Construction Superintendent

When constructing roads and bridges or building industrial, commercial, or residential structures, construction superintendents are employed to plan, direct, and coordinate all activities involved.  They are responsible for a project from the beginning stages through the final steps of readying a building or roadway for use.  They may direct all aspects of construction such as site preparation, building systems, sewage systems, landscaping, and/or road construction, but in large projects, multiple superintendents may be employed to delegate these duties.  Superintendents answer to many titles including Program Manager, General Contractor, Constructor, Construction Supervisor, Project Manager, or Project Engineer.  They delegate duties through managers that work under them or directly to laborers, so they must be capable of communicating well, which often requires fluency in Spanish and English.  Common duties include developing creative concepts, budgets, plans, and schedules, as well as supervising deliveries, equipment and tool usage, and the ability to obtain necessary licensure and/or permits.   

In 2004, over half of all construction superintendents were self employed.  The majority of the remaining individuals worked for contracting firms, construction companies under contract, or as salaried employees.  Professionals are generally granted offices to work from, but many decisions must be made from each site, so much time is spent in commute to and from construction sites.  Technology advancements allow superintendents to maintain contact with owners, architects, engineers, and other business associates so they must be knowledgeable with appropriate software.  These professionals may be on call 24 hours a day in order to deal with issues or delays that may arise.  On call hours may persist for days, weeks, or months until a project is completed. 

Construction superintendents must be knowledgeable in all aspects of business management, building science, regulations, contracts, plans, and methods, so formal education is usually required for these occupations.  Recipients of four year degrees are able to enter the workforce as assistants to superintendents, estimators, or field engineers.  Once these associates obtain extensive experience or graduate education, they may move into the more prestigious superintendent careers.  Individuals may pursue doctoral degrees that allow them to teach as professors, or conduct research.  Voluntary certification offered by many associations is becoming increasingly helpful.  With the proper combination of experience and available education, candidates may attempt a written exam in order to achieve this certification.  Due to the fast pace of construction careers, candidates must be efficient and decisive while working under stressful conditions. 

The construction industry has a reputation of dangerous conditions, so many candidates are deterred from these careers.  This, combined with the continual industry growth, has created additional positions with a shortage of qualified candidates.  As projects continue to grow in complexity, superintendents will be needed to supervise all operations.  Unfortunately, these jobs do suffer from the effects of fluctuations in weather and the economy, but projects are predicted to rise in the coming years.  Candidates with a Bachelors degree or higher will have the best opportunities when beginning their search for these occupations.  For more information on a career as a Construction Superintendent, please visit the following sites:   

• Superintendent
• TCDIS Careers
• Northwest Builders Network
• Superintendent Career Path
• AirToolz Software

Let iHireConstruction help you find your next Construction Superintendent position or candidate.