Career Development

What Does a Construction Project Coordinator Do?

Find out what a construction project coordinator does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a construction project coordinator.

Construction project coordinators are responsible for managing the day-to-day activities on a construction site. They ensure that all contractors and subcontractors are working together to complete projects on time and within budget.

Construction project coordinators often have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders—they’re expected to coordinate everything from scheduling meetings with vendors to ensuring that materials are delivered on time. They may also be tasked with overseeing quality control, making sure that all work is being completed to code and standards.

Construction Project Coordinator Job Duties

A construction project coordinator typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

  • Monitoring the project budget and managing costs by negotiating with vendors to obtain favorable pricing on supplies and services
  • Scheduling workers’ shifts to ensure that all work is being performed efficiently and effectively
  • Communicating regularly with supervisors to ensure that construction projects are proceeding on schedule and within budget
  • Coordinating with architects and contractors to ensure that construction plans are carried out correctly
  • Preparing estimates of materials costs and labor requirements and recommending appropriate changes where necessary
  • Inspecting work sites to ensure that all safety regulations are being followed
  • Coordinating all activities related to planning, scheduling, and managing construction projects from start to finish
  • Managing subcontractors, coordinating with architects and engineers, and ensuring that all work is completed according to project specifications
  • Overseeing the hiring of additional subcontractors as needed to meet demands of a project

Construction Project Coordinator Salary & Outlook

Construction project coordinators’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and type of company for which they work.

  • Median Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $142,000 ($68.27/hour)

The employment of construction project coordinators is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for project managers, who organize and oversee the planning and implementation of large projects, is expected to increase as more infrastructure projects are built. In addition, demand for project managers will continue to be strong in the commercial construction industry because of the large amount of building occurring nationwide.

Construction Project Coordinator Job Requirements

A construction project coordinator typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Construction project coordinators are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, construction engineering, civil engineering or a related field. These programs teach students about the different aspects of construction, including estimating, planning, scheduling, safety and building codes.

Training & Experience: Many construction project coordinators learn the specific skills and knowledge they need for their role while on the job. Training may include shadowing a current project coordinator or performing duties under supervision until they are comfortable enough to complete tasks on their own. Training often includes instruction on how to use project management software, how to manage budgets and how to communicate with clients.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are not usually a requirement to become a construction project coordinator, but they can help you become a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs.

Construction Project Coordinator Skills

Construction project coordinators need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is another essential skill for project coordinators. They often communicate with a variety of people, including other project coordinators, team members, clients and suppliers. They also need to communicate complex information in a way that everyone can understand. This can include using technical language when necessary.

Organization: Organization is another skill that can be useful for project coordinators. They may be responsible for managing a large number of tasks and keeping track of deadlines, budgets and other important information. Being able to organize information and tasks can help you be more efficient and complete your duties on time.

Leadership: Leadership skills can help you motivate your team and encourage them to complete their tasks on time. You can also use leadership skills to help you delegate tasks and motivate your team to work together. Leadership skills can also help you motivate your team to learn new skills and improve their performance.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. As a project coordinator, you may be responsible for resolving issues that arise during a project. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you identify the source of an issue and find a solution. You may also be responsible for finding solutions to problems that arise during the project after you’ve left.

Time management: Time management is another crucial skill for project coordinators. They often have multiple responsibilities and deadlines to meet, so they need to be able to prioritize their tasks and manage their time effectively. This can include scheduling meetings, making sure meetings start and end on time and making sure all tasks are completed on schedule.

Construction Project Coordinator Work Environment

Construction project coordinators generally work full time in an office setting, although they may occasionally visit construction sites to monitor progress or meet with clients. They typically work regular business hours, although they may occasionally work overtime to meet deadlines. Construction project coordinators typically work on one project at a time, although they may oversee multiple projects simultaneously. They typically work closely with other members of the construction team, such as the project manager, construction superintendent, and construction workers.

Construction Project Coordinator Trends

Here are three trends influencing how construction project coordinators work. Construction project coordinators will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Diversity in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is facing a major diversity problem. According to recent data, only 6% of construction workers are women, and only 2% are African American. This lack of diversity can have serious consequences for the industry, as it can lead to a lack of understanding about different cultures and perspectives.

To address this issue, construction project coordinators can play an important role by helping to promote diversity within their companies. They can do this by encouraging hiring managers to consider candidates from underrepresented groups, providing training on cultural sensitivity, and creating a welcoming environment for all employees.

A Greater Focus on Sustainability

As sustainability becomes more important, construction projects will need to focus on building structures that are energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

This trend means that construction project coordinators will need to be familiar with new technologies and materials that can help them meet the demands of sustainability. They will also need to be able to manage projects that include these new technologies and materials.

More Collaboration Between Design and Construction Teams

In recent years, there has been a shift towards greater collaboration between design and construction teams. This trend is due to the fact that both teams now have a greater understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities.

As a result, construction project coordinators will need to be able to work effectively with designers in order to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with both teams in order to keep everyone on the same page.

How to Become a Construction Project Coordinator

A construction project coordinator is a key member of any construction team. They are responsible for managing the many details involved in completing a project on time and on budget. This requires excellent organizational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with people from all walks of life.

To become a successful construction project coordinator, you need to have a strong understanding of the building process and be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. You should also be able to work independently and make decisions when necessary.

Advancement Prospects

Construction project coordinators typically start out in entry-level positions and advance to positions of greater responsibility over time. Some may advance to become construction managers or general contractors. Others may move into sales, marketing, or other related fields. Some may even start their own construction businesses. The best way to advance in this career is to gain experience and knowledge in all aspects of the construction process.

Construction Project Coordinator Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we’re always looking for ways to improve the quality of our construction projects. To do this, we need skilled and experienced construction project coordinators who can provide support to the project manager and construction team. The ideal candidate will have experience in construction project coordination, as well as a strong understanding of the construction process. He or she will be responsible for assisting with the development of construction schedules, project budgets, and project plans. Additionally, the construction project coordinator will be responsible for communicating with project stakeholders, ordering materials, and coordinating on-site activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Serve as the point of contact between the construction team and other departments, relaying information and requests in a timely and efficient manner
  • Maintain up-to-date project documentation, including but not limited to blueprints, contracts, schedules, invoices, and change orders
  • Monitor project progress and budget, alerting the Project Manager of any potential issues or discrepancies
  • Assist with the development of project timelines and milestones, working closely with the construction team to ensure deadlines are met
  • Schedule and coordinate on-site meetings, inspections, and deliveries, ensuring all parties are aware of their roles and responsibilities
  • Prepare and distribute minutes from meetings, as well as any other necessary correspondence
  • Manage the procurement of materials and equipment, within the defined budget and scope of work
  • Keep abreast of industry news and developments, sharing relevant information with the construction team
  • Conduct research as needed to support the construction team in making informed decisions
  • Handle customer inquiries and complaints in a professional and courteous manner, escalating to the Project Manager as necessary
  • Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures
  • Perform any other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years experience in construction project coordination or management
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent time-management and organizational skills
  • Ability to multitask and handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Thorough understanding of construction process and project management principles

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field
  • 7+ years experience in construction project coordination or management
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Primavera, and other construction-related software programs
  • PMP certification
  • LEED certification

Previous

What Does a Procurement Assistant Do?

Back to Career Development
Next

What Does a Support Consultant Do?