Small Projects Specialist 2
Primary Purpose:
To oversee small projects by coordinating general contractors, trade-specific contractors, and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) project resources. The role involves close collaboration with clients from project inception to completion, ensuring delivery that meets or exceeds functionality, schedule, and budget expectations. In addition to project execution, this role is responsible for managing project intake requests, establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) for the office, and mentoring others in similar roles to support continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Nature of Work:
Reporting to the Manager of the Project Management Office, Construction, this role operates in a high-volume, dynamic environment characterized by shifting priorities and tight deadlines. The Small Projects Specialist 2 fosters positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote collaboration and effective problem-solving. This position manages low-complexity, medium-risk renewal projects, prioritizing adherence to deadlines and resolving issues that may disrupt progress. Exceptional customer service is a core focus, aligned with the stewardship of the university’s physical assets. The role is primarily office-based, with regular site visits to construction locations. In addition to leading small projects, the Specialist may also support the execution of large, multi-year construction initiatives as needed, working under the guidance of an experienced project manager to assist with daily tasks such as permitting, communications, and coordination of internal and external resources.
Accountabilities:
- Project Oversight: Utilize PMO best practices to manage small projects efficiently from initiation through completion, ensuring successful delivery in terms of scope, schedule, budget, and quality
- Project Intake Management: Manage incoming project requests by assessing scope, complexity, and alignment with strategic and operational priorities. Collaborate with PMO management to support task allocation and ensure projects are prioritized and assigned appropriately within the team
- Resource Management: Delegate and monitor the activities of general contractors, trade-specific contractors, and USask project resources, ensuring customer requirements are met on schedule, within budget, and to specifications
- Safety Leadership: Promote a culture of safety by ensuring contractors complete required training and comply with site safety standards. Proactively engage safety professionals and inspectors to maintain compliance
- Budget Management: Oversee the financial aspects of each project from planning to closeout, including change order processing and clear, transparent communication with stakeholders
- Schedule Management: Develop and manage realistic project schedules, taking primary responsibility for ensuring milestones and deadlines are met
- Cost Estimation: Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external contractors to develop accurate and timely project estimates
- Problem Solving: Anticipate and respond to project challenges by analyzing issues, making sound decisions, and implementing practical solutions
- Standards and Knowledge Maintenance: Maintain current knowledge of National Building Codes, safety regulations, construction best practices, ergonomic standards, warranties, and USask-specific policies
- KPI Development and Monitoring: Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators for the office to support continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability
- Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Mentor and support colleagues in similar roles by sharing expertise, fostering professional development, and promoting consistency in project delivery practices
Qualifications:
Education: A diploma in Architectural Technology or equivalent, and eligibility for membership in the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (SASTT) would be considered assets. A journey person's trade qualification may be considered.
Experience: Three to five years of experience in construction management within commercial or industrial construction, including the preparation of budgets, schedules, and contract documents. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. Experience with institutional building projects will be considered an asset.
Skills: The successful candidate will demonstrate strong and effective interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to take responsibility and make sound decisions. They will possess excellent problem-solving, conflict management, analytical, and negotiation skills, along with a working knowledge of provincial safety regulations, codes, and legislation related to construction. The candidate will have the capability to lead, instruct, and guide a team effectively from project inception through to completion, while prioritizing and managing multiple concurrent priorities. Knowledge of and experience with USask policies, priorities, and goals would be considered an asset.
This position is in-scope of the collective agreement between ASPA and the University of Saskatchewan
Department: Planning Design & Construction
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 6/11/2025
Closing Date: 6/24/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.