Woodlake & QK Partnership

Woodlake & QK Partnership

The City of Woodlake has grown remarkably over the past decade and is a thriving Central Valley community under the guidance of City Administrator, Ramon Lara. QK has partnered with the City for over 40 years, supporting the community’s vision to be a destination for future families, jobs, and visitors.

Growth by the Numbers:

  • 500+ New homes
  • 150+ New jobs resulting from the industrial park expansion
  • 1.52% Annual population growth (compared to the national average of .9% in similarly sized cities)
  • Significant retail and commercial developments

In partnership with the City, QK has executed numerous successful projects that brought immediate benefits to the community and will continue to do so far into the future. As a trusted consultant, our team works tirelessly to support the City’s aggressive development strategies over the last decade, successfully attracting residential, commercial, and industrial investments. Looking ahead, Woodlake aims to continue this trajectory by delivering ongoing projects including new parks, affordable housing, and recreational facilities. Through continued collaboration and a shared commitment to high standards, the QK/City partnership will undoubtedly continue to enhance the quality of life for Woodlake’s residents for years to come.

Downtown Revitalization: From Struggling Street to Vibrant City Center

One of the greatest testaments to our successful partnership with the City is the revitalization of Woodlake’s downtown area, which needed updated and added infrastructure like streetlighting and safe sidewalks. The downtown now vibrates with a welcoming atmosphere, attractive landscaping features, and an inviting downtown plaza. Along with City, QK was integral in securing the grant funding that made this transformation and other nearby projects possible.

Transportation improvements, including two new roundabouts with two more in design, the Community Center, the Downtown Plaza, a transit center, and numerous parks have made Woodlake an increasingly attractive area for housing developers and families. These projects have not only enhanced the City’s aesthetics but have also fostered a sense of community pride and increased local engagement.

City Engineering Partnership

Over a decade ago, the City of Woodlake chose long-time QKer, Monique Mello, PE, QSD/QSP, as its City Engineer. She has spearheaded numerous projects for the City, and constantly advocated for Woodlake residents. In her own words:

“It’s been an honor to be Woodlake’s City Engineer for over a decade where I get to help the City’s vision come to fruition. All of our projects have added much-needed infrastructure in addition to enhancing the vibrant beauty of the community. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years holds for Woodlake, and I am so grateful to be a part of its success.”

Looking Forward

The City of Woodlake isn’t slowing down. The community continues to introduce new amenities for residents and visitors, including concerts and movies in the park along with other community-focused events. QK continues to help Mr. Lara and City execute its vision by aligning our work with Woodlake’s needs. We carefully allocate our resources to maintain open and strong communication channels with City officials, and we listen to residents and local stakeholders to truly understand community needs. As Woodlake continues to expand its businesses, tax revenue, housing, and jobs, QK will be there every step of the way to ensure that every member of the community has access to the infrastructure and amenities they need to grow and thrive. 

A Thousand Flags

A Thousand Flags

Bakersfield’s annual A Thousand Flags Ceremony is more than just a Memorial Weekend tradition; it’s a profound display of respect and gratitude for the fallen heroes who have served their nation. For the past ten years, QK has played an integral role in this moving tribute, setting the points for flag installation with precision and reverence.

Surveyor Brandon Walker reflects on the firm’s enduring dedication to this meaningful event, stating, “We look forward every year to participate in the placement of the flag locations for this awesome show of respect for our fallen heroes. It has been an honor to participate in this Memorial Weekend tradition for the last ten years.”

Walker’s sentiment encapsulates the profound sense of pride and purpose that drives QK’s involvement in the ceremony. Beyond the technical aspects of their work, QK’s team approaches their role with a deep appreciation for the significance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As the flags unfurl in the gentle breeze, each one symbolizing a life laid down in service, QK’s contribution stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and gratitude. Their meticulous efforts ensure that every flag is placed with care and precision, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have defended freedom.

As Memorial Weekend approaches each year, the flags serve as a visual reminder of the debt owed to those who have served. And standing among them, QK stands as a beacon of remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten.

A very special recognition to Alan Walker, who has championed this effort every year we have participated. We admire your passion for this cause and are proud to support you and this effort for the past decade!

