Construction project managers direct construction projects. They plan things
like buildings, roads and pipelines.
They typically coordinate all design and construction processes. This includes
selecting, hiring and overseeing specialty subcontractors.
Managers must understand building science. They also need practical experience
in the industry. They must understand contracts, blueprints and plans. They
have to know about regulations. It's also important to be able to use computers
and cost estimating software.
These workers might also be known as construction superintendents. Other
titles include project engineer, project manager and construction manager.
These professionals work for engineering firms, architectural firms or
surveyors. They may also work for specialty trade contractors, local governments
or real estate developers.
Many people have an outdated image of construction as a shovels-and-dirt
industry. "That's far from the truth," says Paul McLellan. He works in the
construction field.
While they're hardly wearing business suits to the site, construction workers
aren't getting their hands as dirty as they used to. "Equipment is much more
sophisticated," McLellan says. "The types of materials are lighter [and] easier
to use."
High-tech communication and spreadsheet software have also made the manager's
job much easier than it once was.
Some types of construction require special skills. These include the ability
to construct clean environments suitable for building microchips. New building
materials and complex building codes also make the job more complicated.
More and more women are entering the field. This may be because the equipment
is both lighter and easier to handle.
"We have women that work for us that physically can do the work," says
McLellan. "Twenty-five years ago, you couldn't do that."
However, it will take a little time before we really see a difference in
the number of women in the industry. "It's a slow process, but it's rolling
along pretty nice now," McLellan says. "We're seeing [women] more and more."
The actual tasks of the construction manager, however, do not generally
involve operating construction machinery. They play a supervisory role and
oversee the building process, usually from a field or off-site office.
Travel may be necessary for international projects. A lot of movement on
the construction site may also be required -- those who are wheelchair-bound
may experience difficulty doing this.