Construction Superintendent Job Description

The World of Construction

As any country, city, or town grows, it is apparent that construction projects are well underway and part of the development of these areas. In construction, as in all projects in any industry, management and overseeing is necessary to ensure success. 

Construction managers supervise the process from start to finish, whether the project is constructing houses, establishing buildings, or building bridges. This is when a Construction Superintendent is absolutely necessary.

General superintendents are in charge of almost every phase of a project in the construction industry. These phases include scheduling, finances, and safety. They collaborate with project managers, coordinators, team leaders, and other experienced specialists.

Let us learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a general construction superintendent and the competencies and qualifications they need to grow.

What is a General Construction Superintendent?

Generally speaking, a general superintendent in construction is the person in charge of managing the entire construction process, from planning to completion. They ensure project execution, application of quality and safety standards, and profitability of completed projects.

Skills, Roles, and Responsibilities of a Construction Superintendent

Construction superintendents also have specific roles and responsibilities. They are responsible for conducting interviews and choosing the workers they want on the project site. They assume complete accountability for their work locations, managing every aspect, including scheduling and material selection.

The duties and responsibilities of a general superintendent vary based on the demands of the project. But usually, what they will be doing includes:

• Identifying the requirements of a project while working with different stakeholders
• Establishing timelines and deadlines
• Monitoring and reporting developments of the project
• Supervising equipment usage and inventory
• Acquiring supplies and resources
• Providing assessment and giving feedback to subcontractors
• Resolving disputes and emergencies on the job site
• Collaborating with human resources staff in the construction industry

Whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial construction, certain construction superintendents have specialized in that area. The following competencies are necessary for construction superintendents:

1. Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards‍

“Safety and Health First” is not only a simple proverb, but it is also a practice that is prioritized by construction superintendents. These are regulations outlining the procedures that companies must abide by the law in order to safeguard their employees from health hazards and injuries.

2. Experience in Construction

‍When it comes to hiring, many organizations highly prefer construction superintendents who have cast experience in construction, a strong understanding of the construction process, including the instruments, duties, and roles involved.

3. Adept in using Productivity Software‍

In order to maintain track of information on a job site or to complete progress reports that must be sent to the company, construction superintendents must be proficient with word processors, spreadsheets, and other software.

4. Constructive Communication Skills

‍Strong communication skills are necessary when collaborating with architects or civil engineers and when relaying their thoughts to project managers and other construction workers.

5. Efficient in Scheduling

‍Construction superintendents must be able to provide cost estimates and timelines for their projects. Construction superintendents must establish a schedule in order to maintain these timelines, whether manually or with software.

Starting Your Career as a Construction Superintendent

Evidently, being a construction superintendent plays a key role in construction management. Whether you wish to establish or further your career in construction management, it is widely known that it requires both experience and education.

To provide a solid knowledge base, students who are just beginning their academic career in the industry might obtain a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management or Industrial Engineering. Individuals can then gain experience either by getting a job in construction for a few years and then being promoted to a higher position, or by advancing their knowledge and abilities and obtaining the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Construction Management.