The construction industry in the US poised for a major expansion is also one of the largest employers in the country. The sector is in the midst of a phase that promises a long-term growth, which has translated into a string of career opportunities for people who are interested in construction or any other career options related to this field. With the advancement in technology, the nature of work in construction industry has changed dramatically over the years. If you are looking for a challenging career in construction work and land reclamation, then you might want to consider the role of a construction plant operator as your career option.

Why a career in the construction industry?

There are 6.9 million people employed in the construction industry all over the US. Every year, 240,000 new jobs arise in this sector. It is estimated that by the year 2012, there will be one million new jobs available in this fast growing industry. The prospects of earning a good compensation package, exciting job opportunities and long-term satisfaction are high if you have a flair for the job.

Who is a construction plant operator?

You must have seen machines such as 360-degree excavators and trucks used for moving soil, bulldozers and cranes on roadwork and construction sites. Construction plant operators who man these machines are entrusted with the responsibility of driving and operating them. Additionally, they are also responsible for carrying out daily safety checks on the machines.

Required skills:

As a construction plant operator, you will have to work outdoors on site in all kinds of weather. The work hours can stretch depending on the nature of work and the deadline to be met. You need to possess:

1) Knowledge about vehicle mechanism.

2) A good health along with sharp eyesight.

3) Good communication skills as you have to work with different people.

4) Comfortable with working at a height

5) Comfortable with working in a team.

If you think you have these skills, you can make a successful career as a construction plant operator.

Educational qualification:

A certificate or diploma in construction along with a sound knowledge of Mathematics and English may help you get an entry level opening, although there are no special requirements for entry in this field.

Training:

As a construction plant operator, you will have to undergo structured training period in order to learn to handle construction machines or equipments like cranes, compaction machines, or dumper trucks. You can join a training institute that provides on the job training of operating and maintaining of various construction machines.

Career opportunities as a construction plant operator:

There are several career opportunities as a construction plant operator. You can be employed by:

1) Building or civil engineering contractors

2) Local authorities

3) Public organizations or

4) Plant hire companies.

You can also get to work abroad on a contract basis. There are options for you to move into work areas like:

1) Plant coordination

2) Selection and evaluation of machinery for new projects.

3) Estimation

After a few years of relevant exposure, you can also make progress to supervisory positions in plant sales and construction site management.

Annual Income

If you have the required skills and the right attitude, you can earn a nice paycheck in this industry. The annual salary of a construction plant operator excluding benefits as per surveys conducted in 2003 range between 36000 USD and 45000 USD. Additionally, most companies offer free food, accommodation, travel and a decent per diem allowance when an operator is deputed to sites in different locations.



By: Kris Koonar

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A construction project manager is a qualified individual with a degree in construction management, civil engineering or construction science. Being in charge of construction projects, he has to ensure that the entire project is completed on time, without exceeding budgetary limits. It is a high pressure job. The manager has complete control and is responsible for everything related to the construction project.

The label Construction Project Manager is loosely used to define any supervisory level managers who direct supervisors in construction projects. He may also be called by other titles such as construction superintendent, general construction manager, executive construction manager, constructor or even contractor or sub-contractor. He could be a salaried employee of a construction company or engaged to manage a particular construction project.

The construction project manager has to be involved in the project from the beginning through to its completion. By employing his knowledge and expertise in terms of the efficient use of required resources, he has to ensure the achievement of predetermined objectives of cost, time, and quality. To make sure of these objectives, he has to decide which construction methods are appropriate for cost effective scheduling. He has to discuss architectural and engineering drawings with design engineers to effectively plan and harmonize every facet of the project. This may include preparation and use of complicated flow charts and bar charts, and various graphs for data representation. Nowadays, project managers use computers to analyze, conceptualize and implement plans and designs.

The construction project manager has to plan a logical, phase wise implementation of the project, assigning predetermined timeframes for the completion of each phase. He has to take all measures to see that the time frame is adhered to.

These days, there is a great demand for people with a good academic foundation in the field of construction management. Employers generally prefer a degree in construction science, with special focus on the management aspect. It is a four-year degree course offered by over 120 colleges in the country.

Coursework for a degree in construction science is very comprehensive. Some of the subjects covered would be engineering and architectural sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science, project control and development, site planning, building design, construction methods, construction materials, value analysis, cost estimating, contract administration, building codes and standards and inspection procedures.

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) also give certification after written examinations and verification of education. The AIC awards the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) designations and the CMAA awards the Certified Construction Manager (CMM) designation.

There are better job prospects for candidates with work experience. The preference in the job market is for academically qualified people who have undergone internships and worked in the construction industry. They should be well versed in building technology.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducted a salary survey in July 2005 and found that candidates with a degree in construction management got an average annual salary figure of $42,923.

There are bright career prospects for a professionally qualified construction project manager. Practical work experience is of vital importance before a position of independent functioning will be offered. A few years experience at a junior-grade position on construction projects is a prerequisite required by most employers. The position would fetch a handsome salary package and commands a respectable position in society.



By: Kris Koonar

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