Here’s My Practical Exercise as a "Local Land Development Boots on the ground assistant" – For a possible upcoming RV Park Project
Submitted by: Shawn Choice
For starters:
1. Scope of Services
As the local boots-on-the-ground manager for this RV park development, I would agree to perform the following tasks and responsibilities:
-Site Evaluation & Visits: Conduct regular inspections of the property, document progress, take photos/videos, and report findings to the remote team.
-Permitting & Regulatory Compliance: Assist in gathering and submitting required permits, coordinate with local authorities, and ensure compliance with zoning, environmental, and utility regulations.
-Contractor Coordination: Communicate with and supervise subcontractors, vendors, and service providers; schedule deliveries and manage timelines.
-Project Progress Updates: Provide daily/weekly updates, maintain a project log, and flag any potential delays or issues immediately.
-Problem-Solving Onsite: Address minor onsite issues that do not require major financial or strategic decisions.
-Community & Utility Liaison: Serve as the point of contact for utility companies, neighbors, or local stakeholders when necessary.
Tasks I would NOT handle:
-Signing legally binding contracts without prior approval.
-Handling large-scale financial decisions or loans.
-Legal matters beyond routine permitting and code compliance.
2. Compensation Structure
I propose the following compensation structure:
Hourly Rate: $50–$75/hour for onsite management, depending on task complexity.
Flat Fee or Milestone Bonus: Alternatively, a flat monthly retainer of $3,000–$5,000 plus milestone bonuses for major completed phases (e.g., site prep, utility installation, road grading).
Reimbursement of Expenses: All approved project-related expenses (fuel, materials, permits, temporary labor, etc.) to be reimbursed.
3. Decision Criteria
Before accepting a task, I would evaluate the following:
-Clarity of Scope: The task must be clearly defined, with expected outcomes and deadlines.
-Authority & Responsibility: I need to understand what decisions I am empowered to make onsite versus what requires remote approval.
-Resources Provided: Confirmation that tools, personnel, and budget allocations are available to complete the task efficiently.
-Risk vs. Liability: Tasks with significant legal or financial liability must be approved in writing prior to execution.
Information I need before committing:
+ Overall project timeline and milestones
+ Estimated hours per week or month expected for onsite management
+ Budget for labor, materials, and incidentals
+ Main points of contact on the remote team
4. Anticipated Challenges & Solutions (Optional)
+Challenge: Delays in permitting or inspections could stall the project.
Solution: Maintain proactive communication with authorities and submit documentation early.
+Challenge: Miscommunication between remote team and onsite team.
Solution: Establish regular reporting routines (daily text/email updates and weekly video calls).
+Challenge: Contractor no-shows or schedule conflicts.
Solution: Keep a vetted list of backup contractors and confirm schedules in advance.
Questions I would ask the project owner:
1. What is the overall budget for the RV park development, and how flexible is it?
2. Are there preferred contractors or vendors, or am I free to select and manage local teams?
3. What is the expected frequency and format of updates to the remote team?
4. Which decisions require your approval versus those I can make independently?
5. Are there specific milestones or deadlines that are critical for project success?
Additional Elements to consider
1. Risk Management Plan
How to identify risks early (weather, contractor issues, cost overruns).
How to escalate emergencies.
What systems to document incidents.
Example:
“I will create a simple risk log tracking delays, cost pressures, and compliance issues, and escalate anything that requires immediate decision-making.”
2. Communication Protocols
How often updates will be sent (daily photos, weekly status summary, biweekly zoom).
Response-time expectations.
What communication channels to use (WhatsApp, email, project management software).
Example:
“All mission-critical communication will occur through the Google platform (calendar, docs, spread, photos). Daily site photos uploaded by 7pm.”
3. Project Management Tools To Use
Loom for task tracking
Google Drive for document storage
Monday.com for contractor timelines
Drone mapping if applicable
4. Quality Control & Documentation Standards
Add things like:
-Before/after photos
-Work completion checklists
-Material delivery confirmations
-Signed contractor daily logs
5. Access & Security Protocols
To Include:
Who has keys or gate codes?
Who’s allowed on site?
How deliveries and equipment will be secured?
Your role in reporting trespassing or property damage
6. Environmental & Utility Considerations
+Septic or sewer capacity
+Water lines + pressure testing
+Electrical load upgrades
+Stormwater management
+Wetland or floodplain checks
7. Vendor Sourcing Standards
Show how to choose who to bring to the project:
1.Licensed and insured contractors only
2. At least 3 bids for major services
3. Background check for long-term subcontractors
8. Conflict Resolution Guidelines
Neighbor concerns
Contractor disputes
Misaligned expectations
9. Timeline Management & Realistic Expectations
-Track milestones
-Notify the owner of “slippage risks” early
-Provide revised timelines when necessary
10. Boundaries & Burnout Protection
+ Maximum weekly hours can commit is ___?
+ Required notice for emergency site visits.
+ Defined working hours unless otherwise negotiated.
In a real RV park land-development project, responsibility must be divided so we stay in our lane, protect ourselves legally, and avoid being stretched too thin.
Below is a clear breakdown of who should be doing what.
This will help you frame the assignment roles.
1. Tasks (the Local Boots-on-the-Ground Rep) Should Perform
Onsite Tasks
Routine site visits
Taking photos/videos
Meeting inspectors onsite
Verifying deliveries
Checking contractor attendance
Communicating with neighbors only at a basic, neutral level
Reporting issues to the project owner
Coordination Tasks
Scheduling contractors
Confirming appointment times
Organizing bids from local vendors
Tracking progress on timelines
Keeping a daily or weekly log
Light Administrative Tasks
Picking up permits or submitting paperwork
Keeping copies of plans on file
Managing local documents (fence permits, septic plans, etc.)
