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What does an assistant construction manager do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read

Assistant construction managers have experience overseeing the progress on a construction site. They align their goals with construction managers to ensure that they are on the same page. Assistant construction managers help manage the employees or construction workers on a site. They help ensure proper workforce allocation and mobilization so that the construction will be completed on time. They also ensure that proper safety protocols are implemented and followed on the site. Assistant construction managers also manage the overall progress of the construction. They ensure that the plan is followed and that all materials needed are available.

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Assistant construction manager responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real assistant construction manager resumes:

  • Manage third party contractors, including safety oversight, control inspection and environmental design specification compliance, and also direct consultants.
  • Create bid analysis, RFI, RFP documents to enhance competitive bidding process.
  • Draft and render plans and specification drawings in AutoCAD.
  • Prepare project construction cost budgets, RFI's, and change order estimates.
  • Maintain on-site equipment to comply within OSHA safety specifications.
  • Carry out topographical surveys to confirm/establish boundaries and complete record drawings using AutoCAD.
  • Perform contract management, construction scheduling, subcontractor coordination, client relations, quality assurance and safety policy oversight and enforcement.
  • Oversee concrete formwork, box culverts and super structure construction on multiple projects.
  • Source / purchase all materials for the formwork and concrete, including the proper tools and machinery for the project.
  • Inspect and ensure passing of all city and county building code requirements.

Assistant construction manager skills and personality traits

We calculated that 17% of Assistant Construction Managers are proficient in Construction Management, OSHA, and Project Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Business skills, and Customer-service skills.

We break down the percentage of Assistant Construction Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Construction Management, 17%

    Assisted in the construction management activities for residential home applications.

  • OSHA, 9%

    Maintained on-site equipment to comply within OSHA safety specifications.

  • Project Management, 8%

    Budget control, procurement, project management and client/vendor/sub contractor relationship building.

  • Construction Schedule, 8%

    Reviewed the daily operations of site contractors and subcontractors as well as regulated construction schedules and updated statistical reports.

  • Project Specifications, 7%

    Coordinated all procurement activities ensuring correct materials were delivered, tracked and installed to meet project specifications and schedule.

  • Project Site, 6%

    Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.

"construction management," "osha," and "project management" are among the most common skills that assistant construction managers use at work. You can find even more assistant construction manager responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for an assistant construction manager to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what assistant construction managers do because "construction managers must be able to plan strategies, investigate project cost variances, and solve problems over the course of a project." Additionally, an assistant construction manager resume shows how assistant construction managers use analytical skills: "reviewed blueprints and building codes to determine work details and procedures, analyzed cost estimates, applied for construction permits. "

Business skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling assistant construction manager duties is business skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "construction managers need to prepare and follow project budgets, hire and manage staff, and coordinate with other workers and managers." According to an assistant construction manager resume, here's how assistant construction managers can utilize business skills in their job responsibilities: "developed new business interacting with general contractors and architects. "

Leadership skills. Another common skill required for assistant construction manager responsibilities is "leadership skills." This skill comes up in the duties of assistant construction managers all the time, as "construction managers must effectively delegate tasks to construction workers, subcontractors, and other lower level managers to ensure that projects are completed accurately and on time." An excerpt from a real assistant construction manager resume shows how this skill is central to what an assistant construction manager does: "played a leadership role in leading field crews in the property preservation segment of the real estate industry. "

Most common assistant construction manager skills

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Assistant Construction Manager Resume
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Assistant Construction Manager Resume
Assistant Construction Manager Resume
Assistant Construction Manager Resume
Assistant Construction Manager Resume
Assistant Construction Manager Resume
Assistant Construction Manager Resume
Assistant Construction Manager Resume
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Assistant Construction Manager Resume
Assistant Construction Manager Resume
Assistant Construction Manager Resume

Compare different assistant construction managers

Assistant construction manager vs. Project superintendent

The construction or project superintendent's role is to oversee the operations of construction sites, from the planning phase to completion. They have varied duties and responsibilities based on specific projects that include scheduling and budgeting, communicating and negotiating with external partners, and acquiring materials and equipment. A construction superintendent also earns construction permits, resolving on-site emergencies and issues, and supervising staff. This position requires several skills, including a degree in construction management or a similar field, relevant experience, and in-depth knowledge of construction processes and operations.

