How to Be Building Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of a Building Supervisor can cause a number of issues for a construction site. Without someone to oversee the day-to-day operations, safety standards may not be met, deadlines may be missed, and quality of work may suffer. In addition, without a Building Supervisor to delegate tasks, workers may become overburdened with responsibilities, leading to decreased motivation and morale.

Finally, having an experienced supervisor onsite is essential for ensuring that all regulations, such as building codes and permits, are followed. Without this oversight, there is a greater risk of noncompliance, resulting in costly fines and potential legal issues.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require a high school diploma or its equivalent for this position.
Pursue post-secondary education. Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in construction management, building science, or a related field.
Gain experience in the construction industry. Many employers require that applicants have at least three to five years of experience in the construction industry.
Obtain certifications or licenses. Depending on the state, some employers may require that applicants hold certain certifications or licenses.
Become familiar with health and safety regulations. Building supervisors should be knowledgeable about health and safety laws and regulations in their state or municipality.
Secure a job as a building supervisor. After meeting the requirements of the position, applicants can begin searching for job openings and submit applications.

The key to becoming an ideal and competent building supervisor is having the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Having a relevant degree or certification in construction management is often a requirement for the job, and having the right level of practical experience is also essential. Furthermore, building supervisors should possess a variety of interpersonal and leadership skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and organization.

With these qualifications and abilities, a building supervisor can ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards possible. As a result, they can become an essential asset to any building team and an invaluable part of any successful construction project.

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Job Description

Develop and implement building maintenance plans and schedules.
Supervise and coordinate the work of maintenance personnel.
Monitor and inspect work being performed by maintenance staff.
Make recommendations to management regarding improvement of safety standards and procedures.
Ensure all building systems are in proper working order, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Maintain records of maintenance requests, work orders, and preventive maintenance completed.
Respond to emergency maintenance requests as needed.
Oversee the maintenance and repair of building structures, equipment, and fixtures.
Perform regular inspections of premises to ensure that building codes and regulations are met.
Schedule regular testing and maintenance for fire safety equipment and alarms.
Ensure all building systems are maintained in accordance with manufacturers guidelines and local regulations.
Manage the ordering and inventory of building supplies, tools, and equipment.
Negotiate contracts with vendors for building repair and maintenance services.
Develop and implement cost-effective measures for energy conservation.
Investigate complaints from tenants and take appropriate action to resolve them.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of building codes and regulations
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and other technical drawings
Knowledge of building trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing and HVAC
Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
Ability to effectively manage and motivate a team of workers
Excellent communication, both verbal and written
Ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate construction activities
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to interact with clients, contractors, and inspectors
Knowledge of safety procedures and precautions

An effective building supervisor is one who possesses a range of key skills, including problem solving, communication, organization and leadership. These skills are essential for successfully managing construction projects, as well as ensuring the safety of all workers on the job site. Problem solving skills are vital in order to assess and identify any potential issues or risks and create solutions to resolve them.

Communication skills are also necessary to facilitate clear communication between workers, subcontractors, and management. Organization is essential for a building supervisor to be able to maintain an efficient schedule and plan out tasks that need to be completed. Lastly, leadership is an important skill that allows the building supervisor to guide and motivate workers to complete construction projects on time.

The combination of these skills can help ensure a successful outcome for any construction project.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in building maintenance and supervision?
What techniques do you use to ensure that all building maintenance tasks are completed on time and to the highest standards?
How do you handle difficult situations with tenants or staff?
How would you handle a problem tenant or staff member that was not complying with building regulations?
Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision regarding building maintenance?
What strategies do you employ to ensure that buildings are kept in good condition?
How do you stay up to date with new building regulations and codes?
How do you prioritize tasks when multiple maintenance issues arise simultaneously?
How do you handle customer complaints and requests for help?
How do you manage and motivate a team of building maintenance personnel?

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. Software used to assign tasks and resources to staff, track progress, and plan for future projects. (eg: ProjectManager. com)
Time Management Software. Software used to track employee time, set reminders and deadlines, and monitor productivity. (eg: Toggl)
Asset Management Software. Software used to track and manage physical assets, such as tools and equipment. (eg: Asset Panda)
Inventory Management Software. Software used to track inventory levels, order supplies, and manage stock. (eg: Unleashed)
Maintenance Management Software. Software used to schedule and track maintenance activities, monitor repairs, and track costs. (eg: Limble CMMS)
Document Management Software. Software used to store, organize, and manage documents related to building projects. (eg: M-Files)
Safety Management Software. Software used to track safety incidents, create safety plans, and monitor safety protocols. (eg: Intelex)
Communication Platforms. Platforms used to facilitate communication between management and staff on building projects. (eg: Slack)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA)
Association of Facility Engineers (AFE)
American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

We also have Landlord, Resident Caretaker, and Residential Building Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Building Inspection. The process of visually examining a building's structure, components, and systems to determine their condition and confirm compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Building Code. A set of laws and regulations governing the design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings.
Building Maintenance. The process of inspecting, repairing, and maintaining the various components of a building to ensure that it is safe and functional.
Construction Site Safety. The practice of implementing safety measures on construction sites to protect workers from potential hazards.
Risk Assessment. An analysis of potential risks associated with a particular activity or project, used to identify and address potential safety issues.
Project Management. The practice of planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve a specific goal or objectives.
Quality Control. The practice of ensuring that products, services, and processes meet certain standards of quality.
Occupational Safety and Health Standards. Regulations imposed by governments to ensure that workers are safe from potential hazards on the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Building Supervisor?

The primary role of a Building Supervisor is to oversee the day-to-day operations of a building, ensuring the safety and security of the occupants, maintenance of the building and grounds, and compliance with applicable regulations.

What qualifications are required for a Building Supervisor?

Generally, Building Supervisors must have at least three years of experience in a related field such as building maintenance, engineering or construction, as well as a valid driver's license and strong communication and organizational skills.

What types of duties does a Building Supervisor typically perform?

A Building Supervisor may be responsible for tasks such as inspecting the building for any safety or security risks, coordinating repairs and maintenance, overseeing the budget and utilities, supervising the staff, and enforcing building regulations.