Energy Rater Project Manager
Firm Overview
Do more than just build! At dbHMS, we are a collection of doers and thinkers. We combine our passion for engineering with our client’s vision to realize successful construction projects in our community and worldwide. Together with our clients, we are dedicated to leaving a legacy of stewardship and innovation through our impact on the built environment. Our staff of talented individuals and unique characters is united in their dedication to delivering high-performance, efficient, and sustainable buildings worldwide.
Our Commissioning Studio team, in our Chicago office, is seeking Energy Rating Project Manager. This role will join with a collaborative team of commissioning professionals for a variety of projects while working closely with clients, client representatives, architects, builders, and with Building Enclosure and MEP engineers.
Our dynamic work environment provides the perfect opportunity to advance your career while developing and fine-tuning your skills along with offering a supportive office culture, diverse workforce, flexible work schedules, and regular social events. At dbHMS, you will find everything you need for an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career.
dbHMS is committed to a diverse workforce and to providing a safe, accessible workplace. Most duties will be performed in an office environment although dbHMS currently operates with both hybrid and remote-only work policies. The remainder of the duties will be performed in the construction/field environment which will involve trips to projects sites. A typical week consists of five, eight-hour shifts.
When in the field the employee must be able to climb stairs and endure typical construction site conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Occasional overnight travel may be required depending on the employee’s home location. Frequent field visits in the office metro area will be necessary. A valid and clean driver's license is required.
dbHMS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Insurance - Health, Dental, Vision, and Life
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Trade Organization dues reimbursement
Position Overview
Want to literally and figuratively “push the envelope?” dbHMS is seeking an energetic ENERGY or HERS Rater with a passion for building science to join the building commissioning team to optimize building performance and make buildings function better. The candidate will work alongside a broad team of commissioning professionals in the multifamily housing market who will perform building analysis using modeling tools, field observations, testing practices, and consulting management skills.
The ideal candidate will be a certified HERS Rater or Rating Field Inspector with specific a project track record in the analysis, evaluation, investigation, testing, and design of building components/assemblies on new and existing structures. Experience with third-party certification programs, constructability reviews, and construction management processes is a plus. A strong candidate will have a scientific mind set, an understanding of building science, an intense desire to get it right, attention to detail, and a strong determination to delve into construction methods and material characteristics.
Essential Job Functions
- Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing building enclosure systems and building HVAC systems.
- Demonstrate proficiency with third party certification programs such as ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction, ENERGY STAR Homes, Enterprise Green Communities, LEED, among others.
- Demonstrate proficiency in modeling software utilized for certifications.
- Knowledge of field-testing protocols, logistics, and technical aspects of testing including blower door testing, duct tightness testing, airflow, and pressure measurement, etc.
- Stay up to date with the requirements of building certification programs and demonstrate the ability to transfer knowledge within the company.
- Support the Commissioning team in field review and testing of systems for various building types.
- Thorough understanding of construction documents and knowledge of construction administration processes
- Multitask between several projects that are at various stages in the design or construction process. The ideal candidate will not rely on management to dictate the next task but rather, be self-motivated to keep momentum with each project.
- Perform field observations at various stages of construction and document deficiencies or variances from program requirements or contract documents.
- Communicate effectively in both written and verbal correspondence. This includes providing information on non-conformance, recommendations, direction, and other communication to building trades and construction managers.
- Communicate directly with clients and document all processes clearly.
Requirements
- HERS Rater or Rating Field Inspector Certification, or immediate willingness to obtain the certification.
- Strong technical writing ability and concise communication skills.
- Project Management Experience.
- Active valid driver’s license.
- Technologically savvy (use of computers, tablets, understanding of cloud-based systems).
- Ability to travel to both in- and out-of-state projects on regular basis (assumed up to 4-5 days a month but travel will vary based on project needs).
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Involvement in building enclosure and building sciences professional organizations.
- Fundamental knowledge of building MEP systems and how these systems integrate with building enclosures.
- Minimum Suggested Education: Bachelor’s degree.
- Knowledge of THERM, WUFI, and other types of computer analyses.
- Proficient with Bluebeam and Sketchup.
Personal Qualities, Other Skills/Abilities
- Integrity
- Ambitious and initiative
- Motivated self-starter
- Quick learner committed to professional growth while on the job and self-development.
- Ability to understand project schedules and prioritize work on overlapping projects.
- Have a mindset for business development opportunities and engage them when appropriate.