If we compare the average assistant construction manager annual salary with that of a project superintendent, we find that project superintendents typically earn a $31,111 higher salary than assistant construction managers make annually.Even though assistant construction managers and project superintendents are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require construction management, osha, and project management in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an assistant construction manager are more likely to require skills like "team-oriented environment," "project specifications," "project site," and "on-site construction." On the other hand, a job as a project superintendent requires skills like "safety program," "cleanliness," "oversight," and "ladders." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Project superintendents really shine in the construction industry with an average salary of $95,092. Comparatively, assistant construction managers tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $75,069.project superintendents tend to reach similar levels of education than assistant construction managers. In fact, project superintendents are 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Assistant construction manager vs. General superintendent

A general superintendent is primarily in charge of overseeing projects and programs, ensuring operations adhere to standards and requirements. In the construction industry, a general superintendent supervises the daily procedures in a construction site to ensure the project's completion within budget, schedule, and quality standards. They also have other administrative duties, such as coordinating with contractors and suppliers, monitoring the inventory of materials, purchasing supplies according to project requirements, developing reports, conducting inspections, and implementing safety policies and regulations.

A career as a general superintendent brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an assistant construction manager. In fact, general superintendents salary is $8,696 higher than the salary of assistant construction managers per year.A few skills overlap for assistant construction managers and general superintendents. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "construction management," "osha," and "project management. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, assistant construction manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "team-oriented environment," "project specifications," "project site," and "on-site construction." Meanwhile, a general superintendent has duties that require skills in areas such as "excellent organizational," "oversight," "customer service," and "cost control." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

General superintendents may earn a higher salary than assistant construction managers, but general superintendents earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $87,760. On the other hand, assistant construction managers receive higher pay in the government industry, where they earn an average salary of $75,069.In general, general superintendents achieve similar levels of education than assistant construction managers. They're 1.5% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Assistant construction manager vs. Superintendent

Superintendents oversee the administration of schools in a specific school district. They manage the educational programs of each school and create strategic decisions to ensure that the students are learning important subjects. They also supervise school administrators or principals and are responsible for hiring and guiding them. Superintendents should be familiar with their constituents and must always be ready to listen to their needs. It is important that superintendents are good decision-makers and communicators. They are expected to lead their respective districts in achieving their vision. Superintendents drive the team towards their goals and create strategic steps to ensure success.

An average superintendent eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of assistant construction managers. The difference in salaries amounts to superintendents earning a $16,052 higher average salary than assistant construction managers.By looking over several assistant construction managers and superintendents resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "construction management," "osha," and "project management." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from assistant construction manager resumes include skills like "team-oriented environment," "project specifications," "project site," and "on-site construction," whereas a superintendent is more likely to list skills in "logistics," "customer service," "safety program," and "excellent organizational. "

Superintendents earn the highest salary when working in the construction industry, where they receive an average salary of $85,679. Comparatively, assistant construction managers have the highest earning potential in the government industry, with an average salary of $75,069.Most superintendents achieve a similar degree level compared to assistant construction managers. For example, they're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Assistant construction manager vs. Project controls specialist

A project controls specialist is responsible for establishing project management procedures to achieve project goals and objectives by following clients' specifications and requirements within the budget limitations and timetable. Project controls specialists implement strategic techniques to mitigate potential project risks and promote maximum productivity by conducting regular meetings to monitor the project's progress. They also coordinate with the clients for the updates, as well as informing them of any plan adjustments. A project controls specialist maintains strict quality control processes to ensure the efficient development of the project for timely deliverables.

Project controls specialists typically earn higher pay than assistant construction managers. On average, project controls specialists earn a $18,753 higher salary per year.While both assistant construction managers and project controls specialists complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like construction management, project management, and construction schedule, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. An assistant construction manager uses "team-oriented environment," "osha," "project specifications," and "project site." Project controls specialists are more likely to have duties that require skills in "project controls," "work breakdown structure," "primavera p6," and "cost control. "The professional industry tends to pay the highest salaries for project controls specialists, with average annual pay of $90,141. Comparatively, the highest assistant construction manager annual salary comes from the government industry.The average resume of project controls specialists showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to assistant construction managers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 7.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.4%.

Types of assistant construction manager

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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