Michael DeSafey | Executive Recruiter and HR Professional
What You Need to know About Careers in Green Construction
What You Need to know About Careers in Green Construction
Green construction jobs are becoming the norm in the contracting and construction industries, so to remain competitive construction professionals must expand their skill set in the green and eco-friendly building fields. More companies are opting to construct green buildings, with seventy percent of executives and developers making their firms part of sustainability programs for tax breaks and the benefit of reduced operating costs. Financial benefits like these are among the many reasons why green buildings are being built so frequently and why there is a demand for workers and contractors with sustainable construction skills and a familiarity with eco-friendly construction. But what do contractors, journeymen, and construction specialist need to know about working on green buildings?
Green Building Operational Categories
The diverse nature of green construction means that contractors, builders, and designers working in the industry must have an understanding of the following sub categories in green building:
- Surveying and planning
- Energy efficiency
- water conservation
- Indoor air quality
- Onsite construction practices
Credentials & Certifications and who sets the standards
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a respected advocate for green construction and a nonprofit organization which created and maintains the standards used to rate buildings sustainability. The USGBC‘s standards are a part of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) building rating system and by utilizing these standards the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) judges buildings against a LEED’s scorecard. Buildings looking for certification earn points in categories like energy efficiency and design and those categories listed above. If a building’s score is sufficient it is eligible to receive Silver, Gold, or Platinum LEED certification, and this certification is so respected that certain jurisdictions in the U.S. have made it a part of their building standards and codes.
Nationally the U.S. General Services Administration mandates that any and all major federal renovations and new construction projects meet the LEED Gold standards, while private developers pursue LEED certifications in order to broadcast their eco-friendly credentials. Though LEED is the standard in the United States, alternatives do exist, like the Green Building Initiative, which offers a comparable green construction certification. Still, some green construction certifications are better than others, with a few being more expensive and complex, requiring contractors, designers, and builders to do some research on them before applying.
Certifications for Professionals
The GBCI provides both building certifications while also accrediting professionals and contractors working in the green construction field. Also, LEED Accredited Professionals are eligible to work on projects where official LEED certification is pursued. These contractors can also already be working as a project’s architect or designer. The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) created a certification specifically for construction supervisors, with the endorsement of the GBCI. Frontline construction managers can be certified under the LEED’s green building agenda on a project, by the project’s Sustainable Construction Manager.
Occupations and training for Green Construction
There are several national and local organization offering training for green construction trades in the US including the following:
The NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research):
- A not-for-profit created to outline a standardized training module for green construction officially recognized as the industry standard by both the Green Building Certification Institute and U.S. Green Building Council.
- Workers with existing proficiency in a trade looking to augment their resume with green building techniques skills should contact their local NCCER sponsor or employment and trade centers for training opportunities.
The Associated Builders and Contractors
- The ABC has been heavily involved in developing green construction training programs for those looking to enter the industry with a respected certification.
Right now a background and training in green practices are essential for a specific occupation. But it is the engineers and the architects who require a substantial amount of training, education, and certification for skills specific to green construction. These specialists must turn to groups like the ABC, NCCER, LEED for guidance on their particular specialty. However, in many cases construction laborers might work differently on a green construction site, without the need for extensive specialized training. Specialty trade workers with proficiencies in installing things like energy and water efficient structures and appliances or those using new green techniques require additional training.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com
How Great Leaders Mentor and Motivate Their Staff in the Construction, Engineering Industries
How Great Leaders Mentor and Motivate Their Staff in the Construction, Engineering Industries
It’s not enoLeadershipugh to have a vision for your company. You, as a leader, must mentor and motivate your employees to see that vision. They have to believe in you and your mission if you want to rise to the top of the industry.
How do you do it? It’s no accident. There are a few things all great leaders do, some of which are especially important to the construction, engineering, and environmental industries.
They Act the Way They Want Their Employees to Act
Forbes refers to it as demonstrating integrity, not just preaching about it. At Arkansas State University, “taking initiative” is one of the focal points of the Engineering Management program. If you want your employees to be kind, respect each other, make decisions, and follow through, you need to demonstrate that in your role as manager.
They Communicate
Research by the Chartered Institute of Building found that construction professionals consider communication to be the most important skill for a leader in the industry. First, it’s important to be able to clearly communicate what needs to be done. Then, you want to make sure you’re maintaining an open, friendly line of communication, so your employees always feel they can speak with you about issues or concerns. They need to find you available and willing to listen with no fear of judgment or ridicule.
They Encourage Growth and Development Among Employees
In a lecture at Monash University entitled The Role of Leadership for Environment and Sustainability, both formal and emergent leaders are mentioned. Formal leaders are those assigned to roles, like project managers; emergent leaders are people who take on extra responsibility and demonstrate leadership qualities. Both are essential to sustainability.
Therefore, as a formal leader, you have a responsibility and an opportunity to nurture leadership in your employees. They will be the ones to help you take the company to the next level. By taking an interest in your employees’ personal and professional growth and development, you show you care about them as individuals, not just as employees.
