Positions
There are several types of contractors within each construction project, ranging from the general or prime, sub-contractors, suppliers, and manufacturers of materials and supplies. In addition, numerous governmental agencies, architectural and engineering consultants, banking, and insurance companies require well-trained staff with backgrounds in construction management.
If you have a previous construction background and have completed the Construction Management program at Edmonds College, you might find employment in one or more of the following areas:
Project Manager
You will direct all construction functions. You establish and develop methods, procedures, schedules, and policies. You coordinate the work of all units and divisions and perform the administrative duties required to complete a project properly.
Project Engineer
You serve as the administrative assistant to the Project Manager. You act as the communications hub on larger jobs and track requests for information, change orders, submittals, and payment requests. You may be required to update and track schedules.
Estimator
You obtain basic data, including quantities of material, labor hours needed, methods to be used, and equipment required. You will assist in computing the construction cost, representing the contractor's competitive bid for the job.
Superintendent
You direct all construction functions on project job sites or specific phases of large projects. You are responsible for maintaining proper scheduling of material and labor, implementation of a safety plan, inspections of work in progress, and quality control.
Foreman
You will supervise a group of journeyman craftspeople of a particular trade on a project. You plan work, maintain schedules, implement safety plans, and ensure proper procedures as directed by the superintendent. You are also required to work with tools.
Office Manager
You perform or supervise various services related to the construction business' responsibilities, such as keeping books, making payroll, and billing clients.
Expediter
You maintain construction schedules by reviewing deliveries, scheduling the arrival of materials and labor crews at job sites, establishing priorities, and obtaining clearances.
Safety Specialist
You provide the general contractor and sub-contractors with a safety management plan to prevent injuries. You are directly involved with self-inspection, communication of work rules, training, enforcement, sub-contractor obligations, documentation, and techniques for pre-bid safety analysis.
Sustainability Specialist
You address organizational sustainability issues such as green building practices, LEED certifications, waste stream management, and green procurement planning.
Inspector
You inspect completed work and work in progress for compliance with building and zoning codes, contract documents, and quality standards. You may work for municipal building departments, engineering inspection services, general or specialty contractors, and on behalf of property owners.