Whether a construction project takes place in commercial, industrial, or residential settings, there are many leaders involved throughout the process. Many of these leaders work together, even sharing duties at times, to ensure the project is completed according to blueprints in a timely manner.
A construction superintendent’s role on a job site is to oversee nearly all aspects of the contracted project including team management, scheduling, safety, and budgeting. Construction superintendents work closely with project managers, project coordinators, and other authority figures. They oversee a range of construction roles including subcontractors, carpenters, painters, electricians, and other skilled trade positions.
The job description for a superintendent can vary depending on the project. Generally speaking, their responsibilities include:
- Liaise with engineers, subcontractors, and project managers to accomplish project goals
- Set performance targets and deadlines
- Perform cost estimates and keep the project within the contracted budget
- Supervise the on-site team and provide guidance
- Coordinate inspections and obtain necessary permits
- Keep a resource log and track inventory
- Monitor and report on project progress
- Ensure safety guidelines are being strictly followed
To achieve hefty project goals, most organizations want construction superintendents to have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineer, Construction Management, or a related field
- Prior experience managing a construction job site
- Expert knowledge of construction operations and procedures
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office or related software
- Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software
Successful construction superintendents also possess strong communication and organization skills and must be physically able to work on a construction site. They’ll often need to assist their team with lifting heavy loads, operating machinery, and setting up construction materials.
