The Resident Project Representative Co-op will assist in the engineering oversight and construction administration of landfill cap modifications and solar photovoltaic system installation. The student will gain practical experience in civil, environmental, and construction engineering through direct participation in field operations and project documentation.
Primary responsibilities include:• Performing field observation of construction activities associated with landfill cap improvements, solar ballast placement, racking installation, conduit installation, and related site work.• Assisting with verification that construction activities are performed in accordance with approved engineering plans, technical specifications, permit requirements, and regulatory approvals.• Preparing daily construction reports documenting work completed, labor and equipment utilization, weather conditions, construction progress, and notable field observations.• Observing and documenting quality control and quality assurance testing performed by contractors during landfill cap construction and solar system installation.• Maintaining project records, photographic documentation, inspection logs, and compliance tracking reports.• Assisting engineers in evaluating construction activities for compliance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) post-closure use permit requirements and landfill regulations.• Participating in coordination meetings with engineers, contractors, owners, solar developers, and regulatory agencies to discuss project progress, technical issues, and construction sequencing.• Reviewing field conditions and identifying potential deviations from approved plans for evaluation by project engineers.• Assisting in the preparation of construction certification documentation and project closeout reports required by regulatory agencies.
Learning Outcomes: The student will develop practical knowledge of construction engineering, renewable energy infrastructure, environmental compliance, quality assurance/quality control procedures, engineering documentation, project management, and construction administration. The position provides hands-on experience applying engineering principles in a complex infrastructure project involving landfill closure systems and utility-scale solar energy development. This position offers direct exposure to the responsibilities of engineering representatives in the field and provides experience in interpreting engineering plans, observing construction activities, documenting compliance, and supporting project certification efforts. These activities are consistent with the duties outlined for the Resident Project Representative under the project Scope of Work.
