Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Assistant Superintendent

An Assistant Superintendent is a professional who supports and assists the Superintendent in overseeing and managing various aspects of construction projects. They play a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution of projects, adhering to timelines, and maintaining quality standards. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Assistant Superintendents.

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Main Responsibilities of an Assistant Superintendent

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Assistant Superintendent:

Administer

Administer all labour agreements as per current procedures.

Allocate

Allocate tasks to laborers daily according to the Site Superintendent's instructions.
Allocate work to and supervise the activities of all foremen assigned to the project as directed.

Analyze

Analyze and interpret construction data, including project schedules and financial reports.
Analyze various systems and programs and develop effective conclusions and recommendations.

Apply

Apply construction quality control and assurance processes.

Appraise

Appraise employee performance and review evaluations by subordinates.

Arrange

Arrange for supplies to be delivered.

Assist in

Assist in maintaining a professional, well organized, and safe job site.
Assist in preparation of budgets and standards for cost measurement.
Assist in preparing purchase order requests for trades for any additional work performed.
Assist in the creation of accurate forecasts of financial status for assigned projects.
Assist in the development of long- and short-term goals.
Assist in the hiring and development of project staff.
Assist in the Recovery Area including one.
Assist Mechanic in repair and maintenance of equipment.
Assist project managers with resolution of outstanding claim items and with warranty.
Assist Superintendent in scheduling of subcontractors.
Assist the Head Superintendent with administering the building office.
Assist the Superintendent to maintain necessary paperwork from project startup through closeout.
Assist the Superintendent with reviewing subcontractor's monthly Payment applications.
Assist the Superintendent with the scheduling and coordination of subcontractors.
Assist with bid clarification of trade contractors with regards to scope of work, costs and schedule.
Assist with completing progress reports and schedules.
Assist with cost control during construction.
Assist with employee development, safety, and training.
Assist with installation and modification of building equipment and systems.
Assist with Performance Measurement (PMP's) for the supervisory team.
Assist with preparation and facilitation of project meetings.
Assist with scheduling bulletins sent to vendors and subcontractors.
Assist with the development of operating budgets and capital expenditure projects.

Attend

Attend meetings of the Board of Education and make presentations on business matters.

Calculate

Calculate labor hours per activity and submit time sheets to office.

Carry out

Carry out various administrative duties / paperwork.

Check

Check how much material is being requested versus quantity allowed.
Check maintenance and repair logs.
Check parts orders and places orders, as needed.

Clean

Clean and maintain equipment that is used.

Close

Close all homes complete with signed walk through list.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with people of various backgrounds and styles.
Collaborate with project managers to establish project objectives and timelines.

Compare

Compare delivery note with bill of quantities and actual quantity delivered.

Complete

Complete all required C&W Safety Training as scheduled annually.
Complete projects safely on time and on budget.
Complete walk through lists within one (1) week and obtain customer sign-off.

Conduct

Conduct construction site inspections and generate comprehensive reports.
Conduct homeowner orientation and any re-walks ensuring homeowner satisfaction.
Conduct physical checks on labor force and record individual activity on time sheet.
Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Conduct yourself in a friendly and professional manner at all times.

Consider

Consider managing your career by managing our communities.

Convey

Convey any plan modifications to Subcontractor for execution in the field.

Cooperate

Cooperate with and implement appropriate quality assurance programs.

Coordinate

Coordinate and organize all sub trade and on-site activity.
Coordinate and prioritize maintenance requirements for shut downs and daily work.
Coordinate assigned work with work of different crafts, company departments and sub-contractors.
Coordinate assigned work with work of employees and different subcontractors.
Coordinate construction activities and project schedules.
Coordinate incoming and outgoing shipments, including temporary storage on site.
Coordinate material deliveries.
Coordinate survey crews and technical team with the construction schedule.
Coordinate the administration of contracts in conjunction with the Estimator / Project Coordinator.
Coordinate trade contractors.
Coordinate with municipal inspections and / or professional inspections.
Coordinate workforce, equipment, materials and trade contractors to attain targeted profit.

Correct

Correct all quality control punch lists and call for re-inspection.

Create

Create and maintain relationships with colleagues, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.

Develop

Develop and maintain good rapport with subcontractors and homeowners.
Develop and maintain production targets for all direct work.
Develop, implement and enforce sectional policies and procedures.
Develop, maintains, and drives the construction schedule in conjunction with project team.
Develop procedures for business operation and review results.
Develop recovery strategies when project schedule or budgets are in jeopardy.

Direct

Direct Detail Punch and Laborers as necessary.

Document

Document and ensure corrective measures are implemented.

Enforce

Enforce personnel rules, regulations and work standards.

Ensure

Ensure applicable Company, Government, BLRBAC, TSSA policies and legislation are adhered to.
Ensure daily workload is completed correctly.
Ensure high quality maintenance of resort is accomplished in an efficient and effective manner.
Ensure project is constructed in compliance with drawings, specifications, schedule and budget.
Ensure that purchased extras are executed in detail, as outlined by the Project Coordinator.
Ensure that the quality standards are met and generate NCRs and deficiency lists as required.

