Construction Specialist

Construction Specialist

Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) is a not-for-profit community development organization and settlement house serving 11,000 residents a year through a comprehensive array of housing preservation, economic development, community organizing and youth and family support services programs and projects. With community residents leading the way, the mission of Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation is to build a strong, sustainable Cypress Hills/East New York, where youth and adults achieve educational and economic success, secure healthy and affordable housing and develop leadership skills to transform their lives and community. We actively promote policies that advance racial equity.

Position: Construction Specialist – YouthBuild IGNITE

Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation has an opening for one (1) part-time Construction Specialist for the Career and Education Programs' YouthBuild IGNITE Program.

Principal Duties:

• 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.

Position 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.

Work Environment:

This position works in office and classroom settings as well as significant community engagement and worksite locations. This role routinely involves travel and uses a full range of office equipment such as computers, cellphones, photocopiers, and standard equipment such as scissors and tape dispensers. This role routinely involves use of construction tools and materials.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to efficiently and independently travel throughout the 5 boroughs using public transportation.

Travel:

Significant local travel is expected for this position.

Supervision:

Reports directly to the CRED Program Director and Project Construction Manager.

Compensation:

Part-Time / seasonal (hours arranged by supervisor) $35.00 per hour

To Apply:

Please forward cover letter, resume, and three (3) references to Peter Rodriguez at View email address on click.appcast.io. Three (3) typed, signed reference letters will be required if chosen for the position.

CYPRESS HILLS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND IS COMMITTED TO WORKPLACE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We promote recognition and respect for individual and cultural differences, and we work to make our employees feel valued and appreciated, whatever their race, gender, background, or sexual orientation.

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.

EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans