Construction Associate

Description

Position:  Construction Associate (Full Time)

Department: Construction
Reports To: Director of Construction
Daily Task Direction: Construction Supervisor

Employment: Full-Time 37.5 hours weekly 

Position Summary

The Construction Associate supports Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County’s new construction projects by performing hands-on construction activities and helping maintain safe, organized, and productive job sites. This position requires a strong working knowledge of construction techniques, particularly framing, carpentry, and finish carpentry, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, AmeriCorps members, partner families, subcontractors, and vendors.

Basic Functions

• Perform and coordinate assigned on-site construction activities for new construction and warranty work.
• Support the Construction Supervisor in coordinating daily job site activities, supervising volunteers, and maintaining project      schedules.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and educational construction environment for volunteers, AmeriCorps members, and partner      families.
• Maintain construction quality and support the efficient use of materials, tools, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Contribute to the successful completion of Habitat’s construction goals through teamwork, accountability, and adherence to      organizational policies and procedures.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Construction Activities and Quality Control

• Perform hands-on construction tasks as assigned, assist with site preparation, measurements, layout, material staging, and other activities necessary to  advance construction projects.
• Review blueprints, construction plans, and specifications to understand project requirements and identify potential discrepancies or areas requiring  adjustment.
• Ensure  assigned work is completed according to approved plans, applicable building codes, Habitat quality standards, and established construction practices.
• Identify and correct deficiencies in work performed by volunteers or other team members, as appropriate, and communicate significant quality concerns to  the Construction Supervisor.
• Assist  with homeowner warranty work, construction-related complaints, and repairs as directed and support the coordination of subcontractors and vendors when specialized work or additional capacity is required.

2. Job Site Supervision and Volunteer Engagement

• Provide  appropriate on-site guidance, supervision, and hands-on training to  volunteers, Cornerstone-trained volunteers, AmeriCorps members, and partner families.
• Participate      in daily job site briefings to communicate work plans, assign tasks,  review safety expectations, and clarify project priorities.
• Assign work based on individual skill levels, training, physical capabilities, and age-appropriate safety considerations. Demonstrate proper construction techniques, tool operation, and safe work practices.
• Foster a welcoming, respectful, and encouraging environment that makes volunteer and partner-family participation meaningful and supports continued  engagement with Habitat.

3. Project Coordination and Scheduling

• Work  with the Construction Supervisor to implement daily and weekly work plans and maintain progress toward established project milestones.
• Coordinate  with the Construction Supervisor and Warehouse Manager to identify material needs and ensure tools, supplies, and equipment are available      when required. Communicate material shortages, delivery delays, equipment      needs, and potential scheduling conflicts promptly.
• Collaborate  with other construction team members to improve work processes, productivity, and coordination across projects
• Provide timely progress updates and report material usage, tool needs, construction challenges, and completed work to the Construction Supervisor.

4. Safety, Compliance, and Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain responsibility for the safety and security of assigned job sites while  following established organizational safety procedures and supervisory  direction.
• Comply with OSHA requirements, applicable building codes, local permitting requirements, Habitat policies, and other relevant regulations.
• Ensure tools, equipment, and construction areas are maintained in a safe, clean,  and organized condition.
• Operate Habitat vehicles, tools, and equipment safely and only when appropriately  trained and authorized.
• Report equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, accidents, and incidents immediately to the Construction Supervisor.
• Maintain and secure tools, equipment, materials, and vehicles in accordance with organizational procedures.

5. Communication and Reporting

· Follow daily work assignments and on-site directions from the Construction Supervisor, providing timely updates on project progress, material and equipment needs, scheduling challenges, and construction or safety concerns.

· Communicate professionally with volunteers, partner families, subcontractors, vendors, inspectors, and other stakeholders, escalating significant issues to the appropriate supervisor.

· Maintain accurate records of assigned work, material usage, and project progress, and provide reports to the Construction Supervisor or Director of Construction as requested.

6. Organizational Support

· Collaborate with construction staff and other Habitat departments to support organizational goals, volunteer activities, and special events.

· Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and safety requirements, and participate in required meetings and training.

· Perform other related duties as assigned by the Construction Supervisor or Director of Construction.

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated  working knowledge of residential construction techniques, with an emphasis      on carpentry, framing, and finish carpentry.
• Ability to read and interpret basic construction plans, measurements, and project  specifications.
• Ability  to safely perform hands-on construction tasks, operate common tools and equipment, and effectively communicate, collaborate, and provide construction guidance to staff, volunteers, partner families,  subcontractors, and vendors with varying levels of experience.
• Commitment  to job site safety, construction quality, teamwork, and Habitat for  Humanity’s mission.
• Ability  to organize assigned work, identify problems, solutions and communicate  concerns to supervisors.
• Ability  to understand and communicate in English; other languages are a plus
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record,  and eligibility for inclusion on Habitat’s vehicle insurance policy.      Organizational insurance requirements must be satisfied before operating  Habitat vehicles.
• Safely operate Habitat vehicles and equipment - must be eligible to be added to Habitat vehicle insurance- this requires at least 5 years of driving  experience and a favorable driving record.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to work at active construction sites in indoor and outdoor environments  and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability  to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and perform repetitive  construction tasks as required.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move construction  materials and equipment consistent with the essential functions of the position and applicable safety requirements. 
• Ability  to lift 50 pounds - work will require climbing ladders, considerable  standing, bending, kneeling, and reaching in awkward and tiring positions.
• Ability  to wear required personal protective equipment and follow job site safety protocols.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed to support project schedules, volunteer activities, or      organizational events, including every other Saturday.