Acoustical Technician at Cotter Consulting – Chicago, IL

OVERALL OBJECTIVE: This position assists with the planning for, and determining if, the noise reduction goals are achieved for homes participating in the Chicago Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP). This is achieved by conducting windshield surveys, preliminary property surveys, eligibility acoustical tests, home inventory appointments, field measurement appointments, and post-construction acoustical tests. The Technician is required to recommend and verify the efficacy of sound insulation improvements.

JOB COMPLEXITY/SCOPE: Schedules and conducts appointments in homes, conducts acoustical tests, downloads and analyzes collected noise data, prepares electronic test reports, and performs research at both Chicago O'Hare and Midway Airport locations.

SUPERVISION: Works on an individual basis, and in conjunction with other acoustical technicians, following established procedures on routine work but may require detailed instructions on new assignments. Assignments are made by the Manager of Acoustics to whom this role reports, but work is carried out independently.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

JOB DUTIES:

Windshield Surveys:

· Performs a visual evaluation of the exterior of potentially eligible single-family homes from the public right-of-way observing and documenting certain acoustically significant physical characteristics of the home on a survey form and then records that data in a shared spreadsheet.

· Analyzes the collected data for all homes seeking to categorize them based on common physical characteristics indicating that all homes in a specific category would have similar noise reduction properties.

· Identifies a representative sampling of each housing category to receive acoustical testing.

Preliminary Property Surveys:

· Performs an in-home visual evaluation of the interior layout of each dwelling unit in multi-family buildings for the purpose of grouping all dwelling units with the same number of bedrooms and similar physical characteristics and then records that data in a shared spreadsheet.

· Analyzes the collected data for all dwelling units in a building to determine how many floorplan types exist as well as any variations to those floorplans.

· Identifies a representative sampling of each floorplan type and variation to receive acoustical testing.

Acoustical Testing:

· Contacts property owners to schedule eligibility acoustical tests (pre-construction) and post-construction acoustical tests.

· Calibrates noise monitoring equipment notifying the Manager of Acoustics of any malfunctions or repair needs.

· Works independently and as a part of a team to perform loudspeaker (loudspeaker-generated noise source) acoustical tests according to written procedures documenting pre-construction and post-construction noise levels inside and outside of homes.

· Downloads and analyzes collected noise data to determine pre-construction and post-construction Noise Level Reduction (NLR) values.

· Uses results of acoustical testing to confirm the eligibility of homes that apply to receive sound insulation.

· Compares pre-construction and post-construction NLR values to verify whether or not the program noise reduction goals have been achieved.

· Prepares and submits an electronic report for each home tested to the Manager of Acoustics for review.

· Assists the Manager of Acoustics with research and field work relating to acoustical test procedure and methodology improvements.

Home Inventory (if necessary):

· Conducts in-home meetings with property owners describing each available treatment package.

· Prescribes acoustical improvements to homes following the established treatment package for products selected by the homeowner as well as established program procedures. Also recommends additional acoustical improvements not included in the established treatment package as necessary if a lack of treatment would impede the Program's ability to meet noise reduction goals.

· Takes detailed measurements of homes and completes a plan view sketch of each property documenting building layout, exterior building materials, room sizes and finishes, heating type and location, existing door and window locations and sizes, and electrical panel location.

· When HVAC modifications are required, record the manufacturer, input (BTU), output (BTU), age, model number, and ignition type of HVAC equipment, as well as documenting the existing locations of HVAC supplies and returns on forced air systems. Also, document the electrical panel type, location, amperage, installation method, and number of open spaces.

· Takes exterior photos of homes.

· Submits preliminary drawings, homeowner signoffs, digital pictures, and electronic copies of the construction modification documents to the Manager of Acoustics for review.

Field measurements:

· Assists the Project Manager as needed with any questions relating to the prescribed acoustical treatments.

· Re-confirms that all acoustical products have been assigned the correct STC value and that the acoustical perimeter has been defined correctly.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

· Bachelor's degree in Acoustics or related field, or equivalent combination of education and training.

· Must have own car and insurance and ability to drive up to 300 miles per month (mileage is reimbursed).

· Ability to use a computer, the Internet, project scheduling, word processing, spreadsheet, and email software.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

Flexibility and Adaptability

· Adjusts to new or changing assignments, processes, and people.

· Demonstrates willingness to listen to other opinions.

· Provides examples of shifting from task to task.

Learning Oriented

· Shows readiness and ability to learn new concepts, processes, and tools.

· Uses mistakes, failures, and successes as data for future development.

· Makes use of publications, associations, and conferences in own professional specialty.

Oral Communications

· Speaks well without preparation.

· Adapts language, tone, structure, and level of detail to the needs of others.

· Maintains a dialogue in difficult situations.

Teamwork

· Identifies characteristics of good teamwork.

· Names primary and ancillary members of own team.

· Explains team mission and objectives.

Problem Solving

· Can discuss problem reporting and escalation practices.

· Identifies potential and actual problems or conflicts in your own area.

· Utilizes accepted procedures for problem analysis and resolution.

Written Communication

· Writes documents that are correct in mechanics - spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure.

· Can describe characteristics of good and poor business or technical writing.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Job duties in an office setting require the following:

· Ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to move throughout the office;

· The ability to exert up to 40 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects;

· Good hand-eye coordination; the ability to reach with hands and arms; and arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp;

· Close visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate office equipment, prepare and review data and figures, and view a computer monitor;

· The ability to talk and hear;

· The ability to work in an upper level of a high-rise office building (Cotter Chicago office and some client offices);

· The ability to handle temperature changes consistent with inside environmental conditions; and

· Mental abilities including remembering, reasoning, concentrating to remain on task, reading, problem solving, managing concurrent tasks, and the ability to understand and follow directions.

For job duties that require visiting a construction work site, the following is required:

· Normal color vision;

· The ability to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, etc., using feet and legs and/or hands and arms;

· The ability to move across uneven surfaces and the ability to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling on uneven or slippery surfaces;

· The ability to stoop, kneel, or crouch;

· The ability to stand for sustained periods of time;

· The ability to work in confined spaces and narrow passageways;

· The ability to work in high places; and

· The ability to handle outside environmental conditions including extreme heat, extreme cold, loud noise levels, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and oils.

Learn more about our benefits: Cotter-Benefits-Brochure-1.pdf