Archives for March 2024

Working in construction is one field with many jobs and areas of interest. One of these areas is construction management jobs. These jobs involve overseeing construction projects from start to finish to ensure safety on site and deliver the best results on time. 

Construction management jobs are ideal for organized and strategic individuals since you’ll also act as a project manager. Some of the duties of a construction project manager can include budgeting, planning, and working in collaboration with architects on designs, construction laborers, and other engineers.

Construction management career: Options available to you

One of the amazing things about construction management is how versatile it is with many different career paths. There are several roles related to different fields of construction available to AEC professionals. Choosing the right career path would depend on your skills and areas of expertise. 

Learning more about each of the career paths in this lucrative field can also help you decide which is right for you or discover a new area you’d like to explore. Many of these roles will require some form of training, experience, and other relevant qualifications to be successful. Keep reading to learn more about and consider the following roles if you’re interested in finding a construction management job.

Construction management jobs: A detailed guide

Construction Manager

Construction Managers supervise the construction activities of a project, which include things like ordering materials, budgeting, negotiating with subcontractors, managing builders, and more. They also ensure every part of the project is conducted in compliance with local regulations. In some cases, they may be a point of contact with the client and provide them with updates.

Project Manager

Project Managers in the construction management field are in charge of every stage of the project. They work with the client to develop timelines, budgets, and deliverables, and monitor the progress of the project. Some of their other responsibilities may include hiring team members and providing cost estimates. They may also provide insights on infrastructure management, repairing and replacing products, and more.

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinators provide support and assist project managers on construction projects. They help coordinate with hiring, manage schedules, track project performance, and develop progress reports. They’re also in charge of coordinating planning, control, and completion of the technical requirements of the project.

Site Superintendent

Site Superintendents are in charge of the day-to-day operations of a construction project. They manage the activities and tasks at the project site, including developing work schedules and cost estimates. These individuals monitor the construction team to ensure they develop the project in line with safety regulations.

Site Coordinator

Site Coordinators manage, coordinate, and direct all site activities to ensure the project is completed successfully. They usually work with a general contractor on site to ensure daily activities like purchasing building materials, negotiating with clients, suppliers and subcontractors, and preparing progress reports are done on time. They’re generally responsible for ensuring equipment functions properly, coordinating work activities within the budget, and ensuring construction workers have what they need to perform their duties.

Project Engineer

A Project Engineer is in charge of the success of a construction project. They work with contractors, construction crew, and other site engineers to manage the business end of projects. The job also involves having leadership skills because they act as the go-between for the people involved in a construction project.

Field Engineer

Construction Field Engineers are responsible for managing efficiency in a project. They’re in charge of technical aspects, solve whatever challenges arise during the project, and communicate with the project owner about the project’s needs. Field engineers will also help in developing designs and assessing building materials and processes to boost efficiency in construction operations.

General Contractor

A General Contractor manages the entire construction crew. They work on a variety of projects including commercial and residential buildings. Their duties include managing professionals on construction sites, ensuring the site maintains local safety standards, and submitting applications for building permits. GCs are an AEC contracted to build the project.

Interview tips: How to prepare 

Research the company. Learn as much as possible about the company you’re interviewing with. It’ll give you insights on who their competitors are, their challenges, and new developments in the industry.

Define your value proposition. It’s important to have a good idea of what value you’ll be adding to the company and why they should hire you. This can consist of your skills, interests, work experience, and related abilities.

Anticipate the tell me about yourself question. This question is dreaded by many job seekers but is almost always the first question an interviewer will ask. In most cases, companies are looking for personal history. They’re looking for the right personal fits just as much as candidates are. Your answer should cover your educational background and qualifications, relevant experience, and why you’re interested in the role.

Prepare questions. There are numerous applicants vying for the same job so it’s crucial to find ways to make yourself stand out. Asking insightful questions can keep interviewers from screening you out. Make a list of questions after researching the company that reflect your interest in the company and show you’ve made an effort to learn more about them.

