Construction Supervisors
Construction supervisors oversee skilled and unskilled workers at construction sites. Construction supervisors ensure the workers efficiently use materials and equipment and their time. Supervisors of construction and extraction workers set priorities and delegate tasks. They plan and schedule work and keep records of the progress made on the site.
Some of the common job titles include construction superintendent, building construction superintendent, building contractor, building construction contractor, carpentry supervisor and construction foreman.
Construction supervisors report to site superintendents who oversee all of the crews on a construction job. On small construction jobs a supervisor, known as a working supervisor, works alongside the construction crew. With large construction projects, supervisors spend a lot of time with management activities.
They monitor the working conditions of the site and need to be aware of problems that occur and resolve them. Construction superintendents need to take actions and establish and enforce procedures to reduce the level of danger at a work site.
Construction supervisors need to be able to interpret blueprints and plans. They also provide advice to workers regarding how to perform specific tasks. They sometimes direct the training of new employees. Supervisors are typically experts in their craft.
Responsibilities
- Keep records of the materials used for the construction job
- Report on costs, safety and personnel
- Ensure safety rules are adhered to by construction workers
- Keep the project on schedule
- Review company rules and policies with workers
- Acquire knowledge about union contracts and procedures
- Meet with union representatives to create solutions regarding worker complaints
- Discuss the project with superintendents
Job Characteristics
Supervisors of construction and extraction workers should have good communication and interpersonal skills. They need to be able to give clear directions. Construction supervisors spend most of their time on the job site and are typically the last to leave the site each day. They are unable to work in harsh weather. Construction jobs are often short-term, thus supervisors may experience lulls in employment.
Employment Outlook
Employment of construction managers is forecasted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to increase by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018 which is faster than average for all occupations. The increase in demand for construction managers will probably increase the demand for construction supervisors.
The desire to make buildings more energy efficient will create more jobs for construction superintendents that are involved with retrofitting buildings. More demand for their services may occur due to replacing portions of the country's infrastructure including roads, bridges and water and sewer pipes.
Construction supervisors may move up to site superintendent positions or become contractors. The condition of the local economy is a significant factor regarding the job growth for construction supervisors in a particular area. Government spending on construction projects also has an effect on the number of construction supervisor jobs. In addition, the median annual salary of first-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers in 2008 was $58,140.
Education, Certification, and Licensing
Employers seek those that have experience and skills in construction trades and leadership ability. The majority of construction supervisors are former union members that have moved up through the construction trade.
Construction supervisors often begin their careers as apprentices and then become experienced craft workers before acquiring a supervisor position. This path allows them to be sensitive to the issues and complaints of construction workers and they acquire knowledge regarding union negotiations and grievance procedures.
A lot of construction supervisors do not have a college degree, however an increasing number of employees are seeking candidates that have some college training. Supervisors need to have a comprehensive knowledge of construction. Primarily through experience, they learn how the various jobs at a construction site should be performed.
Resources
- Associated General Contractors of America
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- American Institute of Constructors
- Construction Management Association of America
Major Employers
The top job providing sectors are building equipment contractors, nonresidential building construction, specialty trade contractors; foundation, structure and building exterior contractors; and residential building construction.
Schools for Supervisors Of Construction And Extraction Workers are listed in the Browse Schools Section.