Construction Superintendent

JOB DESCRIPTION

Project Construction Superintendent



Summary:



The On-Site Project Superintendent is the steward of the Company’s interest at the construction site. The effort of the Superintendent will have a significant affect upon the profitability of the company and the success of the individual construction project both financially and in terms of customer satisfaction. The Superintendent and the Project Manager’s performance and service will be the lasting impression left with the client. Their performance and service should result in the client becoming our best salesman.



The Superintendent must understand the fundamental importance of oral, written and graphic communication with field staff, subcontractors, suppliers, governing authorities and the Owner. The Superintendent must be able to translate technical drawings and specifications into work in place in the field. The Superintendent must be knowledgeable of materials, methods and equipment used in site work, concrete form work, masonry and carpentry or any other civil trade and possesses familiarity with products, methods and equipment used in electrical, mechanical and other specialty trades. The Superintendent must keep abreast of new knowledge and developments affecting the field work.



CHARACTERISTICS



Characteristics of the Project Superintendent must include:



Innovation:



Ability to look at the specifications and drawings and develop an approach towards the job that will achieve customer satisfaction and maximize profit.
Ability to develop alternate methods of construction in the field producing more timely, higher quality and less costly construction.



Salesmanship:



Ability to develop, communicate and sell innovative ideas to the client, supplier, subcontractor, project manager and designer.



Superintendent:



Ability to combine, cajole and manipulate diverse activities involved to complete a project on or before time and as it was contracted to be.

Cost Consciousness:



Ability to analyze the (lease) “best cost” process and through this analysis, choose the best approach towards solving the construction process, always seeking to maintain quality at the most economical cost.



Leadership:



Possess the ability to motivate, lead and work with various team players, including the client, consultants, inspectors, subcontractors, trades people, field employees, suppliers, and all fellow employees. The adversary approach is not acceptable Earning respect is essential.



PRIMARY FUNCTION



Schedules, coordinates and supervises all on-site activities. May involve supervising one or more hourly rated worker groups, examples; carpenters, laborers, operating engineers, working in particular discipline.



The key formula for job performance by the Project Superintendent/ Job Foreman is anticipate, plan, communicate, negotiate, expedite and control. Apply this formula to the following list of key tasks remembering that the Project Manager is your direct superior.



KEY TASKS



Resolves construction site problems, for example; lack of productivity, coordination of work.
Oversees the work of foreman and other staff responsible to the supervisor. Organizing, controlling and motivating of staff is essential for a smooth well run project.
Looks for strengths and weaknesses of the foreman, workers, subcontractors and suppliers and take appropriate action.
Where training is needed, discuss training with your Project Manager. Where possible, do training in the field yourself with the individuals.
Establish and enforce job discipline.
Ensure that all sub trades, tradesman, foreman, etc. understand Company rules and policies and act in a fair and ethical manner.
Enforce the general building practice rules on site and conform to the requirements of the Safety Laws and the local Building Code Authorities. It is the Superintendent’s responsibility to notify the local Building Code Authorities of any required inspections under the terms of the building permits.
Check all construction drawing, specifications, addenda and any other conditions set by the client to determine early, any discrepancies, ambiguities, omissions, etc. and get these clarified through the Project Manager.
The Superintendent is the initial line of inspection for quality construction work.
Attend a pre-construction site visit with the Project Manager during which the drawings and specifications and actual site conditions will be reviewed. During this visit, commence assessing in conjunction with the Project Manager, existing structures, utilities, storage space, obstructions, site accesses, etc.
Review in conjunction with the Director of Construction and Project Manager the cost control summaries for the project.
Assist the Project Manager in establishing project strategy and plan construction operation. Consideration should be given towards the technical and cost aspects of the methods/ sequences of construction material and equipment. Factors which limit or foster productivity should be considered. Early consideration should be given towards handling of materials.
Contribute knowledge and experience to procurement of equipment, material and subcontractors.
Plan site layout and temporary services in conjunction with the Project Manager and Director of Construction and in consultation with subcontractors. Temporary and permanent power, water, heating etc. for the construction activity; material handling techniques; and precautions against damage to existing property must all be considered.
Assist in the preparation and periodic review of the construction schedule with the Project Manager.
Establish production levels and review with the Project Manager considering budget, cost control methods, equipment capabilities, personnel capabilities, subcontractor capabilities and any other factors which may limit or foster productivity.
Attend and assist in the organization of regular site meetings chaired by the Project Manager. The site meeting will include any necessary foremen, subcontractors, Owners, consultants, etc.
Plan short range allocation of work for our own forces, equipment and material while considering the cost/benefit of using our own forces versus a subcontractor.
Capable of pre-ordering and arranging delivery of material such as lumber, etc., thereby reducing or eliminating pick up expenses.
Lay out lines and levels for grades, elevations and work in the building and check and confirm any subcontractor’s elevations.
Call for and obtain buried services “locates” prior to the commencement of any site work.
Plan and direct all of the allocation of the general contractor’s forces, equipment and material along with coordinating the subcontractor’s. Instructions must be given clearly and either orally, written or graphic as the situation requires. Adherence to the qualitative and quantitative standards of construction as established by government codes, contract conditions and the Company shall be enforced.
Communicate in an acceptable fashion with the Owner or their representatives.
Order and purchase equipment and material while adhering to the instructions of their Project Manager. All material should be purchased in a manner that considers cost, expediency of delivery and quality. When in doubt, the Project Manager shall be consulted.
Receive material and equipment delivered to the site. It is essential that accurate delivery slips be received and forwarded through to the office complete with job numbers. Each delivery slip should state the quantity of material received, all material should be reviewed and to ensure that is undamaged; if damaged, then the Project Manager should be informed immediately.


Expedite material deliveries in conjunction with the Project Manager. It is absolutely essential that materials are on site when required. Minimize the costly need to pick up material by our own forces. Sound anticipation and planning should result in the