What does a Construction Superintendent do?
A construction superintendent is responsible for the daily operations of a construction site from planning projects to overseeing their completion. Duties vary depending on the type of construction each business conducts, but generally tasks include scheduling work to proceed according to a strict timeline, conducting audits and checks to ensure that work corresponds with blueprints or client requests, and monitoring safety and compliance.
To be a construction superintendent, you need an associate degree and at least three years of construction field experience. You should be able to set priorities and use time effectively, especially when challenges arise. You must be professional and communicate effectively with subcontractors and vendors. You should be familiar with the operation of construction tools and machinery and be able to physically lift up to 100 lbs. The job may include traveling to different work sites and working in various climate conditions.
- Coordinate scheduling of subcontractors, consultants, inspectors and vendors to complete each project on time
- Monitor work and materials to ensure quality control standards are met at various stages of the project
- Communicate with the project team and support each subcontractor to execute his job duties effectively and efficiently
- Perform inspections or schedule inspectors to meet the varying safety and compliance regulations of each job location
- Maintain a written daily log of visitors, job actions performed, materials expended, and problems resolved on the job site
- Travel between multiple job sites and simultaneously manage work loads of individual projects
- Identify and resolve problems and conflicts, organizing meetings and cooperating with team members in various roles as necessary
- Set an example in keeping the job seat organized and clean, including meeting standards for waste disposal and environmental protection
- Basic knowledge of software programs, such as Master Builder, Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Ability to write reports and professional correspondence to vendors, government officials, and clients
- Good reading comprehension for technical documents, such as safety regulations, assembly and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
- Excellent verbal communications skills, especially when addressing customers, clients or official visitors to the website
- Keen eye to identify non-compliance with regulations or standards and ability to suggest solutions for deficiencies or problems
- Familiarity with the operation of office equipment, such as digital cameras, fax machines, computers, copiers, and telephones
- Ability to stand for several hours at a time and to walk in varying climate conditions and on uneven ground
- Experience with managing demanding clients and offering creative solutions to meet commitments and requests
- Capacity to physically lift up to 100 lbs
Construction Superintendent Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Construction Superintendent Career Path
Learn how to become a Construction Superintendent, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Construction Superintendent Insights
Redfin“I did late night work many times because I was not allowed to be preemptive and do my actual job.”
Gross Residential“Raises: Porbably the biggest raise you'll receive yearly anywhere and stay in the same position.”
Power Design“I have had so many opportunities to grow and have felt valued the whole time.”
JGC GULF International“The employee should be responsible for his personal growth and setting his career to move forward.”
City of Cape Town“It is the best run municipality in one of the best cities in the world.”
Nexamp“It's a good place to learn the solar business as a step to a larger/better solar industry job.”
CGB Enterprises“Lots of opportunities to obtain skills that will translate to better employment opportunities within the industry.”
Rio Tinto“Challenging and rewarding career”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Construction Superintendent
- Construction Project Manager
- Construction Manager
- Construction Estimator
- Technical Project Manager
The most common qualifications to become a Construction Superintendent is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.
Get anonymous career insights from your peers
The Work-Life Bowl
A bowl for professionals from any industry to come together and discuss the day-to-day happenings of work-life.
Does how long you stay with a company really matter? I’ve had 3 jobs in the past 3 years and I have doubled my income. Or did I get lucky? I’m about to get another 20% increase with another job offer. Maybe I was overqualified for previous positions? I don’t know. What are your thoughts?