Focos
Jefe de obra, ingeniero de proyectos, supervisor de obra, inspector de control de calidad, coordinador de seguridad, calculista, inspector de edificios
When we hear the word “construction,” we usually think of buildings, roads, bridges, or even dams. Mechanical construction doesn’t spring to mind, but it’s an important part of the industry, too!
Mechanical construction involves the design, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, plumbing, piping, and fire protection systems.
It’s a vast undertaking to properly and safely integrate these systems into buildings and other structures. Mechanical Construction Field Managers are the experts who oversee such complex projects, collaborating with clients, architects, engineers, and construction teams as needed to make sure everything is done right.
- Playing a crucial role in integrating mechanical systems into construction projects
- Opportunity to work on diverse projects like residential and commercial buildings
- Significant impact on the efficiency and functionality of buildings
Horario de trabajo
Mechanical Construction Field Managers typically work full-time, and must frequently travel to job sites. Some projects require working overtime or outside the local area.
Tareas típicas
- Manage mechanical construction project planning, scheduling, and budgeting
- Assess project specifications and the scope of work carefully
- Review costs for labor and materials using cost-tracking systems
- Prepare bid documents with work breakdowns
- Prepare contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders. Negotiate changes or adjustments with clients, suppliers, etc.
- Direct the activities of construction teams and subcontractors
- Ensure mechanical systems are installed correctly and safely, in compliance with specifications as well as building codes and applicable regulations
- Maintain a high degree of quality assurance
- Collaborate and coordinate with clients, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders during project work
- Find and solve programs that come up, such as design conflicts, material shortages, delays, or emergencies (such as workplace accidents)
- Conduct site inspections to monitor timely progress, verify quality, and address deficiencies
- Maintain diligent project documentation (i.e., reports, change orders, and project records)
- Promote safe work environments. Enforce safety protocols as needed, such as proper wear of personal protective equipment. Write up workers who fail to comply with standards
- Prepare and submit billings. Track financials to ensure work stays within established budgets
- Manage final job details to professionally close out the project
Responsabilidades adicionales
- Review weather forecasts and plan accordingly
- Study industry best practices and new methods or technologies
- Cooperate with external agencies such as OSHA
- Maintain positive relationships with clients
- Respond to concerns and queries. Provide honest updates
- Garantizar el cumplimiento de las normas industriales aplicables
Habilidades sociales
- Precisión
- Analítica
- Atención al detalle
- Perspicacia empresarial
- Capacidad de comunicación
- Orientado al cumplimiento
- Pensamiento crítico
- Fiabilidad
- Integridad
- Liderazgo
- Supervisión
- Negociar
- Planificación y organización
- Precisión
- Resolución de problemas
- Garantía de calidad
- Seguridad
- Buen juicio
- Trabajo en equipo
- Gestión del tiempo
Competencias técnicas
- Budgeting and cost control
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- Computer-aided design (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.)
- Conocimiento de los códigos y reglamentos de construcción
- Negociación de contratos
- Herramientas de estimación de costes
- Conocimientos matemáticos generales
- HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems
- Conocimientos de sistemas mecánicos
- Project management principles and tools like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6
- Quality control
- Safety management, safety standards, and regulations
- Conocimientos técnicos
- Self-employed workers; specialty trade contractors
- Residential, commercial, heavy, and civil engineering construction companies
Mechanical Construction Field Managers are critical in the construction business, tasked with interpreting project scopes, providing estimates, and ensuring work is done on time and within budget. As field managers, they’re out at job sites most days, juggling myriad duties often from a mobile trailer or other temporary structure.
This job requires a comprehensive understanding of mechanical construction materials and principles to ensure projects are completed correctly and safely. The work demands tireless diligence, precision, and constant awareness of what workers are doing. There’s a long list of challenges to face, ranging from long hours and tight deadlines to bad weather, supply problems, or even workplace mishaps. Field managers may also have to work away from home for long periods, which can be tough on families.
Mechanical construction is an ever-evolving sector, with many trends reshaping it in recent years. The integration of Building Information Modeling has allowed for more collaborative, integrated, and efficient project management. It also enables better visualization of projects and improves coordination among key players, making things easier and more cost-effective.
Another trend is the emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. The industry is seeing a surge in the demand for green building practices and the integration of renewable energy sources in mechanical systems, like solar-powered HVAC systems. There’s more focus on using sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs, too. As a result, Mechanical Construction Field Managers must keep up with changes in regulations, technologies, and processes.
Mechanical Construction Field Managers usually have a strong background in construction, and they probably liked working with their hands or with machinery very early on. They often have strong organizational and leadership skills, which could come from involvement with extracurricular activities in school.
