Career Definition of a Construction Facilities Manager
Construction facilities managers coordinate and supervise the construction process for facilities. They review construction plans and blueprints with engineers and architects and oversee a project's planning and budget. They negotiate with and hire subcontractors, such as plumbers, electricians, welders, and other specialized construction professionals, as well as interview and hire laborers. Construction facilities managers are responsible for overseeing material and labor costs as well as procurement, construction permit acquisition, and code compliance.
Construction facilities managers also ensure proper construction methods and procedures are being followed. They investigate accidents, delays, or damages that may occur on site while maintaining adherence to environmental impact regulations.
| Educational Requirements | Bachelor's degree, preferably in construction science, engineering, or building science |
| Job Skills | Building and construction knowledge; personnel management, complex problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution skills; ability to prepare budgets and prioritize simultaneous tasks |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $97,180 (all construction managers) |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030)* | 11% (all construction managers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Usually, a bachelor's degree is required for employment as a construction facilities manager. Because of the complexities of the job and the need to work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors, it is essential that the bachelor's degree be in a related field, such as building science, construction science, or engineering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, because construction methods have become more complex, prospective employers favor these types of specialized degrees.
Required Skills
Because of the complexities of modern construction methods, construction facilities managers need strong knowledge of their field. Construction facilities managers need to be able to interpret blueprints and understand the underlying architectural principles of the construction project; working with engineers, they must understand construction engineering principles and be able to communicate these to contractors. Thus, strong communication skills are crucial. Additionally, they will often need to consult with lawyers and government officials with respect to code compliance and environment impact regulatory standards.
A keen knowledge of budgetary planning and implementation is necessary because construction facilities managers must oversee material cost estimates and procurement and the hiring of specialized contractors and general laborers. Because construction facilities managers consult on and oversee every aspect of the construction process, it is imperative that they are able to prioritize a large number of simultaneous tasks, including accident, delay, and damage investigation, while continuing to monitor day-to-day operations at the site.
Career Outlook and Salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in May 2020, the median pay for all construction managers was $97,180 annually. Additionally, the BLS reports that construction facilities managers may receive bonus pay. From 2020 to 2030, an 11% job growth is projected for construction managers, which is faster than average for all occupations.
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