Position Title Construction Manager
Alternate Title(s) Foreman, Construction Supervisor
Education & Training Level Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not always required
Education & Training Level Description Employers increasingly prefer candidates with both construction experience and a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field. However, some managers may qualify with a high school diploma and by working many years in a construction trade. Although not required, certification is becoming increasingly important for construction managers, demonstrating their knowledge and experience.
Brief job description Construction managers coordinate and supervise wind plant construction activities. They assist the project manager with project planning and cost estimates. They work with teams of engineers and oversee the work of trade workers and subcontractors.
Preferred Level of Education Bachelor’s degree
Preferred Level of Experience See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information.
Estimated/Expected Salary See the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information.
Job Profile

Construction managers in the wind industry coordinate and supervise the building of utility-scale wind plants, including roads, electrical systems, turbine installation and other infrastructure as required. Some construction managers oversee just the construction phase of the project from start to finish, however others may be involved with the project from initial development to construction and then work with the project manager to turn it over to the operating company. In this case, the individual would start as the project engineer during development and continue as the construction manager during construction.

Construction managers often assist the project manager in estimating project costs and schedules. They also support the project manager in the development of bids for subcontractors. Once contracts have been awarded and construction begins, the construction manager works with the project manager to implement the schedule and coordinate activities, ensuring that the wind plant is completed on time and within budget.

Construction managers work closely with engineers such as civil and quality engineers, trade workers such as electricians and welders, and other construction specialists. They supervise subcontractors and personnel, confirming that work has been completed according to company, environmental, safety and other requirements and regulations.

For large projects, a construction manager may work on a team of construction managers and only be in charge of one or a few aspects of the project. Each construction manager would oversee a specific construction activity, such as civil works or turbine installation.
In summary, construction managers typically do the following:

  • Understand cost estimates, budgets, and work timetables
  • Understand  contracts and technical information
  • Report work progress and budget matters to management
  • Collaborate with engineers, trade workers and other construction specialists
  • Oversee subcontractor activities
  • Respond to work delays, emergencies, and other problems
  • Comply with legal requirements, safety codes, and other regulations.
Job Skills
  • Communication skills. Construction managers must give clear orders, explain complex information to workers and clients, and discuss technical details with other project specialists. They must also provide status updates to the project manager, clearly stating project progress, issues, and any impacts to schedule or budget that should be addressed.
  • Decision-making skills. Construction managers choose personnel and subcontractors for specific tasks. Often, these decisions must be made quickly to meet deadlines.
  • Managerial skills. Construction managers coordinate and supervise workers. Establishing good working relationships with staff, employees and subcontractors is critical. Construction managers must also delegate tasks to other team members, workers, and subcontractors effectively.
  • Problem-solving skills. Construction managers must identify and solve unexpected issues and assist the project manager in mitigating impacts to schedule or project cost.
  • Technical skills. Construction managers in the wind industry must be familiar with wind turbine technology, and understand construction methods related to wind plant construction.
  • Time-management skills. Construction managers must meet deadlines. They ensure that construction activities are completed on time so that the next activity can begin. For instance, laying a wind turbine foundation cannot begin until the land excavation is completed.
Resources

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction Manager

Back to Wind Career Map