- Mechanical Construction Field Managers usually need a few years of related field experience, along with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or construction management
- Some self-employed managers may not have a bachelor’s. However, they still need experience in the field (such as installing HVAC, plumbing, or sprinklers)
- Others combine an associate degree or vocational school training with sufficient work experience to qualify for a position
- Note, that many workers in this field get their start via trade apprenticeships
- Common college classes vary depending on one’s major but may include:
- Construction Management major:
- Building Codes and Standards
- Construction Materials and Methods
- Construction Safety Management
- Construction Site Operations and Management
- Contract Administration and Construction Law
- Cost Estimation and Budgeting
- Quality Management in Construction
- Mechanical Engineering major:
- Dynamics and Control Systems
- Engineering Mechanics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Heat Transfer
- Machine Design
- Manufacturing Processes
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Vibrations
- Thermodynamics
- Field managers need proficiency in reading blueprints and architectural drawings, and in using computer-aided design software (like AutoCAD), project management programs, and Building Information Modeling software
- Field managers also need to know about business and legal topics such as contract negotiation, cost estimation, and accounting
- Workers can pursue optional certifications such as the Construction Management Association of America’s Certified Construction Manager certification or The American Institute of Constructors’ Certified Associate Constructor certification
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires Section 608 certification for workers handling hazardous refrigerants (such as CFCs or HCFCs)
- Las certificaciones opcionales y avanzadas incluyen:
- ESCO Group’s Heat Pump Installer Certification or Master Specialist Hands-On Residential Air Conditioning
- National Registry of Environmental Professionals’ Certified Refrigeration Compliance Manager
- North American Technician Excellence, Inc.’s Light Commercial Refrigeration Service
- If you go for a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, make sure it is accredited by ABET. If you opt for a construction degree, try to find a program accredited by the American Council for Construction Education
- Not all Mechanical Construction Field Managers earn a bachelor’s, but if you take college classes, consider the cost of tuition, discounts, and local scholarship opportunities (in addition to federal aid)
- Look for courses that can help you develop practical skills or programs that feature internships or cooperative educational opportunities
- Piense en su horario y flexibilidad a la hora de decidir si se matricula en un programa presencial, en línea o híbrido. Para muchos de estos cursos, lo ideal es que adquieras la mayor cantidad de práctica posible.
- Lee las opiniones de antiguos alumnos y consulta las estadísticas de colocación y los detalles sobre la red de antiguos alumnos del programa.
- Try to decide the educational route you want to take—apprenticeship, vocational school certificate, community college associate degree, or bachelor’s in mechanical engineering or construction management
- In high school, future Mechanical Construction Field Managers should take blueprint reading, math, geometry, algebra, drafting, computer-aided design, and shop courses
- Note, high school students can often take community college or vocational training classes simultaneously. Your school counselor should be able to offer details!
- Los cursos aplicables a este campo profesional incluyen diseño e instalación de sistemas HVAC, sistemas residenciales y comerciales, sistemas de refrigeración y eléctricos, matemáticas, cursos de física e incluso fontanería.
- Get practical work experience through part-time construction or HVAC jobs (or via apprenticeships or entry-level laborer positions)
- Un aprendiz trabajará bajo la supervisión de un técnico profesional, ganando confianza con el uso de herramientas mientras ayuda con tareas laborales básicas como cortar tuberías, aislar líneas de refrigerante o limpiar hornos sucios.
- Take ad hoc classes online like Coursera’s Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control
- Educate yourself through videos, books, magazines, blogs, and discussion forums
- Ask a working Mechanical Construction Field Manager if they have time to do an informational interview with you
- Participe en organizaciones profesionales para aprender, compartir, hacer amigos y ampliar su red de contactos (consulte nuestra lista de Recursos > Sitios web).
- Empieza a elaborar tu currículum pronto. Añádelo sobre la marcha para que no se te olvide nada.
- You won’t start out as a field manager. That’s a position you must work your way up to!
- Rack up as much relevant, practical experience as you can in school or through volunteer work, part-time jobs, or an apprenticeship
- The best way to get any job is to be either qualified or trainable. If you don’t have the necessary academic credentials or work experience, demonstrate on an apprenticeship application that you’re worth investing in!
- Check out job portals like Glassdoor, Indeed, USAJOBS, or SimplyHired. Don’t forget about Craigslist; many smaller companies use it to advertise jobs
- Lee las ofertas de empleo para ver qué aptitudes y experiencias se necesitan y, a continuación, completa todas las que puedas antes de presentar tu candidatura.
- Sea sincero sobre su formación, utilice la terminología correcta del sector y enumere las actividades extracurriculares realizadas que demuestren su potencial.
- Centra tu currículum en experiencias laborales y académicas relevantes
- Review Mechanical Construction Field Manager resume templates to get ideas for formatting and phrasing
- Incluya palabras clave en su currículum/solicitud, como por ejemplo
- Lectura de planos
- Budget Management
- Construction Planning
- HVAC Systems
- Mechanical Systems Installation
- OSHA Compliance
- Gestión de proyectos
- Quality Control
- Gestión de riesgos
- Safety Standards Compliance
- Scheduling & Coordination
- Team Leadership
- Busca oportunidades de aprendizaje en Apprenticeship.gov para poner un pie en la puerta.
- Pide ayuda al personal de los servicios de orientación profesional de tu centro de estudios para que te ayuden con los currículos, los simulacros de entrevista y la búsqueda de empleo.
- Además, pídeles ayuda para ponerte en contacto con reclutadores y ferias de empleo. Puede que incluso tengan contactos con sindicatos locales que ofrezcan prácticas.
