Bluebeam
Paula J Salazar
Manassas,VA
Summary
Experienced civil engineer with a strong background in project management and team leadership. Utilize skills in quality control and project estimating to successfully lead teams in exceeding objectives through strategic planning. Resulting in a significant increase in bid success rates while maintaining high quality and efficiency standards. Effective utilization of project management, estimating, and client and contractor management techniques from project inception to completion to ensure timely and on-budget delivery. Apply technical expertise to solve engineering challenges. Known for a detail-oriented and proactive approach, thriving in fast-paced environments where meeting deadlines and effective communication are crucial to supporting team goals. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills enable continuous improvement and readiness to take on new challenges, contributing to the advancement of organizational goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Engineer
Total Civil Construction
01.2024 - Current
- Provided technical expertise throughout all phases of the project, ensuring accurate execution of designs and specifications.
- Maintained records for each project and engineering discipline.
- Monitored installation of materials and equipment for compliance with drawings and specifications.
- Completed construction tasks while providing safe working conditions, staying on budget and meeting project deadlines.
- Collaborates with field supervision to review and update Job Status Reports, making schedule or plan adjustments as needed.
- Participates in project-specific scheduling, budgeting, and planning meetings with supervisors; assists with preparing two-week look-ahead plans.
- Works collaboratively and professionally with project team members to achieve project objectives, addressing conflicts constructively.
- Tracks and, when needed, generates submittals and responds to Requests for Information (RFIs).
- Identifies, tracks, and obtains necessary approvals for all change orders and claims, ensuring timely follow-up and clear communication with the project team.
- Prepares subcontract requisitions, processes vendor invoices, and tracks payment schedules.
- Provides timely billing projections and monitors payment schedules.
- Supports the Project Manager (PM) with subcontractor and vendor scheduling and updates the project schedule as required.
- Assists the PM and Superintendent in monitoring job costs and assessing production against the budget.
- Under PM supervision, submits accurate monthly cost, income, and cash flow projections, and prepares client billings.
- Ensures compliance with underground utility notifications and locations (e.g., Miss Utility).
- Organizes, maintains, and updates project files.
- Adheres to all company procedures and policies.
Project Estimating Director
TCCE COLOMBIA BRANCH
04.2021 - 01.2024
- Analyzed market trends to proactively address potential shortfalls or gaps in estimated budgets, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
- Developed insightful estimated budgets and proposals, guiding executive decision-making and resource allocation.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, suppliers, and customers maximizing return on investment and minimizing outlays.
- Established performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of implemented budgeting strategies, driving further improvements when necessary.
- Produced update reports detailing sales and offers.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Increased bid success rate by developing a thorough understanding of client needs during pre-bid meetings.
- Delivered accurate estimates within tight deadlines by utilizing effective time management skills and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Conducted post-project evaluations to determine areas for improvement in future estimations.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers, resulting in better pricing on materials without compromising quality.
- Evaluated subcontractor bids to ensure accurate pricing and scope inclusion for each project.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with detailed breakdowns of project costs and timelines.
- Increased project accuracy by thoroughly reviewing proposals, blueprints, and specifications.
- Strengthened team collaboration with clear communication regarding project requirements, expectations, and goals.
- Streamlined communication between team members by creating comprehensive status reports for ongoing projects.
- Improved overall cost management with regular monitoring of material prices and labor rates.
- Participated in pre-bid meetings and site visits to understand project scope and identify potential issues or challenges.
- Identified areas for cost saving to help increase profitability and lower client costs.
- Prepared bids and proposals to submit to clients and secure new business.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing best pricing for materials, labor and equipment.
- Developed and maintained database of cost information to use most up-to-date and relevant data in estimates.
- Stayed current with industry regulations and standards to produce cost estimates in compliance with all relevant laws.
Construction Estimator
Total Millwork LLC
04.2018 - 04.2021
- Increased project accuracy by diligently reviewing plans and specifications for construction projects.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing detailed cost breakdowns and accurate estimates for various project scopes.
- Streamlined the bidding process by managing multiple subcontractor quotes and ensuring timely submissions.
- Reduced estimation errors through thorough site visits and consultations with clients and architects.
