Most people who want to work as a site supervisor have three to five years of experience in the construction or renovation industry. A site supervisor is in charge of giving instructions and assigning tasks to all of the trades and workers on the construction site. Upon arrival at the job site, all employees must report to the site supervisor for day-to-day instructions.
To become a site supervisor, there is no formal post-secondary training program. Rather, candidates are more likely to have received training in a specific trade or have extensive experience working on a variety of job sites. Some businesses insist that all site supervisors complete an internal training program. This ensures that they all have the same information about the company’s policies, procedures, and safety guidelines. This is particularly important when working on large projects or for the government. In this industry, assurances of safety and compliance are especially important.
People who are successful as site supervisors are mechanically inclined, enjoy working with others, and have excellent conflict resolution skills. The actual work that needs to be done is well-known, and the majority of employees are already trained and skilled in their particular trade. The most difficult aspect of this job is managing the timing, relationships, and priorities. To ensure that the project runs smoothly, excellent communication and negotiation skills are required.
Project management is a related work experience that can be very useful if you want to become a site supervisor. Any position that allows a candidate to develop leadership, long-term planning, and resource allocation skills is ideal. On a construction site, many people begin their careers as laborers or tradespeople. The ability to work in a complex environment while still delivering a high-quality product is essential for becoming a site supervisor.
The vast majority of construction and renovation companies prefer to promote from within their ranks. This policy encourages employees at all levels to put forth their best effort, encourages accountability, and ensures the firm’s continuity. All site supervisors are familiar with standard business practices, possess the skills needed to collaborate, and are aware of their responsibilities within the company.
Above the position of site supervisor, there are a variety of career options, which vary by company. On-site project managers are employed by some companies and are ultimately responsible for the entire project. This type of job frequently necessitates formal education in engineering, architecture, or business administration. In some companies, the site supervisor is the most senior team member on the job, reporting directly to the general manager.