Construction Specialist

Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation•Brooklyn, NY

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) is seeking a part-time Construction Specialist for the Career and Education Programs’ YouthBuild IGNITE Program. This role will provide construction training and program support to the Project Construction Manager and Construction Trainer, focusing on hands-on construction training, lab activities, and worksite-based learning. The specialist will also supervise participants during construction lab sessions and serve as the primary construction supervisor for an external apartment renovation internship, ensuring safety, engagement, and adherence to protocols.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years experience in the construction industry.
Extensive knowledge of the NYC construction industry, including union and non-union employment pathways, apprenticeship opportunities, workplace expectations.
Strong understanding of current construction safety standards, jobsite practices, tools, materials, and worksite expectations.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Strong public speaking, listening, and written communication skills.
Sense of humor and nonjudgmental attitude.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
Ability to efficiently and independently travel throughout the 5 boroughs using public transportation.

Responsibilities

Provide part-time construction training and program support to the Project Construction Manager and Construction Trainer in the delivery of hands-on construction training, lab activities, and worksite-based learning opportunities.
Provide additional supervision and support during construction lab sessions, ensuring participants remain engaged, follow instructions, use tools and equipment appropriately, and adhere to established safety protocols.
Serve as the primary construction supervisor for the external apartment renovation internship, providing day-to-day oversight of participants, worksite activities, safety practices, attendance, work assignments, and professional conduct.
Assist the Project Construction Manager and Construction Trainer with preparing, organizing, and maintaining construction lab spaces, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Maintain and reinforce high standards of health and safety during construction lab activities, worksite experiences, transportation, and external internship assignments.
Provide hands-on demonstrations, technical guidance, and coaching to participants as directed by the Construction Trainer or Project Construction Manager.
Support participants in developing essential construction-related hard skills, workplace behaviors, communication skills, teamwork, punctuality, professionalism, and other employability skills necessary for success in the construction trades.
Establish and reinforce clear expectations for participant behavior, workplace professionalism, safety, and appropriate use of tools and equipment, and communicate concerns to the appropriate program staff.
Monitor participant performance and progress during construction lab activities and the external internship, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas requiring additional instruction or support.
Assist with the coordination and supervision of construction projects, site visits, field trips, guest speakers, and other experiential learning activities as assigned.
Assist with maintaining accurate and timely records related to participant attendance, worksite participation, training activities, safety incidents, work assignments, and internship performance.
Support the development and maintenance of positive relationships with contractors, property owners, developers, and other construction industry partners to facilitate hands-on training, internship, and employment opportunities for participants.
Remain knowledgeable of current construction practices, safety standards, tools, materials, and workforce expectations relevant to entry-level construction employment in NYC.
Communicate regularly with the Program Director and Program Construction Team, and other program staff regarding participant progress, worksite conditions, safety concerns, training needs, and internship activities.
Apply positive youth and workforce development principles when working with participants and contribute to a supportive, inclusive, and professional learning environment.
Demonstrate a commitment to leadership development, community building, workforce development, and community engagement as strategies for supporting participant growth and economic opportunity.
Perform other construction-related and program duties as assigned.