A construction superintendent is an experienced professional who manages day-to-day operations throughout the construction process. No matter their educational background, construction superintendents have extensive hands-on experience in their field so they’re able to take on the various responsibilities each project entails.

Before Building

Before construction even begins on a site, the superintendent oversees preliminary steps that are essential to the project’s success. This begins with land surveying and creating detailed maps that the designers rely on when drawing up site plans. The construction superintendent must coordinate and execute communication with these professionals, so each phase of the process is completed on time. 

The superintendent must ensure the site is properly prepared and coordinate installation of utilities such as water, sewer, and gas lines. From start to finish, a construction superintendent maintains relationships with project owners, architects, engineers, building officials, and service providers as well as ensures that all employees, subcontractors, and other workers adhere strictly to all safety policies. You could call them the "go-to" people on a project and “master multi-taskers!”

During Building

The construction superintendent oversees all stages of building. This includes laying the foundation that will provide long-term stability to the structure; putting the skeleton of wood, metal, or concrete in place; adding roofing, siding, windows and doors; installing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; adding interior walls and partitions; and installing finishes. 

After Building

In addition to the building itself, the construction superintendent oversees that the landscaping and concrete work on the site is properly completed. This includes pouring driveways, sidewalks, or parking lots as well as the installation of grass, trees, shrubbery, and other landscaping elements to finish off the overall look.

After everything is in place, the superintendent’s final task is performance testing. They need to ensure all building components, such as heating and cooling systems, are working properly. When everything checks out, the building is ready to hand over to its owner.

 
Other Responsibilities

As the coordinator of all construction activities, the superintendent must be a people-person and a manager who is familiar with all job duties on site and each process for contracting labor and materials. Aside from work on site, the superintendent is also expected to attend corporate meetings, seminars, and trainings.

The skilled trades is seeking more skilled professionals to join their teams whether that's as an electrician, plumber, painter, roofer and many other fields. The starting pay is impressive, and this is a position that does not require a 4-year college degree. Many high schools across the nation, including Central Academy here in Iowa, are already setting up young students for success in the trades.

Hubbell Realty Company is always looking for motivated individuals to join our team of dedicated professionals. Click to view our current opportunities.