Establish

Establish and maintain a positive working environment.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
Establish and monitor construction work schedules as directed.
Establish, foster and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others.
Establish quality targets to meet internal control and quality performance related to pulp and paper.

Evaluate

Evaluate and determines irrigation needs.

Facilitate

Facilitate the collaboration of people and cross functional groups.
Facilitate work orders and perform minor maintenance.

Familiarize

Familiarize oneself with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and its application in construction projects.
Familiarize self with Avid survey system.

Focus on

Focus on garden style developments and HUD a plus.

Follow

Follow a duty schedule ensuring cleanliness of building.
Follow an 'on-call' schedule on specified evenings and weekends.
Follow guidelines of quality control inspection program.

Handle

Handle building janitorial responsibilities.
Handle labor relations on the project.

Help

Help develop priorities to allow efficient operation.
Help implement corrective action where necessary to catch up and meet key milestone dates.
Help to maintain construction schedule.

Implement

Implement and enforce site safety protocols.
Implement company policies, procedures, principles and completes paperwork required by the Company.

Inclusive

Inclusive and diverse employee engagement events all year-round.

Initiate

Initiate and hold weekly safety and subcontractor meetings.
Initiate, create, distribute and track completion of punch lists for all phases of construction.
Initiate disclinary processes and present to Superintendent.

Inspect

Inspect work to ensure quality and project specifications are met.

Install

Install, cleans, and repairs drainage.

Instruct

Instruct, guide and check work.

Interact with

Interact with the project team and accepting the roles and responsibilities laid out for you.

Investigate

Investigate illegal sewage tapping and preparing reports for appropriate action.

Keep

Keep a diary and maintain adequate records regarding items of work under dispute.
Keep logs of site activity and report issues in a timely manner to the Construction Manager.
Keep Project Superintendent informed of significant developments.
Keep the Superintendent informed of needs and problems.

Lead

Lead proactive risk assessments, hazops, tailgate safety talks with or through his / her reports.

Maintain

Maintain accurate project documentation, including progress reports and daily logs.
Maintain a clean site with adequate and professionally represented ‘on site' construction facilities.
Maintain and operate fire and life safety systems such as.
Maintain application sheets and documents for inventory control.
Maintain appropriate field documentation.
Maintain a working set of the latest issued construction drawings and specifications.
Maintain budgets, identify variances and take corrective action as necessary.
Maintain current construction license.
Maintain daily construction log in conjunction with the Site Superintendent.
Maintain exterior walkways in safe condition during winter months.
Maintain familiarity with Health & Safety responsibilities and duties.
Maintain fire safety logs.
Maintain grounds in tidy 'debris-free' condition.
Maintain HITT quality standards for all aspects of the project.
Maintain inventory of required materials and place order accordingly.
Maintain positive customer relationships.
Maintain proper site tidiness, access, fencing and signage.
Maintain tools and equipment inventory and maintenance systems.

Make

Make in-field adjustments to daily assignments.
Make out requisition for non-standard items and submit to purchaser.
Make recommendations to improve operations.
Make repairs in professional manner.

Manage

Manage cost control of their respective areas in the operating budget.
Manage multiple tasks simultaneously with the ability to adapt to frequent changes.
Manage on-site construction plan including schedule and logistics.
Manage subcontractor activities and ensure adherence to project requirements.
Manage the regions signals stores for electrical, electronic, ITS and tolling inventory.

Mentor

Mentor project team members in order to contribute to their development and career growth.

Monitor

Monitor and enforce quality control standards.
Monitor construction progress and address any delays or issues.
Monitor employee and subcontractor compliance with project safety program requirements.
Monitor legislation and implement changes in the law affecting the District and its Divisions.

Operate

Operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Operate irrigation system with central computer, radios, and field controllers.

Order

Order and maintain in good order all tools.
Order supplies according to requirements.

Oversee

Oversee all site activities and all sub-trades each day.
Oversee the procurement of construction materials and equipment.

Perform

Perform carpentry and snow removal when necessary.
Perform checks on work quantity and quality of maintenance crews.
Perform homebuyer walk-throughs and manage warranty period for one year.
Perform light carpentry work and painting as needed.
Perform regular site walks to inspect quality of work and progress.
Perform routine operational checks on irrigation system.

Plan

Plan and control production performance against operating targets.
Plan and supervise employees and subcontractors activities.
Plan, organize, and coordinate the District's business programs.

Prepare

Prepare all reporting as per current procedures.
Prepare and communicate estimates of income and expenditures and develop budget assumptions.
Prepare and maintain various files for purchaser agreements (PA).
Prepare and maintain various site communication / documentation with head office and site.
Prepare and present project status reports to stakeholders.
Prepare and submit daily reports via Procore.
Prepare beds for planting of materials.

