Commercial Construction Superintendent: Job Description and Requirements
Commercial construction superintendents manage construction crews on commercial-sized projects. Most are involved in the planning stages, including contract negotiations, blueprint design and the hiring process. Some manage every portion of the project, whereas others focus on specific stages, like demolition or framework construction. Many possess a bachelor's degree related to construction management.
Job Description for Commercial Construction Superintendents
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes construction superintendents, also called construction managers, as supervising every stage of a commercial building project, from cost estimation and design through the final finishes (www.bls.gov). Construction is usually completed in stages with a superintendent in charge of each stage. Depending on budget and time constraints, multiple superintendents are sometimes used for one project.
In the initial phases of construction, most superintendents handle the hiring process of crew members as well as specialists, such as plumbers and carpenters. They create cost estimation reports and later verify that all parts of the building are completed within budget. Most write up production schedules for crews to follow. Since commercial construction involves larger crews and massive budgets, effective time and project management skills are essential for superintendents. Knowledge of building codes at the county, city and state levels allows them to meet inspection requirements and avoid legal concerns.
Construction Superintendent Job Requirements
According to the BLS, most employers prefer to hire construction superintendents who possess at least a bachelor's degree in construction management or construction sciences. Coursework for these majors typically includes project management, scheduling, cost estimating and building materials. Other majors associated with this profession include civil engineering and building sciences. Those with extensive construction experience who complete a certificate or associate's degree program related to construction management may also qualify for some commercial construction superintendent positions.
Some commercial construction firms, however, may require a master's in construction management. Several schools offer graduate programs that include courses such as construction law and contracts, development technology and leadership. Graduate certificates for working professionals are another educational option for those seeking the required training for the job.
While certification is not an industry requirement, the BLS reports that more employers have begun to prefer certified managers. Trade organizations such as the American Institute of Constructors offer certification programs that test an applicant's knowledge concerning management and the industry. In addition to passing an examination, applicants must meet the education and experience requirements of the certification agency.
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5 Popular Schools
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Ohio (2 campuses)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Construction
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- Bachelor in Construction Management
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Associate
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- Associate in Construction Technology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Green Building Practices
- Certificate in Property Management
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Construction Site Management
- Electrician
- Property Management and Maintenance
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- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
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Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
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School locations:
- Rhode Island (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Plumbing Technology
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
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School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Construction Mgmt, General
- Construction Management and Trades