- Si solicitas un puesto de aprendiz en un sindicato, lee atentamente las instrucciones de la solicitud antes de rellenar nada. Ten en cuenta que "la mayoría de los sindicatos no esperan que seas un experto en tu sector" cuando solicitas un puesto de aprendiz", señala Indeed.
- Acércate a tu red de contactos para hacerles saber que estás buscando oportunidades
- You’ll need references who can recommend you and speak about your work ethic. Decide who you want as your references then ask them in advance if you can share their contact information with potential employers
- Participar en foros en línea y hacer preguntas de asesoramiento profesional
- Busque preguntas habituales en las entrevistas para prepararse para esas entrevistas cruciales
- Vístete siempre adecuadamente para tener éxito en la entrevista de trabajo.
Mechanical Construction Field Managers typically already have a few years of experience in the industry, but they can advance their careers through some of the following:
- Ser puntual en el trabajo, estar siempre dispuesto, aportar valor y mostrar deseos de aprender y superarse.
- Treat your peers and subordinates with respect, and set the example for others to follow
- Prioritize job site safety! Enforce the proper wear of personal protective equipment and follow safe work practices
- Dominar todas las habilidades y realizar un trabajo de la mayor calidad posible
- Take very good care of tools, equipment, and inventory
- Matricularse en cursos avanzados relacionados con la gestión de la construcción, la estimación de proyectos o la administración de empresas.
- Obtener certificaciones relevantes como Estimador Profesional Certificado, Director de Construcción Certificado o Profesional de Gestión de Proyectos.
- Asista a conferencias, talleres y seminarios del sector. Únase a organizaciones profesionales como la American Society of Professional Estimators y establezca contactos activos con colegas.
- Stay updated with the latest estimation software and technology trends. Take advantage of digital tools and resources like parametric 3D CAD models, libraries of reusable parts, metadata, and collaboration functions
- Desarrollar sus dotes de liderazgo gestionando proyectos o equipos de mayor envergadura.
- Busca un mentor con experiencia que pueda ayudarte a planificar tu futuro. Sea también un mentor útil para los trabajadores más jóvenes, mostrándoles oportunidades y perspectivas.
- Elabore una cartera atractiva en la que muestre todos sus proyectos de éxito. Debe incluir muchos detalles e imágenes de alta resolución.
- Enhance client relations which can lead to repeat business and referrals!
- Desarrolle su comprensión de las tendencias del mercado, el control de costes y la elaboración eficaz de presupuestos.
- Participar en proyectos que requieran la colaboración con otros departamentos
- Aprenda todo lo que pueda sobre prácticas de construcción sostenible y ecológica
- Perfeccionar las habilidades de negociación para gestionar los contratos y las adquisiciones con mayor eficacia.
Páginas web
- AACE Internacional
- ABET
- Consejo Americano para la Educación en la Construcción
- Instituto Americano de Arquitectos
- Instituto Americano de Constructores
- Sociedad Americana de Ingenieros Civiles
- Sociedad Americana de Estimadores Profesionales
- Aprendizaje.gov
- Instituto de la Madera Arquitectónica
- Contratistas Generales Asociados de América
- Asociación para la Tecnología de Fabricación
- Conexiones profesionales
- Corporación Administrativa de Carpinteros del Suroeste
- Instituto de Formación de Carpinteros
- Asociación de Gestión de la Construcción de América
- Asociación Internacional de Fabricantes
- Del casco al casco protector
- Cuerpo de Trabajo
- Sindicato Nacional de la Construcción
- Centro Nacional de Educación e Investigación de la Construcción
- Asociación Nacional de Utillaje y Mecanizado
- NCCER
- Maquinista práctico
- Instituto de Gestión de Proyectos
- Hermanas en la Hermandad
- Sociedad de Ingenieros Militares Americanos
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (Hermandad Unida de Carpinteros y Ebanistas de América)
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Fondo de Formación de Carpinteros
- USGBC
- Carpinteros de los Estados Occidentales
Libros
- Gestión de proyectos de construcción: Una introducción completa, de Alison Dykstra y Linda V. Kade
- Cómo ganar un contrato de construcción - Planta de procesos: A Detailed Treatise on Bidding & Estimation Practices, por Sanjib Basu
- Mechanical And Electrical Systems In Construction And Architecture, by Frank R. Dagostino
The overall job outlook for Construction Managers is projected to see a 5% increase over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the work isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Mechanical Construction Field Managers have their jobs cut out for them! Every day offers a unique challenge and potential headaches. Meanwhile, it’s becoming increasingly important to keep up with advancements in software programs and methods.
So if you want to explore other options, below are several occupations to consider!
- Arquitecto
- Director de arquitectura e ingeniería
- Analista presupuestario
- Ingeniero de Caminos, Canales y Puertos
- Jefe de obra
- Analista financiero
- Director financiero
- Ingeniero industrial
- Director de producción industrial
- Arquitecto paisajista
- Logista
- Analista de Investigación Operativa
- Especialista en gestión de proyectos
Noticias
Ofertas de empleo
Cursos y herramientas en línea