These tasks fit the role as a Boots on the ground / field manager / project coordinator.
2. Tasks the PROJECT OWNER or REMOTE DEVELOPER Should Handle
These are higher-level, legal, or financial decisions that should NOT fall on Boots on the ground / field manager / project coordinator.
Signing contracts
Approving bids
Approving budgets
Handling financing, funding, or capital raises
Making major design decisions (layout, utility sizing, amenities)
Deciding zoning strategies
Handling disputes with large contractors
Determining the final scope of development
3. Tasks for LICENSED PROFESSIONALS Only
These must be performed by licensed experts (and NOT by Boots on the ground / field manager / project coordinator.) to avoid liability:
Engineers
Soil testing / perc testing
Site plan design
Utility layout / electrical load design
Septic system design
Water pressure calculations
Stormwater & drainage plans
Surveyors
Boundary mapping
Topo survey
Marking setbacks
General Contractor or Site Contractor
Excavation
Grading
Road construction
Utility trenching
Retaining walls
Concrete pads
Electricians / Plumbers / Septic Installers
RV hookups
Water line installation
Septic installation
Electrical pedestals
Attorney
Land-use issues
Easements
Title concerns
Contractor disputes
Architect or Designer (optional)
Bathhouse or shared building plans
Amenity design
These tasks require credentials and insurance.
4. Tasks for SPECIALTY CONSULTANTS (if needed)
Depending on the project, the owner may bring in:
Environmental consultants (wetlands, flood zone, endangered species)
Traffic engineers
Civil permitting consultants
Project accountant or bookkeeper
Will NOT take these on unless properly certified.
⚠️ Where and How do Boots on the ground/ Field Rep Fit In the Middle
We the Local Project Coordinator / Field Rep.
As our job is NOT to do the technical work — it’s to:
A ) Keep everyone accountable
B ) Keep communication flowing
C ) Keep the owner informed
D ) Keep timelines on track
Think of Me as the “eyes, ears, and boots in the field.”
-Not the engineer.
-Not the general contractor.
-Not the decision-maker.
-Not the financier.
Additional Considerations”
This outlines additional professional considerations that further clarify expectations, protect both parties, and ensure smooth project execution. These elements are often overlooked in initial assessment.
1. Insurance & Liability Safeguards
To maintain responsible project governance:
Verify that all contractors carry active General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, and Bonding (if required).
Confirm whether I am covered under the project’s liability policy while performing onsite duties.
Establish a clear process for reporting any onsite safety issues, injuries, or damage immediately to ownership.
This ensures legal and financial protection for all parties involved.
2. Safety Protocols & Site Conduct
RV park construction involves heavy machinery, utilities, and environmental hazards. Therefore:
Follow a basic safety plan and enforce PPE requirements (hard hat, boots, vest) for site visits.
Document and report unsafe conditions immediately.
Ensure contractors maintain safety signage, fencing, and clean work zones.
This reduces risk and improves efficiency.
3. Site Access & Asset Control
Security and access protocols prevent property loss or misuse:
Define who maintains keys, gate codes, lockboxes, and equipment access.
Record contractor check-in/check-out when appropriate.
Establish procedures for reporting theft, trespassing, or vandalism.
This avoids confusion and protects the project from preventable loss.
4. Change-Order Approval Process
To prevent scope creep and unauthorized spending:
All change orders involving additional cost, revised scope, or timeline impact must be submitted to the owner for approval.
My role is to document and report, not to authorize.
No onsite changes proceed without written confirmation from the owner.
This keeps the budget disciplined and the decision-making centralized.
5. Emergency Response Procedures
For unexpected events such as weather damage, flooding, break-ins, or accidents:
Follow an agreed-upon emergency escalation chain (owner → GC → local authorities).
Document the situation with photos, timestamps, and written reports.
Secure the site to prevent further issues until professional help arrives.
Preparedness ensures swift responses and minimal disruption.
6. Project Close-Out & Final Deliverables
As the development nears completion, additional tasks become critical:
Punchlist walk-through with contractors.
Confirm all inspections are passed and recorded.
Collect warranties, manuals, and utility confirmations.
Verify that “as-built” plans match the completed work.
Ensure final site cleanup and removal of temporary structures/equipment.
This ensures the project transitions smoothly into operational readiness.
7. Availability Standards & Boundaries
To maintain reliability and prevent burnout:
Standard working hours and expected response times should be agreed upon.
Define availability for weekends or after-hours emergencies (if required).
Establish minimum notice for new tasks that fall outside routine coordination.
Clear expectations keep the relationship healthy and efficient.
8. Conflict of Interest Transparency
For fairness and integrity:
Disclose if I have prior relationships with any recommended contractors.
Avoid financial gain from vendor referrals unless approved by the owner.
Maintain clear, unbiased communication at all times.
This increases trust between project owner and onsite representative.
9. Digital File & Recordkeeping Standards
Professional documentation prevents miscommunication and information loss:
Use standardized file naming and version control for plans and documents.
Maintain shared access folders (Google Drive, Dropbox, or project software).
Archive photos, reports, permits, receipts, and inspection logs in organized folders.
This ensures audit-ready, transparent records throughout the project.
10. Backup Coverage / Succession Plan
In case of illness, travel, or emergencies:
Establish a temporary backup point of contact or runner for urgent onsite tasks.
Provide owner with advance notice whenever possible.
Ensure all instructions and project materials are accessible to preserve continuity.
This guarantees the project never stalls due to unforeseen circumstances.