Construction Management Career Overview
Construction Management has to do with the planning, directing and coordinating of various construction projects, which can range from building houses, commercial and industrial structures, as well as roads, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, and schools and hospitals.
Construction managers may oversee an entire project or just part of a project and, although they usually do not actual play a large role in the actual construction of a structure, they typically schedule and coordinate all design and construction processes, including the selection, hiring, and oversight of specialty trade contractors.
Construction managers are salaried or self-employed managers who oversee construction supervisors and workers. These professionals often go by the job titles of program manager, constructor, construction superintendent, project engineer, project manager, and general contractor. Construction managers may be owners or salaried employees of a construction management or contracting firm, or may work under contract to a developer or contracting firm which is in charge of overseeing a construction project.
Construction Management Education & Training
Persons interested in becoming a construction manager need a solid background in building science, business and management, as well as related work experience within the construction industry. They need to understand contracts, plans, and specifications, and to be knowledgeable about construction methods, materials, and regulations.
Familiarity with computers and software programs for job costing, online collaboration, scheduling, and estimating also is important. Many colleges and universities offer 4-year degree programs in construction management, construction science, and construction engineering.
These programs include construction management courses in project control and development, site planning, design, construction methods, construction materials, value analysis, cost estimating, scheduling, contract administration, accounting, business and financial management, safety, building codes and standards, inspection procedures, engineering and architectural sciences, mathematics, statistics, and information technology. Construction Mgt Graduates from 4-year degree programs usually are hired as assistants to project managers, field engineers, schedulers, or cost estimators.
Construction Management Career & Salary
Excellent employment opportunities for construction managers are expected through 2014 because the number of job openings will be larger than the number of qualified individuals who are trained to fill the job openings.
The construction industry often does not attract enough qualified job seekers because it is often seen as having poor working conditions. Employment of construction managers is projected to increase about as fast as average for all occupations through 2014. In addition to job openings arising from employment growth, many additional openings should result annually from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.
More construction managers will be needed as the level of construction activity continues to grow. In addition, opportunities will increase for construction managers to start their own firms. Average salaries for construction managers in 2004 were $69,870
Career Fields/Specializations
Construction Carpenter Career
Carpenters are responsible for constructing, erecting, installing, and repairing structures and fixtures that are made from predominantly wood. The type of construction that carpenters engage in varies, but includes building highways and bridges as well as installing kitchen cabinets.
Some carpenters choose one or two areas of focus within carpentry in which to excel. These individuals likely are employed by larger construction corporations. Others benefit from having broad knowledge that can apply to many different areas of the discipline, which is particularly handy for smaller companies that have a more varied customer base.
Construction Inspector Career
Home inspectors examine home construction sites, in order to ensure that building construction, maintenance, and repairs comply with:
- building codes and ordinances
- zoning regulations
- contract specifications
They typically complete an initial inspection during the first building phase and follow up with further inspections as construction continues. The basis for inspection differs depending on location, paying particular attention to the area’s propensity for natural disasters and the resulting demands for safety regulations. Home inspectors must pay particular attention to detail in order to best monitor compliance with building regulations.
Certified Electrician Career
Electricians possess the skills to install and maintain lighting, power, air-conditioning, and refrigeration. Electricians typically choose a focus either in construction or in maintenance work. Those that specialize in construction typically install wiring systems into new businesses, homes, and factories.
They also are responsible for upgrading and maintaining electrical systems as needed. Electricians that focus more on maintenance work maintain, upgrade, and repair existing electrical systems and equipment. Electricians must be able to read blueprints and work independently without much instruction. They must pay particular attention to electrical codes so as to comply with state and local building codes.
Line Installer Career
Line installers create new wire and cable lines along poles, between towers, in tunnels, or in trenches. These construction workers use a variety of equipment, determining which type is best for the job. Line installers must be able to operate trucks equipped with augers that are used to dig holes in the ground. Additionally, they must be able to use borers when tunneling to lay underground cables. Above ground, they use cranes to install lines on utility poles and towers. Line installers are also responsible for installing and maintaining network equipment for customers once the construction aspect of their job is complete.
Electrical Inspector Career
Electrical inspectors ensure that electrical equipment is properly installed and adheres to strict regulations. They are in charge of assessing a number of different electrical systems in a construction project. They visit worksites to inspect new and existing:
- sound and security systems
- wiring
- lighting
- motors
- generating equipment
Electrical inspectors also evaluate the installation of the electrical wiring for heating and air-conditioning systems, appliances, and other components. This career demands great attention to detail and precision.
Plumbing Inspector Career
Plumbing inspectors specialize in all various different types of plumbing systems, such as:
- waste lines
- drainage
- water supply and distribution
It is extremely beneficial if plumbing inspectors have a background in plumbing so that they have a good understanding of proper procedures and regulations. In addition they must be able to pay close attention to detail and be able to explain clearly and concisely their findings. Plumbing inspectors must have expert knowledge of plumbing codes and standards to best carry out their jobs.
Electronics Installer Career
Electronics installers often fit older manufacturing equipment with new devices. They update older manufacturing machines, using new technology to ensure their best working order.
Installers often replace old electronic control units with new systems which involves connecting them to different sensors and electrically powered devices. Electronics installers usually work as part of the construction team and coordinate their efforts with those of other workers who are installing and maintaining equipment.
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