Careers in New Construction
Do you enjoy building and working with your hands? New construction careers keep you active and allow you to create much needed new housing in your community.
The U.S. is experiencing an unprecedented housing shortage that has led to high demand and dramatic cost increases, and this will require many more new homes to be built to meet this immediate need. Buildings can also be a major source of carbon emissions, however the building code is changing to require increased energy efficiency. This career pathway allows you to be involved with building homes from the ground up with new materials and to build them right the first time, keeping efficiency high and carbon emissions low.
These careers will continue to have large numbers of job opportunities due to the current workforce soon retiring and a strong emphasis on scaling up new homebuilding, ensuring good pay and great job stability for the future.
Carpenter
Career Pathway
Pay Range
$16 - $44 per hour / $33,280 - $91,520 annualRole Description
Residential carpenters can learn the field through on-the-job training or a post-secondary (college or community college) certificate or degree program. Post-secondary certificate programs last 1-2 years and are designed to acquaint you with hand tools and power tools and develop fundamental skills in handling, measuring, altering, and assembling construction materials. Courses may cover such topics as framing, foundations, drywalling, siding, trim, roofing, and safety.
A pre-apprenticeship program will also give you the foundations for this role, and you can then find work as a carpenter's helper. Working with a journey level or master carpenter allows you to learn the carpenter's profession on-the-job, while you obtain and improve your skills with the tools of your trade.
Work opportunities exist through general contractors, specialty contractors, or creating your own business in the building industry. A common strategy for those with sufficient experience is to alternate working for a contractor and working for yourself, depending on job availability. You may also accumulate experience in different areas of construction, learning the entire process and becoming a carpentry supervisor, general construction site supervisor, or superintendent.
Benefits
- High demand, essential work
- High earning potential often with benefits
- Get started quickly
- Lots of variety and skill-sharing opportunities
Challenges
- Carpentry work is very physical and involves standing, climbing, kneeling, lifting, and squatting
- Work conditions vary with each job, but often include open-air environments
- Carpenters must be in good health, agile, and have good hand-eye coordination
- Key skills include math, attention to detail, and problem-solving
Career Pathway Trainings
- Sustainable Homes Professional (SHP) – Earth Advantage
- Building Construction Certificate Program – Portland Community College
- Carpentry Apprenticeship Program - Northwest College of Construction
Site Supervisor
Career Pathway
Pay Range
$30 - $63 hour / $62,400 - $131,040 annualRole Description
The Site Supervisor (also known as Superintendent, Field Supervisor, or Construction Supervisor) oversees field activities including leading construction crews and providing onsite supervision controlling all aspects of day-to-day field operations with a goal of ensuring the project is technically sound and meets construction guidelines. This position leads interactions with clients, provides guidance and coordination to workers, supervises inspections, reviews specifications and proposals, assists with estimates, manages materials and supply shipments, and identifies issues and solutions.
The role of Site Supervisor does require approximately 5-10 years of experience and strong technical understanding of construction and building science, as well as OSHA certification with a prioritization of job site safety. A technician interested in advancement can show interest in this role by pursuing advanced training (listed below). Other requirements are leadership skills such as clear and respectful communication, ability to troubleshoot and solve problems, and the ability to set up channels of accountability on the job site.
Benefits
- High projected need for this position with long-term job stability
- Strong earnings potential, with many companies offering bonuses
- Diverse workday managing a variety of tasks
- This type of position gives you the experience to open your own business
Challenges
- High degree of responsibility
- Days can be long and physically difficult
- Can be a high-stress job
- Working in adverse weather conditions
Career Pathway Trainings
- Associates or Bachelor’s level coursework:
- Advanced (green building) training