How to Be Construction Administrator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The construction administrator plays an important role in the construction industry by ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. When the administrator fails to properly manage a project, the effects can be devastating, resulting in increased costs, delays, and dissatisfied clients. The administrator must have excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as sound knowledge of the construction process and industry standards, in order to successfully coordinate the work of the many entities involved in a project, such as designers, contractors, subcontractors, inspectors, and suppliers. When projects run smoothly, the administrator is credited with a successful outcome and the satisfaction of all parties involved.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a construction administrator, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, or a related field.
2. Earn a Master's Degree. Depending on the organization you work for, you may need to earn a master’s degree in construction management or a related field to become a construction administrator.
3. Obtain Work Experience. Most employers prefer construction administrators that have prior experience working in the field. You can gain this experience by working as a construction assistant or other entry-level jobs in the construction industry.
4. Become Certified. Becoming certified in construction management or a related field can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for construction administrator positions.
5. Develop Organizational Skills. As a construction administrator, you will need to be highly organized and detail-oriented. Developing strong organizational skills will help you succeed in this role.
6. Obtain Specialized Training. Depending on the type of organization you work for, you may need to obtain specialized training in certain areas such as safety, legal issues, and contract management.

One of the key components to becoming a skilled and competent Construction Administrator is having the necessary education and training. This includes obtaining a degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field. This educational background provides the knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects of the industry as well as the business and managerial aspects.

having experience in the industry is essential in understanding the dynamics and processes associated with construction. Further, having the capability to analyze and interpret blueprints, contracts, and regulations is essential for success. Finally, strong communication skills are essential for working with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders.

All of these skills and qualities combined will result in a successful and competent Construction Administrator.

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Job Description

1. Prepare construction contracts, bids, and estimates for clients.
2. Negotiate project billing and payment terms with contractors.
3. Manage communication between contractors and clients to ensure projects stay on track and within budget.
4. Oversee daily progress of construction projects to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and safety standards.
5. Monitor construction site activities, ordering materials, and providing access to the site as needed.
6. Resolve disputes between contractors and clients as needed.
7. Prepare cost analyses to help clients make informed decisions about their projects.
8. Develop and implement quality assurance programs for all construction projects.
9. Maintain accurate records of project costs and timelines.
10. Inspect completed projects to ensure they meet all quality standards and client requirements.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Excellent communication skills
2. Strong organizational skills
3. Ability to prioritize tasks
4. Ability to assign tasks and delegate responsibilities
5. Computer proficiency, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
6. Knowledge of construction management principles and practices
7. Knowledge of local, state and federal building codes and regulations
8. Understanding of environmental regulations
9. Ability to interact with designers, contractors, subcontractors, and vendors
10. Working knowledge of project scheduling, cost estimating and budgeting
11. Ability to read plans and specifications
12. Ability to interpret contracts and subcontracts
13. Understanding of safety protocols
14. Good problem-solving skills
15. Attention to detail
16. Ability to recognize potential conflicts and resolve them in a timely manner

Effective communication is the most important skill to have when working as a Construction Administrator. Communication is essential in order to ensure that all parties involved are on the same page and that there is a clear understanding of the project goals and expectations. Good communication also helps build relationships and trust between different parties, which can lead to better collaboration and more successful projects.

good communication ensures that everyone involved is aware of deadlines and any changes that need to be made along the way. Without effective communication, larger projects can become difficult to manage, leading to delays and unnecessary expenses. Therefore, strong communication skills are essential for a Construction Administrator and can have a major impact on the success of the final project.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in the construction administration field?
• What strategies have you used in the past to ensure a successful construction project?
• How do you ensure that all relevant stakeholders understand the construction project plan?
• How do you stay up-to-date on developments in the construction industry?
• How do you handle difficult decisions related to construction projects?
• What methods do you use to monitor and evaluate the progress of construction projects?
• How would you handle a situation where a contractor is not meeting the timeline requirements of a project?
• What techniques do you use to manage multiple construction projects at once?
• How do you ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to during a construction project?
• What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a successful construction administrator?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Spreadsheet Software. A computer application used to store, organize and manipulate data (e. g. Microsoft Excel).
2. Database Software. A computer program that stores and manages data (e. g. Microsoft Access).
3. Project Management Software. Software used to plan, coordinate and execute construction projects (e. g. Autodesk BIM 360).
4. Scheduling Software. Software used to create and manage project timelines (e. g. Microsoft Project).
5. Document Management Software. Software used to store and manage documents related to a project (e. g. SharePoint).
6. Estimating Software. Software used to estimate the cost of a construction project (e. g. Takeoff Live).
7. Accounting Software. Software used to track and manage the financial aspects of a construction project (e. g. QuickBooks).
8. Communication Software. Software used to facilitate communication between stakeholders on a construction project (e. g. Slack).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Institute of Architects (AIA)
2. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
3. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
4. Project Management Institute (PMI)
5. National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
6. Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)
7. American Subcontractors Association (ASA)
8. Associated General Contractors (AGC)
9. Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
10. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

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Common Important Terms

1. Estimating. Estimating is the process of calculating the cost of a project by analyzing its scope and resources.
2. Construction Drawings. Construction drawings are detailed plans, made up of blueprints, sketches, and other visual aids, that are used to help construct a building or other structure.
3. Schedule of Values. A Schedule of Values is a document that outlines the cost of specific tasks associated with a construction project.
4. Change Orders. A change order is a document that is used to make changes to the scope of work in a construction project.
5. Submittals. Submittals are documents, samples, or other materials that are submitted to a general contractor for approval prior to being used in a construction project.
6. Construction Specifications. Construction specifications are documents that detail the materials, processes, and standards that must be met for the construction of a building or other structure.
7. Contract Administration. Contract administration is the process of managing and monitoring the performance and completion of a contract between two or more parties.
8. Cost Control. Cost control is the process of managing and monitoring project costs in order to ensure they remain within budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the responsibilities of a Construction Administrator?

A Construction Administrator is responsible for overseeing the construction processes of a project, including managing budgets, scheduling tasks, supervising staff and subcontractors, and ensuring that safety regulations are met.

What qualifications are needed to become a Construction Administrator?

To become a Construction Administrator, you typically need a degree in construction management or a related area, such as architecture or engineering. Relevant work experience in the construction industry is also highly beneficial.

How much does a Construction Administrator earn?

The median annual salary for Construction Administrators is approximately $59,000 per year.

What type of organizations employ Construction Administrators?

Construction Administrators are employed by a range of organizations, including construction companies, engineering firms, government agencies, and architectural firms.

What kind of technology do Construction Administrators use?

Construction Administrators typically use project management software, CAD software, and building information modeling (BIM) software to plan, manage, and monitor construction projects.

What are jobs related with Construction Administrator?

• Construction Scheduler
• Assistant Construction Manager
• Construction Foreman
• Construction Supervisor
• Construction Sales Representative
• Construction Project Manager
• Construction Draftsman
• Construction Superintendent Assistant
• Senior Construction Manager
• Construction Project Engineer

Web Resources

• Construction Administration – Building Bama | The University of … constructionadministration.ua.edu
• Construction Administration - Columbia University … sps.columbia.edu
• Directory – Construction Administration | The University of Alabama constructionadministration.ua.edu