Site Supervisor Job Description (Duties, Skills, Education)

Updated 21 August 2023

Construction site supervisors manage and coordinate projects, oversee site labourers and subcontractors, educate employees on safety practices and evaluate what they have done. They have excellent communication skills so they can effectively convey information to all relevant parties. Learning about the role's duties and responsibilities, and educational requirements may help you decide whether this is the right career choice for you. In this article, we provide an example of a site supervisor job description and discuss the essential responsibilities, skills and qualifications necessary to succeed in this role.

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Site Supervisor Job Description

Below is an example of a standard site supervisor job description:

We are looking for a qualified site supervisor to manage and organise construction projects on our worksites. The ideal candidate has an in-depth knowledge of safety procedures and building processes, along with outstanding communication, and leadership skills. The supervisor's job involves managing site labourers, subcontractors and other staff on the project, and ensuring everyone's safety. Their duties also include overseeing project progress, milestones and schedules, checking work quality and communicating with clients, subcontractors and other relevant parties.

The site supervisor also requires the ability to manage resources to reduce costs and produce project status summaries for interested parties. The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in the field, a bachelor's degree in construction management or a similar discipline and an industry-related certification. We provide competitive pay and benefits and are a diverse and inclusive workplace. We invite you to apply if you have the relevant construction experience and required site supervisor background.

Site Supervisor Responsibilities

Below are a few of the main site manager duties:

Employee supervision

A site supervisor's main responsibility is to ensure the work is in conformity with a project's plans and specifications. Their role includes supervising the activities and assessing the productivity of construction workers, subcontractors and other on-site staff and implementing corrective action when necessary. They also inform employees of the safety guidelines and the approved accident protocol. Their duties may include leading team-building exercises and participating in the hiring, and training of new employees.

Safety management

Site supervisor responsibilities include implementing safety regulations and procedures and ensuring the security of everyone on site, including employees, visitors and the general public. These managers also ensure the use of personal protective equipment, provide information on safety best practices and enforce site safety standards to reduce work-related accidents, and injuries. If an incident occurs, they have the required knowledge to implement the approved accident protocol. They may also conduct routine inspections of construction sites to detect and remove any possible hazards. Typically, site managers keep up to date with changes in construction technology and safety regulations.

Quality control

Site supervisors make sure everyone complies with the required quality standards. They inspect employee and subcontractor work, and ensure the immediate rectification of errors. They may also examine blueprints to confirm that a construction project adheres to design, safety and spending guidelines. They use a variety of tools and techniques to control quality, such as checklists, measurements, and testing equipment. After an inspection, they may suggest modifications to construction activities or procedures to boost efficiency.

Communication

It is essential to be able to communicate with all project collaborators, including clients and subcontractors. Construction managers are the intermediary for the work crew and the customer, and they communicate with them by phone, via email or in person. They answer questions or concerns the client may have and update them on the project status, time frame, and budget. Additionally, site supervisors make certain they adhere to a client's objectives and standards, and ensure that on a project's completion, the customer is happy. They are also responsible for setting up regular meetings with suppliers, site inspectors, managers and staff.

Resource management

Site supervisors typically manage the personnel, equipment and resources necessary to successfully execute a project. To reduce costs, they ensure the effective availability and use of resources and make adjustments to maximise efficiency and minimise waste. This requires regular inventory checks and the well-planned ordering of construction supplies.

Reporting

Site supervisors generate reports to provide an overview of a project's progress. They may prepare daily, weekly or monthly reports that detail the milestones, issues, use of resources, work status and plans for the project's next phase. They typically have the skills to effectively convey this information to management and clients. They may use various tools and software applications to prepare and distribute their reports to the project team. They also maintain accurate attendance records for construction personnel.

What Qualifications Do Site Supervisors Require?

The education, experience and certifications or licences supervisors require generally depend on the type of site they are overseeing. Below are some of the more common site supervisor requirements:

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical requirement for entry-level site supervisor positions. Yet, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, construction science or a related field. As this position involves overseeing complex construction or industrial projects that require technical expertise and knowledge, a site manager needs to have the necessary education to be effective in the role.

Experience

Site supervisors typically require several years of experience working in the construction industry. Initially, they may work in entry-level positions as labourers, carpenters or technicians. They may also work as junior or site engineers before obtaining roles with greater responsibility. They require an excellent understanding of the technical aspects of construction, along with experience managing people and projects.

Experienced site supervisors have learnt how to deal with various situations and challenges on a building site. As a result, they are more likely to foresee issues to offer practical solutions, which can save time and money, prevent accidents and injuries and guarantee the quality and safety of a project.

Certifications

Below are some optional certifications you can pursue that may be beneficial for your career as a construction supervisor:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Certificate
International Organisation for Standardisation Certificate
Indian Green Building Council Certificate
Project Management Professional Certificate
National Safety Council Advanced Safety Certificate
Construction Industry Development Council Certificate
Certificate in Construction Site Supervisor
New National Supervisor Certificate
Industry-related technical certifications in areas such as welding, electrical work or plumbing

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Site Supervisor Skills

Below are some soft and hard skills that are necessary to be a successful site manager:

Construction knowledge: Site supervisors have a strong understanding of construction processes, materials and methods. They are familiar with construction codes and regulations and know how to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
Technical skills: These supervisors are capable of using a range of essential construction tools and equipment. They also have basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Communication: To communicate successfully with clients, vendors and the construction crew, site supervisors require the capacity to listen carefully, express ideas clearly, and resolve conflicts tactfully.
Leadership: Construction supervisors typically lead and motivate their teams to complete projects on time and within budget. They are able to delegate tasks, give instructions and provide constructive feedback.
Project management: Site supervisors have the capability to use project management software and tools, and can oversee construction projects from start to finish. This includes planning tasks, managing resources and budgets, and tracking progress against project timelines.
Contract management: This skill is necessary to manage client and vendor contracts and includes negotiating terms and conditions, tracking deliverables and resolving disputes.
Problem-solving: Site managers can identify and solve problems that arise during construction projects. They are able to think creatively, analyse data and develop solutions that minimise delays and cost overruns.
Safety and medical procedures: Site managers are knowledgeable about emergency response procedures, such as calling for medical assistance, evacuating the job site and interacting with emergency responders and have acquired basic first aid skills, such as CPR and treating minor injuries. They are aware of specific medical restrictions that apply to construction workers, such as vaccination requirements or medical clearances prior to handling hazardous materials.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is essential to be able to identify potential hazards, monitor progress and conduct thorough inspections. It is also necessary when checking construction work for quality standards.