Forty-three percent of construction industry professionals indicated they were significantly influenced in their careers by a superior manager. What kind of influence do you intend to have?
They Take Responsibility and Give Credit Where It’s Due
Despite your best efforts, sometimes things go wrong. When you stand up and take responsibility for your role in a mistake, it builds trust among your employees. They know you won’t unfairly blame them to save your own reputation.
At the same time, a good leader doesn’t take credit for something his or her employees accomplished. Honoring the work they’ve done inspires them to continue.
They’re Flexible
No matter what industry you’re in, throughout your career you’ll be working on a variety of projects with a variety of personalities. For example:
Furthermore, that flexibility will allow you to change direction in a given project to achieve the best results, perhaps based on ideas or feedback from one of your employees.
They Show Their Appreciation
A little gratitude goes a long way. Making your employees feel valued is an essential leadership quality. This post talks suggests getting to know your employees and giving rewards for stellar safety records and other achievements, noting that “…showing gratitude for your workers can help your construction company’s bottom line” because, quite simply, happy employees do a better job.
This all comes down to one overarching quality: honesty. When you act with integrity, communicate openly, show your gratitude, and listen to your employees, they learn to trust you. When they trust you, they can follow you, and then you can lead the company where it needs to go.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com
10 Resume Tips for Professionals in the Construction Industry
10 Resume Tips for Professionals in the Construction Industry
Preparing a resume that is organized, succinct, and eye-catching is one of the best ways for construction professionals to launch a fruitful job search. Eye-catching resumes typically feature highly desired skill sets, relevant certifications, and impressive projects that were completed ahead of schedule and within budget. Below are ten simple resume writing tips that everyone in the construction industry should follow.
1) Tailor your resume to the type of position you are seeking. Employers are often searching for candidates with a specific set of skills. Review commonly required skills for the type of position that you are seeking and be sure to include references to your skills in those areas. Examples of specific skills that are frequently sought in the construction industry include:
- Expertise in construction law
- Incorporation of sustainable design strategies
- Equal Employment Opportunity Employment expertise
2) Include the number of people you managed. It is particularly important to mention work experience that involved supervision of multiple teams of people or a large number of workers. Hiring managers recognize that there is usually a big difference between a candidate who has managed a team of 15 laborers and a candidate who has overseen 150 laborers.
3) Highlight relevant certifications. Industry certifications set professionally trained candidates apart from the pack and often instill confidence in recruiters and hiring managers. Examples of key certifications to consider including are as follows:
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
- Construction Safety Certification
- OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
- Any CPR or First Aid related certifications
4) Highlight three or four of your most notable projects. Be sure to reference the budgets associated with each project to provide hiring executives with an idea of the magnitude of the ventures that you have overseen. You can also showcase your flexibility and breadth of experience by including a diverse collection of projects within the public, commercial, and residential construction arenas.
5) Showcase successful projects that were completed ahead of time or under budget. Continued construction labor shortages are leading to an increase in project delays and overspending. Completing projects ahead of time or under budget is more impressive now than ever, so construction professionals should not be shy about highlighting their ability to exceed client expectations.
6) Reference familiarity with special tools or software. Remaining competitive in the construction industry requires a commitment to learning the latest cutting-edge
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) software
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software
- Familiarity with 3D visualization and architectural animation
7) Prepare an impressive portfolio of references. Include people who can provide feedback regarding your skills and aptitudes. Additionally, if a specific skill is required for a position you are actively pursuing, be sure to include references who can discuss your achievements in that area. For instance, if a position requires a candidate with a history of supervising 100+ workers, make sure that the references you include can speak about your ability to oversee multiple teams of workers.
8) Include your LinkedIn URL. A growing number of hiring managers and recruiters are looking at LinkedIn profiles to confirm candidates’ legitimacy and industry connections. Make sure that your profile is up to date and that there are not any consistencies between information on your LinkedIn profile and your resume.
9) Reference any awards or special recognition you have received. Awards that are relevant to the company or position for which you are applying are especially helpful. Examples of relevant awards include the following:
- Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc (ABC) awards for excellence in construction
- Construction Industry Safety Excellence (CISE) awards for safety improvements
- Any local or state awards received for outstanding achievements in the construction industry
10) Seek the input of an expert staffing professional. Enlisting the assistance of a leading executive staffing agency is one of the best ways to ensure that your resume is professional and complete. A dedicated agency representative can also provide assistance with career coaching and other job-related activities. Ideally, the agency you choose should have decades of experience providing guidance to professionals within the construction industry.
The role of a well-organized resume should not be understated. By following the tips above, construction professionals can enhance their chances of grabbing the attention of hiring managers.
Michael DeSafey is a leading executive recruiter for professionals in the construction, engineering and environmental industries. He is currently the President of Webuild Staffing www.webuildstaffing.com . To learn more about Michael or to follow his blog please visit www.michaeldesafey.com