Construction Coordinator Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a construction coordinator. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a construction coordinator.
Who is a Construction Coordinator?
A construction coordinator is a person responsible for some of the financing, planning, and implementation processes related to the construction of a building. Also called a project coordinator, this type of construction worker must oversee parts of the construction process, track costs, control the budget, and sometimes lead the schedule. The construction coordinator must also work closely with other workers on the job site to resolve problems, reschedule if there are delays, and communicate financial and other miscellaneous information to immediate supervisors or clients.
An important part of the coordinator’s job is estimating project costs, ordering materials, and completing financial documentation. This type of construction coordinator is often responsible for organizing bids, completing material order forms, tracking costs, and managing all aspects of the budget. Tracking budgets, keeping accurate financial records, and reporting to management are essential functions for someone in this position.
Working with various construction professionals is an important part of a construction coordinator’s job. He or she must coordinate with contractors from a wide variety of trades, including general construction, electrical, plumbing, and landscaping. The construction coordinator must also work closely with architects and engineers to move a project from the planning stage to construction. The construction coordinator’s main job is to follow through on a plan developed by someone else.
In smaller organizations, the construction coordinator may also be responsible for site work and assistance. Many organizations employ a construction coordinator with industry knowledge to assist with the physical work on the site. This is usually the case for small companies or independent construction crews.
Construction work takes many forms, and a construction coordinator can work on projects ranging from government buildings to individual residences to industrial facilities. The job requirements for each construction coordinator often differ depending on the size and scope of those projects. The work of a construction coordinator often varies depending on the specific assignment.
One particular type of construction coordinator is the construction safety coordinator. This position is responsible for conducting inspections and assessments to ensure that all construction site personnel are following proper safety procedures. He/she is responsible for communicating health and safety standards to employees and supervisors. In addition, the safety coordinator may report findings in writing, provide documentation of workplace accidents, and provide safety training to workers.
Construction Coordinator Job Description
Below are the construction coordinator job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a construction coordinator include the following:
- Planning construction work to ensure that it is completed on time and within budget.
- Coordinating with architects and contractors to ensure projects comply with local codes and regulations.
- Ensuring that all materials used in construction projects meet safety standards.
- Liaising with clients to ensure they are satisfied with the progress of the project.
- Coordinating with subcontractors to ensure the timely delivery of materials.
- Ensuring that all work complies with environmental regulations and standards, such as OSHA guidelines.
- Reviewing contractor proposals to determine which contractor is best suited to perform the work.
- Conducting site inspections to ensure work is completed as scheduled.
- Supervising construction projects from start to finish.
- Working with a construction company(s) to ensure site safety and compliance with the RFP.
- Coordinating the work of LARIC’s construction contractor(s) during the execution phase of the project to ensure that the construction and installation of facilities and equipment are completed following the approved detailed design.
- Securing the construction site
- Developing and implementing the construction site safety plan (CSSP).
- Working with engineers and project planners to determine the content of construction packages and project schedules, considering resource implications.
- Collaborating with the Project Control Department on project management issues (planning, estimating, cost management, schedule management, reporting, etc.) to achieve value for money on the project.
- Preparing and completing various construction-related documents and permits.
- Representing the Charter at pre-construction and planning meetings.
- Coordinating helicopter and aircraft movements to support construction and science projects.
Qualifications
Construction coordinators must have the following qualifications:
Education
Construction coordinators normally require a bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, or a related field. These programs train students in construction methods, materials, tools, and equipment, as well as construction management, estimating, scheduling and safety.
Training and Experience
Many aspiring construction coordinators receive on-the-job training in entry-level positions. This training allows them to learn the company’s specific software and procedures. It will also help them learn the company’s standards and procedures for performing tasks.
Some aspiring construction coordinators may also receive on-the-job training in the form of seminars and conferences. These activities will help them learn more about the industry and the role of a construction coordinator.
Certification and Licenses
Certification allows professionals to prove their qualifications to current and future employers. While not essential, construction coordinators can obtain certifications to gain a more practical understanding of their day-to-day responsibilities, test their skills, and advance their careers.
Essential Skills
- Communication
Construction coordinators communicate with many people throughout the day, including other construction managers, team members, vendors, and customers. Effective communication skills will help you deliver clear messages and ensure that everyone understands what you are saying. You can also use communication skills to resolve conflicts between team members or customers.