Prioritize

Prioritize and coordinate sectional activities.

Promote

Promote and enforce safety and environmental SNC-Lavalin policies and procedures.

Provide

Provide accounting controls for District funds, and ensure compliance for income and expenditures.
Provide customer service related to sewer system operations.
Provide day-to-day direction to the finishing trades on site.
Provide follow-up on Board functions and prepare special reports as directed.
Provide for the timely preparation of the District's budget.
Provide input on progress of attaining these goals.
Provide leadership to peers ensuring all site staff are adhering to the company safety culture.
Provide training and development.

Raise

Raise quality awareness through training, communication and employee involvement.

Receive

Receive and promptly address residents concerns.

Recognize

Recognize and enforce quality standards through daily inspection of homes under construction.

Recommend

Recommend hires, termination, transfers, discipline, merit pay or other employee status changes.

Record

Record and issue meeting notes.

Report

Report problems encountered on site to Superintendent immediately.
Report to Head Superintendent and Property Management.

Resolve

Resolve any discrepancies that arise to ensure building finishes meet standards and codes.
Resolve construction-related issues and conflicts.

Respond to

Respond immediately to emergency situations and customer service requests as assigned.
Respond to after business hours & weekend emergency calls (on a rotational basis).

Review

Review and understand project drawings and identify potential changes required.
Review and update the construction schedule.
Review course conditions daily and makes appropriate adjustments to daily and weekly goals.
Review stoppage reports on a daily basis and taking appropriate action.

Schedule

Schedule and walk all inspections with inspectors.
Schedule Management - expedite the project schedule through efficient and quality work.

Seek

Seek continuous improvement of knowledge and abilities, internal focus on self-improvement.

Select

Select, train, and evaluate key staff, and prepare qualified staff for advancement.

Show

Show vacant apartments to prospective residents.

Suggest

Suggest and make recommendations for process improvement.

Supervise

Supervise and coordinate construction trades to adhere to all OSHA regulations.
Supervise and direct construction teams on-site.
Supervise and mentor site personnel.
Supervise and participates in fertilizer and pesticide applications.

Support

Support sales group, as required, with customer service visits.
Support the development and execution of a proactive safety program in his / her area.

Take

Take appropriate steps to address emergency situations.

Treat

Treat all equipment with care and respect.

Understand

Understand construction contracts and legal requirements.

Undertake

Undertake new work activities only after proper and documented trade safety training has occurred.

Use

Use best efforts to resolve concerns between sub-trades, workers and suppliers.
Use hand spreaders, push spreaders, hand sprayer, riding sprayer.

Utilize

Utilize construction documentation software, such as Bluebeam or Procore.
Utilize construction productivity tools, such as Lean construction principles or Six Sigma methodologies.
Utilize strong organizational skills.

Work with

Work closely with the project manager to ensure success on the project.
Work closely with the Superintendent to prepare and execute project plans.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Assistant Superintendent:

Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction plans, drawings, and specifications.
Knowledge of construction methods, techniques, and materials.
Understanding of building codes, regulations, and permits.
Ability to use construction management software and project management tools.
Familiarity with construction scheduling and planning techniques.
Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in the construction industry.
Competence in using construction measurement and surveying tools.
Understanding of cost control and budget management principles.
Proficiency in using productivity and collaboration software, such as Microsoft Office Suite and project management platforms.
Knowledge of building systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural components.
Ability to assess and interpret construction site conditions and identify potential risks.
Competence in conducting construction site inspections and generating comprehensive reports.
Proficiency in quantity takeoffs and estimating materials and labor costs.
Understanding of construction contracts and legal requirements.
Knowledge of construction quality control and assurance processes.
Ability to analyze and interpret construction data, including project schedules and financial reports.
Competence in using construction documentation software, such as Bluebeam or Procore.
Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and its application in construction projects.
Knowledge of sustainable building practices and green construction certifications.
Proficiency in utilizing construction productivity tools, such as Lean construction principles or Six Sigma methodologies.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Assistant Superintendent:

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with project teams, subcontractors, and clients.
Strong leadership abilities to coordinate and motivate construction teams.
Problem-solving skills to address construction challenges and make timely decisions.
Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in project documentation and quality control.
Time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.
Adaptability to handle changing project requirements and unforeseen circumstances.
Collaborative mindset to foster teamwork and positive relationships with project stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously.
Conflict resolution abilities to address issues and maintain harmonious working relationships.
Ethical and professional conduct in upholding industry standards and integrity.

Conclusion

An Assistant Superintendent plays a vital role in supporting the successful execution of construction projects. They assist in various responsibilities, ranging from project coordination and supervision to safety management and documentation. The most in-demand hard skills include technical proficiency in construction methods, regulations, scheduling, and software utilization. Additionally, soft skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability are essential for effective project management. By possessing these skills, Assistant Superintendents contribute to the smooth progression and timely completion of construction projects.