what is a site supervisor?
A site supervisor bridges the gap between senior managers and on-site teams by ensuring workers complete projects on time. As a site supervisor, you create orders on the construction site by assigning duties and responsibilities to various workers. You also organise the work schedules and ensure everyone works shifts to complete milestones and projects on time.
While the daily activities of a site supervisor are varied, their primary role is to monitor the health and safety aspects of a construction site. You conduct regular site inspections to assess health and safety risks. After evaluating, you develop measures to eradicate hazards and ensure the work site is safe. You also provide that the construction work is completed safely and that the project doesn't violate building codes or health and safety regulations.
In your supervisory role, you hold meetings with the construction crew to update them on any changes in the project. You also relay information from the construction manager that affects the construction work. You prepare reports detailing potential health hazards, mitigation measures and safety procedures. The reports convey information to stakeholders and senior management on the project's progress.
site supervisor jobsaverage salary of a site supervisor
The average remuneration package of a site supervisor is $110,000 per year. Your salary may fluctuate depending on the specific duties, project complexity and experience. Site supervisors with minimal qualifications and experience in the industry take home a salary of $100,000 annually. When you have additional expertise and handle complex projects, your earnings can increase to $120,000 annually.
what factors affect the salary of a site supervisor?
As a site supervisor, you work on diverse projects, from simple construction projects for residential buildings to skyscrapers. Your remuneration depends on the complexity of your tasks. For instance, working on residential buildings pays less compared to projects in the commercial sector or infrastructure projects. You also negotiate a higher remuneration when you have extensive experience in the field. Entry-level positions attract lower income due to the minimal skills and experience required.
Your location also affects your earnings: site supervisors in metro areas earn more due to the high demand for the role and the higher cost of living. Company size can also influence your earnings; when you work for a small company, your remuneration package could be lower due to the limited resources at their disposal. Large organisations handle complex projects and have the resources to pay more.
Want to know more about what you will earn as a site supervisor? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of site supervisors
The types of site supervisors depend on the construction project. Some include:
- construction site supervisor: as a construction site supervisor, you manage the construction site and ensure the project meets building codes. You supervise construction projects in residential or commercial settings from start to completion. You also coordinate labour and materials at the construction site to minimise wastage.
- civil site supervisor: as a civil site supervisor, you oversee civil construction projects like road, railway or bridge constructions. You ensure the team has the materials and equipment to complete the project. You also inform stakeholders about the project's progress.
working as a site supervisor
Working as a site supervisor involves managing construction work on-site. If you are interested in joining the profession, check out the responsibilities and career prospects in the role.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the responsibilities of a site supervisor include the following:
- managing construction workers: as a site supervisor, your primary role is coordinating construction teams and ensuring the project's successful and timely completion. You create work schedules and define responsibilities for all construction workers. As a site supervisor, it is essential to motivate workers to complete their tasks within the stipulated timeframe.
- reviewing building plans and blueprints: before the construction work commences, you check the plans and blueprints to confirm they meet building regulations. If the building plans don't meet the required standards and specifications, you can correct them before construction.
- inspecting construction sites: as a site supervisor, you regularly inspect the site. Checking the site helps identify new hazards and enables you to develop measures to maintain health and safety standards.
- organising machinery maintenance: before construction work begins, you organise maintenance. A technician should check the machines to ensure they are working as expected. Preventive maintenance reduces on-site injuries.
- procuring construction materials: as a site supervisor, you ensure the construction crew has the right materials for the job. You are in charge of ordering items and delivering them on time. You also communicate with stakeholders when the materials costs exceed the budget.
- completing site reports: as a site supervisor, you provide regular reports to the site manager or construction manager. The reports outline your site inspections and the progress of the project.
