The Different Types of Construction Jobs
Whether constructing buildings, houses, highways, or bridges, construction leaders such as project construction managers and project construction superintendents direct and oversee the construction process from beginning to end. Their roles are crucial for the successful completion of any construction project. If you are interested in pursuing project manager construction jobs and construction superintendent jobs, you should understand the difference between the two distinct roles.
In general, construction superintendents work alongside their construction workers while project managers are more concerned with the administrative aspects of a project and often work offsite. But there is a great deal more to each role. Read on to learn more.
What Does a Construction Project Manager Do?
A construction project manager’s duties include but are not limited to:
- Supervising every stage of a building process, and ensuring that the project is completed in a timely manner according to the scope and within its budget
- Working closely with engineers and architects to develop plans, put in place timelines, and calculate material and labor costs
- Being the contact point for the client during the project
- Communicating with the client regarding expectations, quality control, and possible risks
- Mentoring, managing, and supporting construction superintendents
- Overseeing the labor schedule for each project and processing change orders
- Engaging with the construction crew and the architect to make sure the project remains practical
- Resolving potential conflicts between team members to ensure the project moves forward
- Being adept at problem-solving
- Managing building support services
- Preparing and submitting project estimates to clients
There is also the aspect of the construction project manager’s job that involves dealing with clients and other external stakeholders. Such a role will entail coordinating with all suppliers, subcontractors, and government personnel to avoid any project delays. This responsibility can also require negotiating with the client if necessary for more time or more funding and dealing with items involved with obtaining permits and design evaluations.
Construction project engineer jobs also involve coordinating with the contracting officer regarding procurement aspects of the project and possessing legal knowledge in addition to procurement and contract management familiarity. Looking forward, the position can also involve establishing new relationships with sources and subcontractors for bid opportunities by participating in industry-based network groups.
What Does a Project Construction Superintendent Do?
A construction project superintendent’s duties include but are not limited to:
- Working on construction sites along with their construction workers operating as foreman
- Monitoring every step of the construction process
- Conducting interviews and selecting workers
- Being able to specialize in certain types of construction such as residential building, institutional and commercial building, specialized industrial construction, and infrastructure and heavy construction
- Creating schedules and selecting materials
- Updating and maintaining the project schedule regularly to make sure the project meets the different required dates listed in the contract
- Being able to supervise multiple projects
- Identifying any material lead times and coordinating with all suppliers, subcontractors, and government officials to avoid any project delays
- Coordinating with project manager about any potential change orders
There are other duties as well that the project construction superintendent needs to master that involve engaging with different entities. These can include maintaining a safe jobsite by making sure all job safety requirements are understood and implemented by all project personnel and trade contractors. It also requires being knowledgeable about productivity software and OSHA standards and dealing with architects and civil engineers. The construction superintendent needs to ensure effective relationships among suppliers, subcontractors, vendors, owners and their representatives.
The project construction superintendent must have a complete understanding of the General Contract, each Subcontract, the project’s plans, and assisting the Project Manager in the development of the project’s construction program including equipment, labor, quality control procedures, safety and security practices, field office layout and location, temporary utilities, and staging areas. They also need to comprehend all plans for constructability, identifying any design deficiencies, impractical methods, and potential code violations
Is a Construction Management Degree Required to Obtain a Job in this Field?
Construction project managers are expected to possess a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field such as construction management, civil engineering, or building science. Obtaining a master’s degree in a construction-related field can increase your career advancement opportunities. If you wish to continue your education, you can always take courses in:
- Civil construction
- Building code compliance
- Cost estimation
- Accident prevention
- Plumbing codes
Earning specific certifications can enable you to have more practical knowledge of construction responsibilities.Two of the most common certifications are:
One recommendation for a person interested in these fields is to participate in an internship program. These internships provide very valuable on-the-job experience and can fulfill credit requirements for school.
What are the Qualifications to Become a Construction Superintendent?
While Construction Project Managers focus on the large aspects of the project, construction superintendents work directly within the project and help for keep track of the job for the project manager. The following skills are required for construction superintendents:
- Construction experience– this includes the tasks, tools, and roles involved
- Adeptness at productivity software–this can include spreadsheets, word processors, or other software to keep track of a job and for completing progress reports
- Knowledge of OSHA standards
- Communication skills
- Scheduling
- Cost estimating
What is the Average Salary for a Construction Project Manager?
The average construction project manager’s salary can vary depending on the source. Indeed lists the common salary in the U.S. as $85,562 annually. LSU Online lists the annual median salary for project managers as $93,370. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for this position is $95,818. Bonuses and other compensations can add to the salary amount.
How Much Does a Construction Superintendent Make?
According to Payscale, the average construction superintendent’s salary is $76,221. As with project managers, commissions and other compensations can add to salaries.
Conclusion
As this article states, the duties of both construction project managers and construction project superintendents are numerous and often involve a degree of complexity. One can see that to be successful at these positions, you have to be very competent in many areas.