Practice. Interviews can be nerve-racking, but they don’t have to be. Working with an engineering staffing company to perfect your interviewing skills can help take off some of the anxiety about the process. Their team will walk you through common questions asked during construction management job interviews and how to answer them best. It also helps to practice answers out loud on your own to boost confidence and help you answer questions articulately. 

Show assertiveness. Handle the interview like a conversation between you and a friend. Actively participate in the conversation so the interviewer doesn’t end up driving the entire interaction. Try not to see the interviewer as an adversary and make an effort to form a relationship with them. 

Get started in construction management with Certis Solutions

Finding your dream role in a career in Construction Management can be a lengthy process. Given that the industry comprises many specialities and job roles, working with an engineering staffing agency can make the process much easier. 

Certis Solutions works with entry level construction management job seekers as well as experienced and seasoned AEC professionals. Contact us today and we’ll work with you to leverage our connections and find you the right job from our extensive database of construction jobs. 

Earthquakes, wildfires, the global pandemic, rising housing demands, and infrastructure needs in California play a significant role in generating new opportunities in the construction industry. In fact, construction is the second-fastest growing industry for jobs in parts of Northern California, including Sonoma County.

With rising job opportunities and an increase in construction projects, now is the best time for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals to apply for different construction jobs in California. But if you’d like to know what the current job market looks like and how you get into construction, read below. 

Getting involved in California’s growing construction industry

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States, job opportunities in construction and extraction are expected to grow by 6 percent by 2030. The construction industry in the country is witnessing growth within different job titles, including:

• Construction Project Managers (11 percent)
• Construction Laborers and Helpers (7 percent)
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers (7 percent)
• Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters (6 percent)
• Elevator and Escalator Installers (6 percent)
• Construction and Building Inspectors (5 percent)

The construction industry offers career stability and vast opportunities in different fields of specialization within the industry. Moreover, salaries across other construction jobs are on the rise. In fact, the average hourly construction salary has increased by 3.2 percent per year, while also decreasing the unemployment rate to 4 percent in the country.

How to get into construction

Understand the industry

Read about the different jobs available within the industry and the respective roles and responsibilities to understand your area of expertise and where it could fit.

Find out who the big players are

An important part of getting into the construction industry is knowing the top companies and firms. When you work with leading companies, you get maximum exposure, a pathway for career development, and growth through formal training and lessons from successful industry professionals, and an opportunity to broaden your network.

Identify necessary qualifications and accreditations

To get into your desired role, work on gaining the required educational credentials and skills. AEC professionals should acquire training or get into an apprenticeship program to gain in-depth knowledge of their respective fields.

Building a network with industry professionals

Only professionals working within an industry can give you insights into the job outlook in the market, so connect with industry professionals to broaden your knowledge about the company. Attending industry-specific seminars, workshops, and corporate events can help you build strong relationships with other construction industry professionals.

Join professional societies

The best way to find professional societies is by browsing through different social media platforms. Look for construction societies and groups online, and get hold of industry professionals as they can help you with industry insights and possible job openings in your desired construction firms. You can connect with participants in construction-industry-specific societies on a personal level to learn tips and tricks to get into the desired role or job position.

Apply for internships

Internships make the perfect choice for new graduates to polish their skills and work on an actual construction site or project to implement what they’ve learned in school. You get trained to perform various tasks within the industry to gain more hands-on experience in different construction work, including planning, executing, managing, and compliance monitoring.

Land construction jobs in California with Certis Solutions

A construction staffing agency like Certis Solutions makes finding your dream job in the construction industry easier and more convenient. It provides you with an opportunity to work on top industry construction projects as it shares proximate relationships with various construction firms.

Certis Solutions helps you get hold of firms or construction companies not listed on any job portal like LinkedIn. You also get an opportunity to expand your network as we connect you with top industry professionals, which paves the way to get into the industry.

Our dedicated account managers and technical recruiters provide continuous support and guidance to help you stand out among other candidates. Moreover, Certis Solutions enables you to find a job that meets both your professional and personal goals.