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work environment
You work in an office as a site supervisor, but most of your duties are on-site. This is because the safety aspect requires supervision and a hands-on approach. That means you work outdoors in all weather, often in noisy and dusty conditions. The role involves travelling, including possible long-distance site visits, if you supervise multiple projects. This increases the hours that you are away from home during the week. As a site supervisor, you can work on projects in the public or private sector.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include site engineers, site managers and civil engineers. You might also be working close to architects and cost estimators, as well as other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, project managers, quantity surveyors and construction managers.
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work schedule
A site supervisor is a full-time role, so that you will work the standard 40-hour weekly schedule. Because safety is an essential part of your job, expect to be on call 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. Sometimes, deadlines require you to work evenings, weekends and holidays. If you supervise more than one project, you travel between sites. You must refrain from managing work or performing your duties remotely. Part-time opportunities are also rare, but you can work on short-term contracts.
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job outlook
The need for site supervisors is expected to expand. Business and population growth in Australia necessitate the construction of public buildings and the upgrading of infrastructure. Site supervisors are also necessary for projects that make structures more energy efficient. Due to construction methods becoming more complex, safety measures are increasingly rigorous and consistently enforced.
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advantages of finding a site supervisor job through randstad
Finding your site supervisor job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as the following:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a site supervisor is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Become a site supervisor via the following routes:
- entry-level tradesperson: become a site supervisor by joining an entry-level position as a tradesperson in building and construction. If you have worked on construction or industrial worksites before, you can work up and progress to becoming a site supervisor. A trade qualification helps you get a White Card required to work on construction sites.
- complete a management qualification: you require a qualification in site management to provide effective leadership on construction sites. You can complete a diploma course to gain relevant management experience, such as a building and construction management diploma. Alternatively, complete a bachelor's degree in construction management. Employers prefer site supervisors with management knowledge. Hence, a bachelor's degree improves your employment prospects.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities that help you succeed as a site supervisor include:
- leadership skills: as a site supervisor, you oversee a group of construction workers who may be working together for the first time. Leadership skills will help you delegate tasks efficiently and ensure every employee performs optimally. You can also motivate and inspire workers to complete projects on time.
- attention to detail: it is vital to be detail-oriented since you handle a lot of paperwork, from reports to blueprints and technical drawings. Attentiveness to detail helps you avoid errors in the budget, site inspection reports and work schedules. It also enables you to ensure that the construction process adheres to regulations.
- technical skills: you need knowledge in construction, from civil to building projects, to be a site supervisor. When you know construction guidelines, you can ensure workers maintain high building standards.
- critical thinking skills: as a site supervisor, you encounter numerous problems during construction. Your critical thinking skills enable you to solve problems that arise at the construction site.
FAQs about working as a site supervisor
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of site supervisor.
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what are the responsibilities of a site supervisor?
As a site supervisor, you supervise construction projects and ensure the workers adhere to the schedule. You assign duties based on skills and experience and ensure all tasks meet the required standards. You also maintain the safety and security of the construction site. For instance, you make sure construction workers are aware of safety measures.
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how do I become a site supervisor in australia?
Become a site supervisor in Australia by completing a trade qualification. When you have extensive experience as a tradesperson, you can take a course in construction management and become a site supervisor. Completing a bachelor's degree in construction management improves your career prospects by giving you the necessary leadership skills. You also require a White Card to work on construction sites.
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how much does a site supervisor make in australia?
As a site supervisor, your average salary is $110,000 per year. The remuneration package can be lower or higher depending on your qualifications and experience. Experienced site supervisors take home over $120,000 annually since they manage complex construction projects. Aside from qualifications and experience, your location and company size also influence your earnings. For instance, working in metro areas guarantees a higher salary than in smaller towns.
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what three skills does a site supervisor need?
As a site supervisor, you require technical knowledge and skills in building and construction. Sometimes, you interpret architectural drawings and guide construction workers. Leadership skills are also essential for motivating workers and encouraging them to meet deadlines. You require good problem-solving skills to deal with issues that arise on construction sites. Critical thinking helps you find creative ways to solve problems that arise and ensure that work is completed on time.
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how do I apply for a site supervisor vacancy?
Applying for a site supervisor job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
