A construction site manager oversees building projects, hires workers, and drafts contracts. They are also responsible for safety compliance and developing schedules and budgets. Constructions site managers can work both on and off-site, and they travel between several construction sites.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that as of May 2015, construction site managers were earning a median annual pay of $87 400.
To become a construction site manager, you need a bachelor’s degree, more than five years of experience, and strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
Here are some of the steps you can take to become a construction site manager.
1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree
Most universities and colleges offer undergraduate degree programs in construction technology, construction management, and construction science. These programs expose you to a variety of levels in construction, including:
• Reading plans
• Pricing costs
• Writing contracts
• Architecture
• And, working with other professions such as contractors.
You can also find courses in building technology, legal issues, construction safety, and accounting in the curriculum. However, before graduation, construction management degree programs require you to complete an internship program as part of your work experience.
Construction site managers also use several computer programs to perform their jobs successfully. Therefore, you’ll have to take computer courses to improve your technical skills. For instance, you can find the best construction management software for learning or learn 3D modeling software and CAD software.
Business presentation software is also another common computer program for construction site managers.
2. Practical experience
Gaining experience is a vital part of becoming a construction site manager. Most organizations look for managers with five or more years of experience. Hence, you should consider working in entry-level or non-managerial positions to gain experience. You can work in carpentry, general labor, and masonry.
Alternatively, you can become an assistant to an experienced construction site manager to learn from them. Luckily, any experience you gain from co-operative education programs and internships is applicable. But this depends on the company that hires you.
3. Gain voluntary certification
Although you don’t require certification to work as a construction site manager, it’s becoming essential for job seekers. Some of the organizations that offer certifications include:
• CMAA – Construction Management Association
They offer the CCM (Certified Construction Manager) designation. To be eligible, you need to have four years of experience as a construction site manager or an undergraduate degree. A combination of both also works better.
• AIC – American Institute of Construction
They offer the CPC (Certified Professional Constructor) and the AC (Associate Constructor) designations. To qualify for the exam, you need to have a combined four-year experience of either education or professional credentials. For Associate Constructors, CPC requires you to have an additional two years of experience in management.
If you haven’t previously earned your AC designation, you need eight years of educational or professional credentials and two years in management.
To summarize, you need to earn your degree, complete internship, develop technical skills, and gain either CMAA or AIC certifications.