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Construction Managers Job Description
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Construction managers have the challenging task of overseeing the construction of industrial, residential and commercial buildings and also hospitals, schools, roads and bridges. A construction manager may oversee the whole construction project or just one or several segments of the project. Construction managers coordinate and oversee a construction project from the beginning to the end. Their goal is complete the project on time and within budget. Some of there responsibilities are shown below:
- Oversee the work of trade contractors
- Direct and monitor the progress of construction activities
- Determine the most cost effective plan and schedule for completing the construction project
- Obtain all required licenses and permits
- Determine the best way to get materials to the construction site
- Determine the labor requirements for a construction project
- Oversee the selection of general contractors and trade contractors
Degrees and Schools
Bachelor's degrees are available in construction management, construction science, building science and civil engineering. Some colleges and universities provide a master's degree in construction management or construction science. Many two-year colleges offer construction management or construction technology programs.
Classes
Some of the subjects studied are shown below:
- Project control
- Site planning
- Design and cost estimating
- Construction methods
- Value analysis
- Building codes and standards
- Contract administration
Online Classes and Programs
Some schools offer online construction management and civil engineering programs. Prospective online students should look for schools which have received accreditation from agencies approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.
Employment Requirements
Many construction managers have a bachelor's degree in construction management, construction science, building science or civil engineering. However, experienced construction workers may be able to obtain a managerial position, especially individuals who have an appropriate associate degree or have completed related college courses.
Due to construction processes becoming increasingly complicated, employers are placing more emphasis on specialized education. People with degrees in architecture and engineering that have acquired experience on construction projects also become construction managers. Those with a bachelor's degree usually begin their career as assistant project managers, field engineers, schedulers or cost estimators.
The major job providing sectors are nonresidential building construction, specialty trade contractors, building equipment contractors; foundation, structure and building exterior contractors; residential building construction, contracting companies, construction management firms, developers and property owners.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
Prospective students should consider getting answers to the following questions:
- School's Reputation - Does the school have a good reputation in the construction industry?
- Training - Are students provided externships? Is their a variety of externships? Do students have to find their own externship?
- Curriculum - Does it include areas of specialization?
- Job Placement - Are job placement services available? How does the school's job placement rate in the field of construction compare to other schools? Do employers of construction managers recruit graduates at the school?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school qualified to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Resources
- Associated General Contractors of America
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- Construction Management Association of America
