Director of Construction Quality Assurance

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) implements the City’s enforcement program related to the Massachusetts State Building Code, the City Zoning Ordinance, and portions of the State Sanitary Code. ISD prides itself on delivering excellent customer service and using enforcement as a tool to promote the health and safety of the Cambridge community.

Over 80% of greenhouse gas emissions in Cambridge comes from buildings. ISD ensures that new building construction and major renovations are energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change, and support best practices for overall environmental performance.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Director of Construction Quality Assurance leads the City’s efforts to ensure that all new buildings and major renovations are built to and perform at the highest level. This new position recognizes the critical importance that new construction technology plays in achieving building performance goals. Working under the supervision and at the direction of the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and Assistant Commissioner of Inspectional Services, The Director is a highly skilled building professional who is a technical resource to staff within ISD and to all those individuals building in Cambridge- tradespeople, contractors, engineers, architects, and residents. The Director conducts design review, onsite education, inspection, and enforcement and promotes a quality mindset across the various building disciplines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Inspections: Perform on-site inspections of new and existing buildings to ensure compliance with energy/building codes and standards. Inspections may include HVAC systems, insulation, lighting, windows, appliances, and other energy-related components.
• Plan and specification review: Examine architectural and engineering drawings, construction plans, and specifications to determine compliance with energy efficiency requirements and construction control measures. Identify deficiencies or non-compliant areas and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Energy system evaluation: Assess the performance of energy systems within buildings, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting systems, and renewable energy installations. Verify that these systems meet energy efficiency guidelines and provide suggestions for optimization.
• Documentation and reporting: Maintain accurate records of inspections, findings, and compliance status. Prepare detailed reports summarizing inspection results and provide recommendations for corrective actions when necessary.
• Collaboration and communication: Collaborate with City staff, architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to address energy code compliance issues. Communicate inspection results, compliance requirements, and recommendations effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Technical expertise: Stay current with energy codes, regulations, and industry best practices related to energy efficiency. Attend training sessions, seminars, and workshops to enhance knowledge and skills related to energy code compliance.
• Code development and improvement: Provide feedback and insights on energy/building codes, regulations, and standards to regulatory bodies or industry organizations for the development and improvement of future codes.
• Supervises other staff as assigned.
• Other duties as required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in the building construction industry.
• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, energy management, construction management, or related field OR five years of work experience as a Construction Supervisor for large residential and commercial developments.
• Experience conducting inspections for construction control projects including Steel, Fire-Stopping, Concrete, Exterior envelope tightness, Concrete, and Masonry. Includes experience with construction control for high-rise construction.
• Strong knowledge of 2021 IECC, ASHRAE standards, and regulations related to building construction and energy efficiency.

1. Experience with Chapter 17 of the International Building Code with Massachusetts amendments, notably 1

• Special inspections and tests, statements of special inspections, responsibilities of contractors, submittals to the building official.
• Familiarity with energy modeling software, energy auditing techniques, and energy performance calculations as they relate to HERS reports, ASHRAE reports, and other types of standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience with software typical to the building and permitting industry.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong problem solving and mediation abilities.
• High ethical standards and personal integrity.
• Commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification as an energy code compliance professional (e.g., Certified Energy Plans Examiner, Certified Energy Inspector).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to operate office equipment including copiers, printers, and scanners. Executes multiple tasks involving keyboarding, telephones, writing, bending, reaching, and lifting boxes of files (up to 10 lbs).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Frequent site visits to active construction sites, as well as standard office environment, which includes fluorescent lighting and air conditioning. Moderate noise level, which can elevate with phone calls and walk in members of the public. Busy office work environment characterized by multiple works demands from staff, a great deal of customer interaction, and heavy call volume. This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.