When a building goes up,
construction managers
handle the big questions:
who’s doing what; how long will it take;
how much will it cost;
and what happens if there’s an accident
or work delay.
They plan and supervise
all types of construction projects—
buildings, roads, bridges, and more—
from beginning to end.
Construction managers work closely
with architects, civil engineers,
and a variety of trades workers.
They frequently call in city inspectors
to ensure that all regulations are met,
and may consult with lawyers
and local officials for large projects.
They use cost-estimating
and planning software
to develop budgets and schedules,
which they must maintain
while also fulfilling design specifications.
Construction managers work in both
commercial and residential construction.
Many are self-employed,
while others work for
specialty trade contractors.
They typically have an office,
but spend most of their time onsite
to monitor construction activities
and make on-the-spot decisions.
Long hours are common,
as is being on call around the clock.
While almost all positions require
extensive construction experience,
formal education needed
ranges from a bachelor’s degree
for the biggest projects,
to an associate’s degree
or high school diploma for smaller projects..
Some managers earn
general contractor credentials
and work for themselves.
A new construction manager
typically trains as an assistant
under an experienced manager.