- Organization
Organization is another skill that can help you in your career as a construction coordinator. You may be responsible for managing multiple projects at once, so it’s important to be able to keep track of all the details. Organization will also help you to be more efficient and complete your tasks on time.
- Leadership
Construction coordinators often have excellent leadership skills, which can help them manage large projects. As a construction coordinator, you may be responsible for overseeing a team of subcontractors and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. Leadership skills can help you motivate your team and encourage them to work together to achieve common goals.
- Problem Solving
Problem-solving skills allow you to identify problems and develop solutions. As a construction coordinator, you may be responsible for overseeing the entire project. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify potential problems and find ways to resolve them. For example, if a subcontractor is having trouble meeting a deadline, you can help them find a solution.
- Budgeting
Budgeting is the process of estimating the costs of a project. As a construction coordinator, you may be responsible for budgeting a project. Knowing the cost of different building materials and labor will help you develop an accurate budget.
How to Become a Construction Coordinator
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in construction management or a related field
A construction coordinator must have a bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or another related field. Some institutions offer specific construction management degrees, which include courses in business administration and project management.
In these programs, you’ll learn about different aspects of construction, including estimating, scheduling, planning, safety, and more. You may also want to consider an associate’s or master’s degree if your institution does not offer a bachelor’s degree program in construction management.
- Gain experience working on construction projects
You can gain work experience on construction projects through internships or apprenticeships while in school. These opportunities allow students to experience the industry firsthand and build a network of industry contacts.
After college, it’s also important to get as much hands-on experience as possible. Entry-level positions, such as project managers, estimators, and superintendents, provide valuable insight into the construction process.
- Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
Communication is an important part of the construction coordinator role, as you will need to interact with a variety of people throughout the project. Your responsibilities may include communicating deadlines and schedules to all parties involved in the project, including clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and employees.
You must also have strong interpersonal skills, as you will likely be working closely with a wide range of people. It is important that you know how to handle stress and stay calm when working under pressure.
- Understand the construction process from start to finish
The construction process can be complicated, but a good construction coordinator understands the steps of each project. They know what to expect at each stage of the project and how long each stage will take. This knowledge helps them manage projects more efficiently, anticipating problems before they occur and keeping the project on schedule.
Understanding the entire process also allows construction coordinators to better communicate with everyone involved in the project. Knowing where each step of the process is located makes it easier for them to answer questions from clients and contractors.
- Be able to read and interpret drawings
Blueprints are plans that show where everything should be placed in a building or structure. Construction coordinators need to be able to read and interpret drawings to know what needs to happen on a job site. Many schools offer courses on reading blueprints, but you can also learn this skill by practicing.
If you are working with an architect, it is important to understand how their drawings fit into the client’s vision of the project. You will also need to have a good understanding of local building regulations.
- Keep abreast of changes in the construction industry
The construction industry is constantly changing, so construction coordinators need to stay current. For example, new building codes may be adopted that affect the progress of projects. Construction companies are also subject to high staff turnover, so construction coordinators need to know which companies are hiring and what they are looking for in an employee.
- Join professional organizations such as the American Institute of Builders (AIC)
The American Institute of Builders (AIC) is a professional organization that provides training and certification programs for construction professionals. The AIC Certified Construction Coordinator (CCC) credential shows employers that you are qualified for the job. To earn this credential, you must complete an application, pay a fee, and pass a multiple-choice exam.
AIC also offers other certifications such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM), which requires applicants to have an undergraduate degree or higher in construction management or a related field and at least three years of experience working on construction projects.
Where to Work as a Construction Coordinator
Construction coordinators generally work full-time on construction sites, where they coordinate the activities of workers, schedule the delivery of materials, and inspect work to ensure that it meets specifications. They may also be responsible for ordering materials, preparing cost estimates, and keeping track of the project budget. Construction coordinators typically work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines. They may also travel to different construction sites. The work can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, and coordinators must be able to work in all types of weather conditions.
Construction Coordinator Salary Scale
The median annual salary for construction coordinators in the United States is $55,146, while the median annual salary for those in Canada is $62,500. In the United Kingdom, salaries for construction coordinators can range from £25,500 to £45,000, depending on experience and location.
