Field Representative at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in New York, New York

Job Description:

LOCATION: This is an on-site position - SOM is seeking candidates located in the Harrisburg/Hershey PA vicinity.

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.  We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration.  Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas:  We believe in a meritocracy of ideas.  We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.  




• Knowledge:  We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning.  We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.




• Product:  We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.




• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work.  Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.




• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration.  A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.




• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Overview

The Field Representative is a project leader responsible for managing SOM’s interests during the construction phase. They are recognized leaders, have advanced knowledge of architectural practice, construction methodologies and project delivery and are effective mentors.  They provide project management responsibilities, including acting as the primary point of contact for the owner/client and the full project team, inclusive of consultants.

Position Responsibilities

• Plans, schedules, and organizes SOM's field efforts in close collaboration with the project Senior Designer, Senior Technical Design and Project Manager.




• Oversees the project team efforts relative to Construction Phase Services, including establishing documentation, communication and collaboration processes in accordance to contract requirements and SOM standards.




• Assists with the planning, scheduling, and organization of project plans relative to field and technical design efforts and processes in collaboration with the senior project team leaders.




• Drives and manages a collaborative relationship with consultants and knowledge resources to ensure that deliverables are coordinated, integrated and support the performance goals of the project.




• Manages time and workload of own work efforts and those of the team to meet project task deadlines and commitments, with interaction and direction from Associate Principals and/or Principals while guiding and teaching less experienced staff. Leads and guides the project team in identifying the appropriate follow-up process to address action items during all project phases.




• Directly assists and mentors assigned team members.




• Proactively checks and coordinates project documents (including but not limited to drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, specifications coordination, etc.) and participates in quality control of such tasks in accordance with SOM’s quality assurance program.




• Attends and presents in owner/architect design meetings and owner/architect/contractor meetings, and off-site mock-ups and meetings as required to support the project. Reviews and approves meeting minutes. 




• Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings.




• Participates in the management and review of shop drawings and sample submittals, and as required per contract change orders and monthly contractor payment applications.




• Coordinates and develops responses to contractor questions, inquiries, RFI’s etc. and assists fellow team members and direct reports to that end.




• Prepares punch-lists and field observation reports and coordinates with fellow team members and direct reports to that end.




• Makes appropriate value judgments with respect to field corrective work that supports the design intent and performance goals of the project.




• Participates in project document control tasks and assists with the quality control of such tasks in accordance with SOM’s quality assurance program.




• Actively participates in internal Design and Technical Meetings and makes meaningful contributions to the advancement of activities led by these groups.




• Actively supports compliance with BIM project standards and procedures.




• Implements SOM’s standard procedures and protocols to assure continuity and consistency of our project contract deliverables across the firm in support of overall firm wide goals.




• Understands contractual requirements and collaborates with SOM leadership team and Project Manager to identify work that is beyond the contract requirement for SOM and our consultants in order to support requests for Additional Services as appropriate.




• Works with project team and Client to make submissions and or presentations, as needed, to local authorities having jurisdiction 

Leadership Responsibilities

• Actively leads a project team.




• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.




• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.




• Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

 Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.




• Licensed in Architecture; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.




• Minimum 8 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities; prior experience in construction phase services required.




• Experience required in all phases of project work including preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents and supporting materials.




• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of architectural practice; experience representing a team’s interests in the field and advanced knowledge of building materials, detailing, constructions, techniques, building systems selection, related engineering principles, sustainability strategies and building codes.




• Demonstrates practical understanding of the application of digital tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Procore, Bluebeam and practical knowledge in word processing and presentation programs such as Google Workspace.




• Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM. 

Our Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance

Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs

Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program

Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development 

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $100,000 to $130,000. 

Our Culture:

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices. 

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.

For more about SOM: www.som.com

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.  Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.