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Construction managers

Construction managers work in residential, commercial and industrial construction companies and in construction departments of companies outside the construction industry.

[ 2002-09-25 ]

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Their duties may require them to:

manage construction projects from start to finish according to schedules, specifications and budgets;

prepare and submit construction project budget estimates;

prepare schedules and milestones for projects, monitor progress and issue progress reports to clients;

prepare contracts and negotiate changes with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers and subcontractors;

develop and implement quality control programs;

represent their companies in matters such as business services and union contract negotiations;

direct the purchase of building materials and land acquisitions;

and hire and supervise the activities of subcontractors and staff.

Education, Training and Experience

Construction managers must usually have a university degree in civil engineering or a college diploma in construction technology as well as several yearsÕ experience in construction, including time spent as construction supervisors or field superintendents.

If they have extensive experience in the construction industry, they may not need a college or university education. Some employers may require construction managers to have professional engineering status or construction trade certification. With experience, they may progress to senior management positions.

In These Occupations

49,000 people were employed in 1998, an increase of 0.7% from 1988. However, after rising 5.4% over the 1988 to 1993 period, employment decreased 4.4% between 1993 and 1998. In comparison, employment in all occupations grew 12.3% over the same ten years, and 8.2% over the last five.

6% work part time, well below the average of 19% for all occupations.

47% are self-employed, well above the average of 17% for all occupations.

7% are women, well below the average of 45% for all occupations.

the unemployment rate averaged 4.8% from 1996 to 1998, compared to the national average of 6.0%. This rate is among the highest for managerial occupations but among the lowest for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operation sectors. the average earnings are comparable to those for other managerial occupations but are among the highest for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operation sectors.

National Outlook to 2004

Currently, chances of finding work in this occupation are rated 'Fair', since employment opportunities are average, although earnings are above average.

Over the next two years, this outlook is expected to improve to 'Good', as the number of job openings for experienced construction managers is expected to increase more rapidly than the number of qualified, experienced job seekers.

Advances in building materials, the development of 'smart buildings' and the proliferation of new building standards will make the work of construction managers more complex.

Continuing economic growth will mean more large building projects will be undertaken, which will increase the number of job opportunities for qualified construction managers.

Most of the increase in employment requirements through 2004 for this occupation is expected to occur in the construction industry.