Capital Projects Specialist

The Capital Projects Specialist supports HFS by leading field execution of capital renewal sustainability and improvement projects across the HFS role is responsible for overseeing contractors coordinating with design teams and interfacing with UW Facilities shops to ensure projects are delivered in accordance with HFS standards for quality safety and schedule performance. Acting as the owners on-site representative the Specialist ensures alignment between project intent and field conditions proactively resolving issues to maintain progress and minimize operational disruption.

The position plays a critical role in project delivery by monitoring construction activities verifying work in place enforcing contract requirements and managing field-level decision-making. This includes coordinating multi-trade activities identifying and mitigating risks supporting change management and ensuring compliance with applicable codes standards and institutional requirements.

Operating within active residential and dining environments the Specialist is responsible for maintaining continuity of operations while advancing project objectives. This role enables HFS to execute a complex and growing capital portfolio efficiently balancing construction demands with the needs of a 24/7 operational environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Leadership & In-field Coordination (40%)

Leads project teams and guides work to align with HFS and University objectives.

Conducts regular site walks to verify progress workmanship and adherence to safety and design standards.

Manages punch-list tracking and confirms completion of corrective work.

Provides field access and coordinates work areas to reduce operational disruption.

Reports field conditions and emerging issues to the Capital Projects Manager and Director.

Contractor & Vendor Coordination (25%)

Serves as the day-to-day contact for contractors vendors and maintenance partners.

Schedules and coordinates site logistics deliveries and inspections.

Ensures clear communication of project constraints and expectations in occupied environments.

Project Documentation (15%)

Maintains daily logs progress photos and field reports.

Tracks project costs schedules and minor change impacts in coordination with project leads.

Assists with close-out documentation warranty verification and turnover materials.

Sustainability & Compliance Support (10%)

Verifies implementation of sustainability and energy-efficiency measures during construction.

Documents waste diversion material sourcing and compliance with UW Green Building Standard.

Supports field execution of safety and environmental programs.

Stakeholder Communication (10%)

Relays field updates to the Director and Capital Projects Manager.

Facilitates coordination between construction teams maintenance staff and operations partners.

Assists in resolving day-to-day site issues to maintain project continuity.

IMPACT TO THE UNIVERSITY

Impact on Work Unit and University: Capital Projects Specialist plays a key tactical role in the successful execution of Housing & Food Services capital renewal and improvement projects. By leading and coordinating on-site work and ensuring compliance with project specifications this position supports the maintenance and capital enhancement of student housing and dining environments that directly contribute to the University of Washingtons mission of student success and operational excellence.

Support for University Objectives: This role advances the Universitys goals for sustainability efficiency and modernization by verifying that construction activities meet quality energy and environmental standards. The position directly supports continuity of housing and dining operations during construction helping ensure UW provides safe reliable and sustainable facilities for its students and staff.

Magnitude of Impact: While not serving as a project manager of record this position contributes to the delivery of multiple concurrent capital and maintenance projects with cumulative values ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually. Its work affects thousands of campus residents and staff through improved facilities operational continuity and implementation of sustainable construction practices.

POSITION COMPLEXITIES

Decision-Making Challenges: Requires sound judgment in identifying communicating and escalating field issues that may affect safety quality cost or schedule. The role demands balancing field constraints with project goals while coordinating input from multiple stakeholders.

Responsibility for High-Level Coordination: The Specialist manages daily coordination across active work sites contractors and operations staff ensuring activities are properly sequenced and communicated. Decisions made in this role directly influence project timing operational safety and user satisfaction.

Unique Position Aspects: The position frequently works in occupied residential and dining facilities requiring flexibility and real-time problem-solving to mitigate disruption. It operates across diverse project types mechanical architectural and infrastructure upgradesdemanding adaptability and technical awareness.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is expected to maintain a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday with a hybrid arrangement of three days on-site and two days remote. The role requires flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deliverables and support key operational priorities.

Participation in critical Housing & Food Services events is required including campus move-in and move-out operations as well as the annual Admitted Student Day.

REPORTS TO

Director Facilities Planning

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in engineering construction management architecture or related.

Three years of experience supporting construction or renovation projects in residential commercial or higher-education settings.

Familiarity with project coordination processes including scheduling permitting and documentation.

Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Proficiency in standard industry tools such as Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office; familiarity with Revit or Procore a plus.

General understanding of building systems codes and materials including coordination of MEP and finish trades.

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; capable of maintaining accuracy and composure in dynamic field environments.

Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams including contractors consultants and operations staff.

Demonstrated initiative adaptability and professional curiosity toward capital project delivery and sustainable building practices.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

A satisfactory outcome from the employment reference check processes and education verification.