Material Documentation Coordinator

Material Documentation Coordinator (Short-term/Freelance)

Location: NYC / New York City Metro Area
Work Setting: On-site Documentation and Remote Computer work
Employment Type:  Part-Time / Short-term / Contract
Start Date: Aug 17th or later

About the Role: We are looking for a detail-oriented Material Documentation Coordinator to support the documentation and inventory of construction materials for reuse. Working on a construction site prior to the start of deconstruction, this person will photograph, measure and document materials in spreadsheets for upload to Orbit. This hands-on role is ideal for someone interested in construction, architecture, engineering, sustainability, material reuse, and/or the circular economy.  There will be some remote computer work required as well.

We are building our network of freelancers to pull into projects throughout Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.  The first project begins in mid-late August and will be 3-4 full-time days.

About Orbit:  Orbit is a marketplace and services database for the circular construction sector. Our goal is to increase the demand for salvaged, refurbished and surplus construction materials by making the buying and selling process easier and faster, and facilitating connections to specialized service providers. As a result, we aim to reduce construction and demolition waste and the associated carbon emissions, facilitate material reuse on construction projects, and support the growth of the green economy. Orbitexchange.co

Responsibilities

• Photograph materials on-site: including overall views, close-ups, and relevant details.
• Take basic measurements and record quantities, dimensions, condition, manufacturer information in a spreadsheet.
• Document the location of materials within the building and note accessibility or removal considerations.
• Create clear, consistent material descriptions and inventory records.
• Organize and label photographs to correspond accurately with inventory items
• Review documentation for completeness and flag missing or inconsistent information.
• Prepare and upload materials for listing on Orbit’s online marketplace
• Work with project teams who will inform you which materials are available for salvage and when they need to be removed.
• Follow site safety requirements and work respectfully within active construction environments, or empty buildings.
• Help organize and maintain project documentation.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working independently and taking direction on-site.
• Ability to accurately photograph, measure, count, and document physical materials.
• Basic proficiency with spreadsheets 
• Comfortable working in buildings that may be under renovation or preparing for deconstruction.
• Ability to travel to project sites throughout NYC 
• Preferred
• Coursework or experience in architecture, interior design, construction, historic preservation, sustainability, or a related field.
• Familiarity with building materials and architectural components.
• Experience with photography, inventory management, construction documentation, or field surveying.
• Physical & Site Requirements
• This role involves regular visits to active or recently vacated construction and deconstruction sites. Candidates should be comfortable:
• Walking and standing for extended periods.
• Navigating unfinished buildings and construction sites.
• Carrying basic field documentation equipment.
• Using a tape measure and phone camera to document materials.
• Following site-specific safety requirements and wearing required PPE, if required.

How to Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@orbitexchange.co. 

Start date: The first project begins in mid-late August and will be 3-4 full-time days.
Estimated hours: Freelancers will be contacted to work on a project-by-project basis.
Compensation: $20-25/hour depending on experience.
Schedule: For students and interested parties who are employed part-time, we will do our best to work with the schedule of the selected candidate.