- Collaborated effectively with project teams to ensure smooth transitions from estimating to construction phases.
- Contributed to company growth by consistently winning bids through competitive pricing strategies and strong negotiation skills.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, negotiating favorable pricing agreements to reduce overall project costs.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant building codes and regulations while preparing cost estimates.
- Maximized profit margins with strategic value engineering, identifying alternative materials and methods.
- Participated in pre-bid meetings and site visits to understand project scope and identify potential issues or challenges.
- Identified areas for cost saving to help increase profitability and lower client costs.
- Prepared bids and proposals to submit to clients and secure new business.
Project Assistant
C&G Carpentry Services Inc.
04.2016 - 04.2018
- Completed multiple tasks simultaneously to optimize project completion.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in all project documentation, ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the lifecycle of projects.
- Enhanced team communication by organizing and maintaining accurate documentation of meeting notes, action items, and followups.
- Maintained a well-organized document repository for easy access to vital information during the lifecycle of projects.
- Worked with senior leadership to complete complex projects on time and under-budget.
- Contributed to successful project outcomes by providing comprehensive administrative support to the team.
- Handled administrative duties, filing, and errands.
- Assisted project managers in achieving timely completion of projects through diligent monitoring and tracking of deadlines.
- Provided assistance with preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts and presentations
- Strengthened working relationships between team members with effective collaboration on tasks and open communication channels.
- Maximized use of resources by coordinating procurement activities such as vendor selection, contract negotiation, and purchase order management.
- Supported project delivery on time by assisting in development of project timelines and milestones.
- Assisted in budget tracking to manage project costs effectively, preventing overruns.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing timely responses to inquiries and concerns related to project.
- Optimized resource allocation, scheduling team assignments to align with project phases and milestones.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of project materials, contributing to project efficiency.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
INGETEC S.A
03.2015 - 06.2015
- Provided detailed documentation on audit findings, facilitating swift corrective action when necessary.
- Work progress reports.
- Creation of minutes and log of development of work.
- Field visits.
- Taking measurements and amounts of executed work.
- Management of Contractors and subcontractors.
- Maintained confidentiality, handling sensitive information discreetly throughout all stages of the audit process.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by performing regular audits and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
- Planned and executed follow-up audits at appropriate intervals.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, building trust and ensuring a high level of satisfaction during the audit process.
- Increased internal control effectiveness through diligent evaluation of processes and providing recommendations for improvement.
- Performed observations and evaluated supporting documents to supplement audit findings.
- Conducted risk assessments to determine areas requiring increased focus during subsequent audits.
- Communicated with auditee staff to obtain necessary information for audits.
- Adapted plans and schedules to meet changing priorities of work objectives, resources and workload demands.
- Enhanced financial accuracy by conducting thorough audits and identifying discrepancies in financial statements.
- Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas of risk and implement preventative measures.
Technical Management for the Hydrocarbon Industry
REDCOM LTDA
06.2014 - 12.2014
- Development of the consulting project for the Technical Management of the execution and closing of the contracts associated with the operation of the South Regional Management ECOPETROL S.A. as technical supervisor for the contracts for Roads and locations, Civil Works, Bio-redemption and abandonment's with environmental recovery.
- Budget manager and expense control.
- Management of contractors and supervision of work execution.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by keeping abreast of changes standards and best practices.
- Contributed to cost-cutting initiatives by recommending alternative solutions for system upgrades and replacements.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall productivity.
- Reviewed system designs prior to installation, providing feedback on potential improvements or modifications needed for optimal performance in real-world applications.
- Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety protocols and procedures during operations.
- Implemented quality control measures, ensuring optimal performance of equipment across all projects.
- Conducted thorough inspections of systems, identifying potential issues before they escalated to failures.
- Explained diagnostic findings to customers and outlined repair or service options.
- Responded to customer inquiries quickly and professionally to increase satisfaction.
- Adhered to safety protocols and policies to reduce workplace hazards.
- Maintained accurate records of service calls and customer interactions for training and accountability purposes.
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Identified and resolved discrepancies and errors in customer accounts.
