Acoustical Engineer/Technician

OVERALL OBJECTIVE: 

Recommend and verify the efficacy of sound insulation improvements.

JOB COMPLEXITY/SCOPE: 

Responsible for conducting home inventories and pre- and post-construction noise audits.

SUPERVISION:

Normally follows established procedures on routine work, requires detailed instructions on new assignments.  Assignments are made by a supervisor but work is carried out without direct supervision.

FLSA STATUS:  Non-Exempt

JOB DUTIES:

Performs the below duties and all other duties as assigned.

Home Inventory:

• Takes measurements of homes and completes a plan view sketch of the home 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.

• Recommends improvements to achieve desired decibel reduction.

• Assists the homeowner in selecting one of the pre-designed option packages that best suits their needs.   

• Takes exterior photos of homes.  Submits plan view sketches, homeowner signoffs, digital pictures, and electronic copies of the construction modification documents to the Senior Acoustical Technician for review.

Noise Testing:

• Performs pre- and post-construction noise testing inside and outside of homes.

• Determines the variance between outside and inside noise levels during flyover events.

• Compare the pre- and post-construction noise test to ensure the program goal of a 5 db reduction has been achieved.

• Reviews and conducts an audit on a minimum of 30% of the pre-construction homes in the program and 20% post construction homes.

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, and project scheduling, word processing, Excel, database, 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 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 10 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.