phase.
• Knowledgeable and experienced in applying relevant provisions of Iowa Code and administrative rules or other agreements (AIA, etc..) related to public sector construction, including requirements for public bidding, retainage, lien waivers, and change order procedures.

Quality Assurance:

• Monitor workmanship and materials to ensure they meet design standards and specifications.
• Identify and report non-conforming work and assist in developing corrective actions.

Documentation & Review:

• Review submittals, shop drawings, and samples for conformance with design intent.
• Assist in evaluating change orders for scope, cost, and schedule impact, and provide input to support fair and informed decisions. Collaborate with the project team to prepare responses and negotiate appropriate adjustments with contractors when needed. 

Problem Solving:

• Collaborate with the design team to resolve field issues and unforeseen conditions.
• Provide input on constructability and sequencing to support project efficiency.

Why Shive-Hattery?

Our learning and teaching culture is founded on collaboration. You will learn from and teach other employees while working across disciplines. You will grow your skills and continue your professional growth at Shive-Hattery.

Shive-Hattery offers an outstanding and competitive total compensation package including competitive pay and over 35 different benefits.

Benefit Highlights

•             Medical, Dental, Vision – 4 tiers of coverage
•             Voluntary Life Insurance – Employee, Spouse, and Child 
•             Voluntary Insurance Plans – Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
•             FSA – Medical & Dependent Care
•             8 Paid Holidays + PTO 
•             Paid Parental Leave
•             401K/Roth 401K with Company Match 
•             Overtime Bonus 
•             Profit Sharing Bonus
•             First Time License Bonus
•             Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
•             Professional Development Opportunities 
•             Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription
•             …And Many More! 

Shive-Hattery offers a flexible work environment and supports balancing personal and professional responsibilities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.