Employees at all levels of the construction industry, from the labor force to the executives, collaborate to complete a project. A construction superintendent is a supervisory employee who may or may not be considered management. A construction company’s hierarchy will be largely determined by its size and the types of construction it performs. To work as a construction superintendent, you’ll need some specialized training and possibly some related education.
Construction superintendents often gain experience as members of the craft force, whether working in residential or commercial construction. Many workers begin their careers as apprentices, learning the trade from more experienced workers and then advancing to positions of greater responsibility through experience and additional training. Some companies require all employees to receive confined space, hazmat, and equipment, as well as personal safety training and continuing education. Other companies may offer to limit access to these courses and training sessions to those who express an interest. In either case, if an employee wants to work as a construction superintendent, he or she should take advantage of the company’s mandatory and optional continuing education and training programs.
Many construction superintendents have a college education in addition to on-the-job training and experience. While many companies do not require education in construction management or related programs to fulfill the role of superintendent, it is beneficial. Some companies consider project managers and superintendents to be the same position, while others do not. The project manager is a higher-level craft force employee who may be considered a foreman or supervisor, whereas the superintendent is a higher-level craft force employee who may be considered a foreman or supervisor. Construction superintendents in the government sector may be required to have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field, as well as work experience.
Most companies require at least five years of experience as well as a track record of training and education in construction safety and management to become a construction superintendent. Acquiring a variety of available certifications in the field will highlight skills and abilities even more. A construction superintendent’s responsibilities vary, but they all revolve around safety, leadership, and quality control. It may also be necessary to communicate with and coordinate the workforce, subcontractors, and vendors. Other responsibilities may be assigned to you as a construction superintendent or foreman as the company sees fit.
Some companies prefer to hire experienced superintendents from outside the company, while others prefer to promote from within, allowing employees to be trained in the company’s procedures. Nonetheless, the construction industry has a plethora of certifying agencies where training and education can be transferred from company to company. A solid combination of experience and education in the field is required to succeed as a construction superintendent.