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; experience working on several offshore construction projects
Position Title
Construction Manager
Alternate Titles
Project manager.
Brief Job Description
Construction managers oversee the research and development, testing, and construction of marine energy arrays. They coordinate, direct, and acquire researchers, contractors, construction teams, and specialized marine energy components to ensure a project is completed on schedule and within budget.
Education and Training Level 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 in the marine energy or marine construction field. Experience in a technical construction field, contracting, or team management is 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
Marine energy construction managers oversee research and development, testing, and deployment projects. They direct and coordinate project activities to ensure the project is completed 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 marine energy development, including recent technological developments, project budgeting, test site selection, site studies, permitting, safety policies, as well as marine construction and transportation. They have a deep understanding of marine-specific construction concerns, such as crane operation on a moving surface (for example, a boat or floating platform). This knowledge informs construction activities as well as the development of bids for new projects.
Construction managers in marine energy are employed by energy research and development institutions or construction companies. They may work under contract or as salaried employees. Because of the size and complexity of some marine energy projects, construction managers may manage specific portions of the construction. These managers report to a senior construction manager or site manager.
Construction managers divide their time between their offices and marine energy testing sites. Primary office responsibilities include managing permitting, contracting, budgeting, and reporting. At the testing site, the construction manager monitors construction 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 superiors) and clients updated on project progress, budgeting, and any deviations from the original construction plans or timelines.
Construction managers typically:
- Monitor project status and communicates project status and other relevant information to the customer
- Manage the design, engineering and construction of marine energy 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 make 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, testing, 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
- 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
Construction managers typically need:
- Analytical skills. Construction managers analyze various factors of a marine energy project, such as system design 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 marine energy projects. 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, Job Opportunities, etc.
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