Construction Administrator / CA Lead

Job Description:

Construction Administrator / CA Lead

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Salary range: $75,000 – $95,000 (commensurate with experience)

Shape Your Future With Us

At Coles Associates, we invest in our people through meaningful mentorship, hands-on project experience, and opportunities for career growth. Working alongside experienced engineers, architects, designers, technologists, and project managers, you’ll gain exposure to diverse projects while developing the skills needed to achieve your professional goals.

Our work spans Atlantic Canada and beyond, offering the opportunity to contribute to projects that make a meaningful impact both locally and internationally. This broad perspective, combined with the strength of our close-knit, multidisciplinary team, fuels creativity and drives innovation.

At Coles, you’ll learn, collaborate, and make an impact from day one.

About the Role

We are seeking a Construction Administrator / CA Lead to join our Charlottetown, PEI office. In this role, you will support the successful delivery of projects through the construction phase by supporting contract administration, coordinating project documentation and communication, and participating in field reviews to determine, in general, whether observed work is proceeding in accordance with the drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.

This is a consultant-side role intended for someone with solid construction administration experience who can take increasing responsibility for active projects, including project documentation, construction meetings, RFIs and submittals, proposed changes, payment review, deficiency review, closeout, and warranty follow-up. Experienced candidates may act as the primary CA contact on assigned projects.

This position is well suited to a senior construction administration professional who understands that good CA is more than paperwork. It requires sound judgment, organization, clear communication, disciplined follow-up, and the ability to keep Owners, Contractors, consultants, and internal teams moving through issues in a fair, professional, and well-documented way.

The successful candidate will identify cost, schedule, and scope risks early, communicate clearly with Owners and Contractors, and know when to escalate issues to the Project Manager, discipline lead, or senior leadership.

The successful candidate will also be expected to provide calm, professional leadership when construction issues arise, coordinate internally before formal direction is issued, and help maintain a clear and consistent Coles response to Owners and Contractors.

Working closely with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and clients, you will help coordinate construction phase communication, technical reviews, documentation, and issue resolution throughout the construction process. This role supports contract administration and field review, but does not direct the Contractor’s means, methods, site safety, or construction operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and, with appropriate experience, lead consultant-side construction administration on assigned projects from tender/award through construction, deficiency review, closeout, and warranty follow-up.
• Act as the primary CA contact on assigned projects where appropriate to experience and responsibility, coordinating communication between Owners, Contractors, internal project teams, and subconsultants.
• Maintain and actively manage CA logs, including RFIs, shop drawings, site instructions, proposed changes, change orders, payment certificates, deficiencies, and closeout items.
• Review construction documentation, including RFIs, shop drawings, substitutions, proposed changes, contractor quotations, payment applications, and project correspondence for completeness, consistency, and contract impact.
• Attend and/or chair construction meetings and site visits, document progress, track action items, and follow up on outstanding issues.
• Identify potential cost, schedule, scope, code, procurement, or contractual risks and escalate appropriately.
• Coordinate field reviews and deficiency tracking and assist in reviewing observed work for general conformance with the drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Support and, where appropriate, mentor junior staff, technologists, and project administrators in CA procedures, documentation standards, and issue escalation.
• Maintain organized project records, photographs, and construction documentation.
• Contribute to improving Coles’ CA standards, templates, logs, and internal training practices.

Key Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Architectural Technology, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Typically 5+ years of relevant experience in construction administration, contract administration, project coordination, construction inspection, architectural/engineering technology, or construction project delivery. Candidates with a different combination of relevant construction and professional experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated construction administration experience involving RFIs, shop drawings, site instructions, proposed changes, change orders, payment review, field reports, deficiencies, and project closeout. Consultant-side experience is considered a strong asset.
• Working knowledge of CCDC contracts, Division 01, construction specifications, tender documents, and standard construction administration practices.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil drawings and identify potential coordination issues.
• Experience reviewing contractor quotations, change pricing, supporting documentation, and payment applications.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and sensitive project issues.
• Ability to remain professional under pressure and manage difficult project communications without creating unnecessary conflict.
• Detail-oriented with sound judgment and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and document management systems.
• Experience mentoring junior staff or coordinating multidisciplinary review teams is considered an asset.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Why Coles?

At Coles, our strength lies in our people. We’re always looking for talented, motivated, and critical-thinking individuals who bring energy, passion, and fresh ideas to our team.

We’re committed to creating a workplace that is both rewarding and enjoyable, one that recognizes achievement, supports growth, and celebrates success. From professional development opportunities and performance incentives to social events and community involvement, we take pride in fostering a positive and connected team culture.

Coles offers a competitive total compensation package designed to support your health, well-being, and career development, including:

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage
• RRSP matching program
• Professional development and tuition support
• Wellness initiatives and community engagement opportunities
• Progression and compensation growth tied to demonstrated responsibility, delivery performance, and leadership contributions

At Coles, you’ll find more than just a career; you’ll find a team that values your contribution, supports your growth, and shares your passion for building a better future.

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume below.

Coles Associates is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.

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