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER

 

Visalia Office

 

Position Purpose

Working in cooperation with others throughout the company, the Assistant Project Manager is accountable for successfully coordinating integrated components of projects. The Assistant Project Manager works closely with the Project Manager and other QK staff (e.g., team leaders, technical experts, accounting department, marketing staff), to assure that all aspects of the project are completed on schedule and within budget. Success is measured by achieving results, based on defined standards, in the following areas:

  • Client satisfaction: the quality of clients’ experience from pre-proposal through project completion
  • On-time product delivery, including meeting or exceeding agreed-upon project schedules
  • QK’s project staff satisfaction; the quality and timeliness of information, communication and feedback related to the client and project
  • The quality of all work products

What You'll Do

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work with senior staff to develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients as well as other staff members
  • Plan and monitor resources in Deltek for various projects within multiple disciplines and for multiple project managers, ensure resource availability and allocation throughout the life of the project
  • Assist project manager in formulating project proposals by researching past projects, evaluating proposal request details, and coordinating intel from various internal resources as needed to formulate a comprehensive and competitive proposal
  • Coordinate project scope, schedule and budget, including monitoring progress versus achievement of clients’ expectations, escalate to management as needed
  • Maintain continuous communication on project status with clients and all internal and external stakeholders
  • Attend meetings with clients to take detailed ordering briefs and clarify specific requirements of each project
  • Develop spreadsheets, diagrams and process maps to document client and stakeholder needs, project progress, timelines and quality milestones
  • Collect data to provide status reporting regarding project milestones, deliverable, dependencies, risks and issues
  • Documents quality control milestones and informs key stakeholders when proper documentation is not submitted
  • Participate in quality issue resolution, document for learning measures
    Assist in collecting documents needed in disputes, negotiations, arbitration or litigation, as needed
  • Monitor, track and assist in controlling outcomes to resolve issues, conflicts, dependencies and critical path deliverables
  • Work with project managers to determine the frequency and content of status reports from the project and program team. Analyze results of status reports, assist in troubleshooting problem areas. Deliver appropriate and effective management and executive level communication, especially as issues arise
  •  Anticipate client, business, and community issues and communicate suggestions to influence managerial and team attention to them
  • Monitor project performance and advise project manager of ways to correct performance gaps.
  • Build organizational relationships; understand the roles and interrelationships of all partners; foster teamwork within and across departments; and cultivate a strong, diverse network or relationships inside and outside the firm
  • Visit construction site to monitor progress and other duties per the contract documents, reporting all findings to the project manager and other stakeholders in a timely fashion
  • Attend client meetings, take notes, make presentations and represent the project manager and QK as necessary
  • Billable production: varies, typically 80-90%

Who We Need

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Proficient with Deltek and Microsoft Office suite
  • Ability to work well with others (as a team member) and alone
  • Ability to handle pressures related to internal and external project and proposal delivery schedule
  • Proven ability to gather and interpret information, and develop and present (orally and in writing) sound business conclusions
  • Team based approach to decision making and problem solving
  • Visual acuity and ability to communicate well, in writing and verbally, with other staff, clients, and agencies to accomplish team goals.
  • Ability to sit or stand for long periods and walk on uneven surfaces to conduct site visits
  • A current driver’s license and good driving record may be required if employee will be making field visits and/or meeting with clients outside the company’s office

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Desire to be helpful to internal and external clients
  • Ability to create strong relationships in a mentoring capacity
  • Proven ability to successfully work against a deadline and within constrained budgets
  • Strong critical thinking skills that allow for quick problem solving and innovative solutions
  • Proven ability to motivate others
  • Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and/or make management aware of concerns in a positive and productive manner
  • Proven ability to communicate complex technical ideas and concepts to non-technical people effectively

Education

  • Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience in project management, engineering, land surveying, planning, etc.

Organizational Relationships

The Assistant Project Manager provides both support and leadership to project manager and project teams. This person will have to develop relationships with staff in various disciplines in order to achieve the end goal of delivering a quality product. The Assistant Project Manager reports to an assigned Group Leader or Branch Manager. Assistant PMs are expected work with all disciplines throughout the entire company and develop strong working relationships with Group and/or Technical Leaders throughout the company in order to meet our “One Company” vision. Those holding this position are also expected to provide mentorship to junior staff and insight to the Senior Management Team and Branch Managers.

Experience

  • Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a dual role of support and leadership
  • Previous experience in engineering, construction management, planning, or land surveying preferred
 

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Email your resume to recruiter@qkinc.com