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 jobs
1

average 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.

site supervisor jobs
2

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.
male and female walking and talking outside between office buildings.
male and female walking and talking outside between office buildings.
3

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.

4

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.
5

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.

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.