Technical Management for the Hydrocarbon Industry
DESSAU-CEI S.A.S
05.2013 - 06.2014
- Development of the consulting project for the Technical Management of the execution and closing of the contracts associated with the operation of the South Regional Management ECOPETROL S.A. as technical supervisor for the contracts for Roads and locations, Civil Works, Bio-redemption and abandonment's with environmental recovery.
- Budget manager and expense control.
- Management of contractors and supervision of work execution.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by keeping abreast of changes standards and best practices.
- Contributed to cost-cutting initiatives by recommending alternative solutions for system upgrades and replacements.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall productivity.
- Reviewed system designs prior to installation, providing feedback on potential improvements or modifications needed for optimal performance in real-world applications.
- Maintained a safe work environment by adhering to safety protocols and procedures during operations.
- Implemented quality control measures, ensuring optimal performance of equipment across all projects.
- Conducted thorough inspections of systems, identifying potential issues before they escalated to failures.
- Explained diagnostic findings to customers and outlined repair or service options.
- Responded to customer inquiries quickly and professionally to increase satisfaction.
- Adhered to safety protocols and policies to reduce workplace hazards.
- Maintained accurate records of service calls and customer interactions for training and accountability purposes.
- Investigated and resolved customer inquiries and complaints quickly.
- Delivered prompt service to prioritize customer needs.
- Responded proactively and positively to rapid change.
- Identified and resolved discrepancies and errors in customer accounts.
Field Manager
OBCIPOL LTDA.
03.2012 - 04.2013
- Streamlined field operations for increased efficiency through regular process evaluations and adjustments.
- Performed quality control inspections on phases of field operations.
- Ensured consistent quality control by implementing and enforcing safety protocols across all field operations.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient scheduling and resource allocation strategies.
- Facilitated field operations through supervision and direction of field personnel.
- Monitored daily site activities to mitigate risks associated with construction projects while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Coordinated and scheduled field personnel to cover operations throughout assigned regional area.
- Proactively identified areas for improvement within the field management realm, resulting in continuous growth and adaptability to evolving industry demands.
- Collaborated with multiple departments to meet operational deadlines.
- Predicted and resolved operational bottlenecks, supply and tool shortages.
- Increased project completion rates with meticulous planning, organization, and execution of tasks.
- Developed detailed reports on project status updates while also conducting regular meetings; these efforts kept both internal teams informed of progress and external clients aware of how their investments were faring.
- Monitored personnel performance to identify opportunities for improvement and develop solutions to productivity issues.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to optimize collaboration on complex projects and achieve desired outcomes.
- Reduced downtime by proactively addressing equipment maintenance and repair needs, keeping projects on schedule.
- Conducted regular site inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards and protocols, reducing incidents significantly.
Education
MBA - Construction Project Management
Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry
1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 2220209-2020
Master in Oil And Gas Industry Management - Project Management
Universidad De Viña Del Mar
Diego Portales 90, Viña Del Mar, Valparaíso, Chile01-2016
Bachelor of Civil Engineering - Civil Engineering
Universidad De Ibagué
01-2012
Skills
- Project Management
- Scheduling and Planning
- Quality Control
- Project Estimation
- Analytical Thinking
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- People Management
- Progress Documentation
Software
Microsoft
OST
Languages
English
Professional Working
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Project Engineer
Total Civil Construction
01.2024 - Current
Project Estimating Director
TCCE COLOMBIA BRANCH
04.2021 - 01.2024
Construction Estimator
Total Millwork LLC
04.2018 - 04.2021
Project Assistant
C&G Carpentry Services Inc.
04.2016 - 04.2018
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
INGETEC S.A
03.2015 - 06.2015
Technical Management for the Hydrocarbon Industry
REDCOM LTDA
06.2014 - 12.2014
Technical Management for the Hydrocarbon Industry
DESSAU-CEI S.A.S
05.2013 - 06.2014
Field Manager
OBCIPOL LTDA.
03.2012 - 04.2013
MBA - Construction Project Management
Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry
Master in Oil And Gas Industry Management - Project Management
Universidad De Viña Del Mar
Bachelor of Civil Engineering - Civil Engineering
Universidad De Ibagué
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