Job Details
Sector(s)
Project Development; Construction
Median Pay
$98,890 per year
$47.55 per hour
Job Type
Advanced-Level
Typical Entry-Level
Education and Work
Experience
Requirements
Bachelor's degree required; experience working on several hydropower plant projects
Position Title
Construction Manager
Alternate Titles
Project Manager
Job Description
Construction managers oversee the construction of a hydropower plant from site selection to construction completion. They coordinate, direct, and acquire contractors, construction teams, and specialized hydropower components to ensure the project is complete on schedule and within budget.
Education and Training Description
Construction managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in construction, business, engineering or a related field. Employers typically require construction managers to have several years of experience working on hydropower construction projects or in hydropower operations. Experience in a technical construction field, contracting, or team management are often preferred by employers.
Newly hired construction managers generally work under the supervision of experienced construction managers for a year or more, depending on the company.
Job Profile
Construction managers oversee the construction of a hydropower plant. They direct and coordinate construction activities ensuring that the project is complete on schedule and within budget. Construction managers are also involved with the contractual bidding of projects and business development for the company as a whole.
Construction managers must be familiar with all aspects of hydropower plant development, including budgeting, site selection, site studies, permitting, safety policies, and the construction, transportation, and procurement of specialized hydropower plant components. They have a deep understanding of hydropower specific construction concerns such as geotechnical constraints on foundation types, downstream water flow requirements, . This knowledge informs construction activities as well as the development of bids for new projects.
Construction managers are employed by larger construction companies, energy companies, or land owners and work under contract or as salaried employees. Because of the size and complexity of some hydropower plants, construction managers may manage specific portions of the construction, such as site clearing, foundation construction, or tower erection. These managers report to a senior construction manager or site manager.
Construction managers divide their time between the hydropower plant site and their office, which may be located onsite or offsite. Primary office responsibilities include managing permitting, contracting, and the budget. At the construction site, the construction manager monitors progress and performs inspections for quality control. Construction managers oversee the contracting process and manage various contractors and subcontractors. They are responsible for promoting a safe work environment and ensuring strict adherence to site safety policies. They also keep their company supervisors (a senior construction manager or other company higher-ups) and clients updated on project progress, budgeting, and any deviations from the original construction plans or timelines.
Construction managers typically do the following:
- Monitor project status and communicates project status and other relevant information to the customer
- Manage the design, engineering and construction of hydropower projects
- Develop, maintain and execute the project proposal or work plan which includes: project timelines, budgets, tasks, and staffing requirements necessary to meet project requirements
- Oversee staffing, and budgeting for each phase of project execution
- Perform regular reviews and reporting of current and forecasted expenditures and makes necessary changes to ensure the project remains within budget
- Conduct regular meetings with management, clients, and subcontractors to confirm and communicate status of engineering, procurement, and construction activities
- Coordinate and work with the legal department to facilitate the development, negotiation and execution of project contracts
- Provide or coordinate engineering support for development and permitting activities as needed.
- Oversee the construction team execution of and compliance with construction contracts
- Work with the company’s development department to assure a seamless transition of sites into the construction phase, and work with the company’s operations team to ensure a seamless transition into the operation and maintenance of the project
- Coordinate the external bidding process required to procure goods and services necessary for all phases of project execution
- Oversee other construction managers and quality control personnel to ensure compliance with reporting requirements under contracts and lender agreements.
Job Skills
- Analytical skills. Construction managers analyze various factors of a hydropower project, such as types of foundation and local labor rates, to identify new or innovative solutions to deliver a quality project at a reduced rate to the customer.
- Communication skills. Construction managers should be able to clearly present the company and business concepts to both internal and external customers. They are required to communicate project status, requirements, etc. to clients, vendors, employees, managers and supervisors.
- Contracting skills. Construction managers are familiar with contracting procedures and assist with identifying and hiring inspectors, engineers, subcontractors, and material suppliers for specific phases of the project. They must keep in mind technical requirements of the project and contractual obligations in order to identify who is responsible for what work as well as monitor scheduling and workflow.
- Financial skills. Construction managers interpret project financial reports and prepare cash flow forecasts. They report this information to upper management and use it to determine potential impacts to the project budget.
- Interpersonal skills. Construction managers must be able to provide leadership to, collaborate and work with diverse teams, including company management, engineers, construction workers, truck drivers, and power plant operators. They will be required to communicate project status and resolve issues with clients, vendors, employees, managers and supervisors.
- Management skills. Construction managers keep track of every aspect of a project from the construction of a hydropower plant to the transition to operations. They should have the ability to use project scheduling software and methodology to monitor resource, schedule and contract requirements. They will also be required to manage and mitigate project risks to ensure the project is completed on schedule and within budget.
More Information
For more information on construction manager jobs see: