Contract Administrator, Heavy Civil Division
Years at O&G: 24
How long have you been in the construction industry? I have been in the construction industry for 24 years.
How did you get started in the construction industry? As a Torrington native, O&G was always recognized as a prominent business in town. I applied for a clerk position in the Accounts Payable Department and two years later I was promoted to supervisor. A year later the contract administrator position opened in the Heavy Civil Division where I have been for the past 21 years.
Describe your role / ”a day in the life of”.
My overall responsibility is contract administration. There are endless levels of accountability to make a construction project successful, my job is to ensure subcontractor contractual factors are addressed. In performing this function, I work with the estimators to create and implement subcontracts. I also work with O&G executives and corporate counsel on subcontract negotiations. I work with project managers and project engineers to ensure the subcontractors stay in contract compliance. I also review and submit documents per project owner’s specifications and requirements. Some of my other responsibilities are subcontractor payments, change orders and insurance compliance.
What skills do you think are essential for success in the construction field, and how have you developed them? Desire to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I had no prior construction experience, and I wanted to understand all aspects of my job. As the contract administrator, I felt it was important to have some understanding of the subcontractor’s scope of work, so I asked a lot of questions. I am fortunate to have co-workers with the patience to continuously address my desire to learn.
What’s your advice for other women looking to enter the construction industry? Construction is not just about constructing roads and buildings. There are several careers that are essential for building a construction project. The industry is constantly evolving so there is a place for everyone from administrative to field production. The doors are opening wider for women in construction, just pursue your passion.
What’s most exciting/fulfilling about your role? Some of my most fulling moments are driving through Connecticut and seeing an O&G project under various stages of construction and realizing that I am a part of that project.
How does the company support you in your role? I have a positive working relationship with my superiors and co-workers where we communicate openly and regularly. The company also supports my role by continuing to provide me with the necessary resources I require to do my job efficiently
