What Does a Site Supervisor Do?
Find out what a site supervisor does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a site supervisor.
Site supervisors are responsible for overseeing the construction of new buildings, renovations, or other projects. They ensure that all work is being performed according to plan and in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Site supervisors may also be responsible for managing a team of workers on site. This might include assigning tasks to individual employees, providing direction on how to complete those tasks, resolving conflicts between workers, and ensuring that everyone stays safe while they’re working.
Site Supervisor Job Duties
A site supervisor typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Ensuring that construction projects are completed within time limits and within budget limits, reporting any problems to management as they arise
- Coordinating with other team members to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget
- Reviewing plans and blueprints to ensure that they meet building codes, standards, and specifications
- Inspecting work sites and making sure that work is being performed in accordance with safety guidelines
- Working with architects and engineers to ensure that construction projects are carried out according to plans
- Overseeing all aspects of a construction project from beginning to end, including planning, scheduling, hiring personnel, purchasing materials, and making sure that all work is done according to specifications
- Monitoring construction projects to ensure that they meet specifications and deadlines
- Reviewing and approving all purchases of materials before they are ordered
- Inspecting buildings during construction to ensure that they meet safety standards
Site Supervisor Salary & Outlook
Site supervisors’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company they work for. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.
- Median Annual Salary: $52,500 ($25.24/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $85,000 ($40.87/hour)
The employment of site supervisors is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
Demand for site supervisors will be driven by the need to supervise construction projects in a variety of industries, such as healthcare and retail trade. Site supervisors will be needed to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Site Supervisor Job Requirements
A site supervisor typically needs to have the following qualifications:
Education: Most site supervisors need at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as construction, engineering or business.
Many employers prefer candidates who have completed a construction management program. These programs typically take two years to complete and include coursework in construction methods, building codes, safety and business practices.
Training & Experience: Site supervisors typically receive on-the-job training from their immediate supervisors. This training may include instruction on company policies and procedures, safety practices and how to use certain equipment.
Site supervisors may also receive training in the form of certifications. For example, a site supervisor working in the construction industry may need to be certified in first aid and CPR. A site supervisor working in the health care industry may need to be certified in infection control.
Certifications & Licenses: While site supervisor certification is not often required, it can be a great way to increase your chances of finding a job and increasing your earning potential.
Site Supervisor Skills
Site supervisors need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication skills: Site supervisors often communicate with a variety of people, including their team, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders. Effective communication skills can help you convey messages clearly and build trust with others. You can use your communication skills to resolve conflicts, answer questions and provide guidance.
Leadership skills: As a site supervisor, you may be responsible for managing a team of several other supervisors. Leadership skills can help you to motivate your team and encourage them to work together to complete projects on time. You can also use leadership skills to ensure that your team follows all safety regulations and follows proper procedures.
Technical knowledge: As a site supervisor, you should have a basic understanding of the construction process. This can help you when you’re overseeing a project and need to answer questions from employees. It can also help you when you’re training new supervisors. You can share your knowledge with them and help them develop their skills.
Problem-solving skills: As a site supervisor, you may be responsible for resolving issues that arise on a construction site. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you identify the source of a problem and develop a solution to fix it. You may also use problem-solving skills to help your team members overcome challenges they face in their work.
Decision-making skills: As a site supervisor, you need to make decisions about a variety of tasks, including scheduling, budgeting and hiring. Your ability to make sound decisions can help you make the best choices for your team and the project. You can use your decision-making skills to make informed choices about the best course of action in a variety of situations.
Site Supervisor Work Environment
A site supervisor’s work environment can vary greatly depending on the type of business they work for. For example, a site supervisor working in a construction company will spend most of their time outdoors, overseeing the construction workers and making sure that the work is being done according to the specifications. A site supervisor working in a retail store, on the other hand, will spend most of their time indoors, managing the store’s employees and making sure that the store is running smoothly. No matter what type of business they work for, site supervisors typically work a regular 40-hour workweek, although they may be required to work overtime during busy periods.
Site Supervisor Trends
Here are three trends influencing how site supervisors work. Site supervisors 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 Technical Skills
As technology becomes more complex, the need for site supervisors with technical skills increases. Site supervisors are responsible for overseeing the installation and maintenance of equipment, as well as ensuring that it is working properly.
In order to be successful in this role, they need to have a basic understanding of how the equipment works and how to troubleshoot any problems that may occur. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team, such as engineers and technicians.
The Importance of Cultural Fit
Cultural fit has become an increasingly important factor in hiring decisions, especially for positions that require a high level of interaction with clients or customers. Site supervisors are often responsible for managing projects and ensuring that all parties involved are on the same page regarding expectations and goals.
To be successful in this role, site supervisors need to be able to understand and connect with the culture of their company and clients. This requires a deep understanding of both sides and the ability to communicate effectively with both.
More Attention to Safety Culture
As businesses become more aware of the importance of safety culture, they are placing increased attention on site supervisors. These professionals are responsible for creating a safe and healthy work environment for employees, which includes everything from providing training on workplace hazards to enforcing safety regulations.
In order to be successful in this field, site supervisors will need to be familiar with current safety regulations and trends in the industry. They will also need to be able to manage people effectively and create a positive work environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable.
How to Become a Site Supervisor
A site supervisor career can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the construction industry. As a site supervisor, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a construction project, from planning and design to construction and completion. This means that you’ll need to have a strong understanding of all the different trades involved in construction, as well as an understanding of how each trade impacts the overall project timeline.
In order to become a site supervisor, it’s important to have experience working in the construction industry. You should also have a strong knowledge of building codes and regulations, as well as an understanding of safety procedures.
If you want to become a site supervisor, start by networking with other professionals in the construction industry. Attend industry events and take advantage of online resources that offer advice on becoming a site supervisor.
Related: How to Write a Site Supervisor Resume
Advancement Prospects
A site supervisor is a position that is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a construction site. A site supervisor typically reports to a project manager or general contractor.
As a site supervisor, you would be responsible for coordinating the work of subcontractors, overseeing the safety of the work site, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. You would also be responsible for maintaining communication with the project manager or general contractor.
In order to advance in this career, you would need to gain experience and knowledge in the construction industry. You would also need to develop strong leadership and communication skills. With experience, you could eventually advance to a project manager or general contractor position.
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