Get in touch with our dedicated team that helps you find your dream construction job. You can also visit our website to browse our broad areas of expertise, including construction, environmental resources, and engineering. 

Waiting to hear back from organizations after interviewing with them is sometimes more stressful than the period before your interview. You may want to know how you did but may not know how to approach the interviewer. 

As an AEC professional, sending a follow-up email after your interview is a great way to stand out. It’ll also remind the interviewer that you’re the best candidate for the role.

After the job interview 

After your construction job interview, the next thing you should do is send a follow-up email to the recruiter. Sending them a quick message a day or two after shows you’re passionate about the position. It also gives you the chance to say anything you forgot during the interview or something you thought of after.

Five reasons to follow up after a construction job interview

1. To get updates

Following up with the interviewer can help with updates on what to expect in the next stage of the application. Start off on the right note by sending a thank you email to appreciate their time. You can then go ahead to ask for an update on how you did and what to expect next in the hiring process. 

Supervisors have many responsibilities, and seeing your message might remind the recruiter to proceed to the next step. You’ll likely be the first person they reach out to if you qualify for the next steps.

2. Get their attention 

Interviewers speak with many people per role, and it’s easy to get forgotten after the interview. Consider that other candidates may have also performed well in the interview so the interviewer has a lot of options. Sending a follow-up email after your construction job interview refreshes the interviewer’s memory and reminds them about what made you stand out. 

You may also add an anecdote from the discussion in your message to reinforce your presence in their mind. Another helpful tip is to use the same email thread where the interview was scheduled. Doing this will help the recruiter recognize you. 

3. It gives you a second shot 

It’s concerning if you missed a question or forgot to mention an important detail during your interview. Omitting information is common, but what you do after can make a difference. Use a follow-up message to answer any questions you feel you didn’t handle well. 

You can also ask more questions about the organization or share your thoughts on some of the things you discussed. Working with an AEC staffing agency can help you craft the right message to the interviewer. You’ll work together to develop a comprehensive email using the right tone so you don’t omit any other information. 

4. It shows interest

A follow-up message after an interview shows you’re still interested in the role. The company would be more interested in hiring someone who is enthusiastic about working with them. Always include specific details about the position you’re excited about working on. 

You can also talk about what you hope to accomplish as a way to remind them of your skills. It’ll show them you’re already thinking of ways to bring value and help them achieve their business goals.

5. Gain feedback

You can also do a follow-up if you aren’t selected for a role. It’ll be an excellent opportunity to learn about what went wrong and why they didn’t choose you. The interviewer might be willing to give you helpful feedback notes that will improve your next interview. 

Kickstart your career in construction with Certis Solutions

While following up after a construction job interview can be helpful, don’t be pushy. Some companies aren’t good at providing feedback and may not respond to your messages. It’s best to let it go if you don’t get an answer.

Our specialized recruiters at Certis Solutions have the skills to guide you through your post-interview follow-ups. Contact us today for tips on acing your interview and finding your next job.

Drafters are responsible for drawings and blueprints, ensuring the structural integrity of large-scale and small-scale construction projects. An AEC drafter is responsible for creating the guidelines and precise schematics for both new builds and renovations. They perform their work either using computer-aided design software like AutoCAD or drawing by hand. 

We’ve got you covered if you’re interested in becoming a drafter or wondering what the average Drafters salary is. Drafters’ salaries vary by industry and experience, so it’s difficult to put a specific number to it. We’ll explore their average salary per industry and what you can expect to make as a qualified Drafter.

Becoming a Drafter in California: What to expect

To become a certified Drafter in California, you must pass a Drafters Certification Test. These tests are periodically done at ADDA-authorized sites, covering topics like drafting concepts, architectural terms and standards, and geometric construction. 

The average salary for California-based drafters is $61,820 per year. Depending on your employer, you may also be eligible for health insurance, sick leave, and retirement plans. Working with a technical staffing agency in the search for employment as a Drafter can ensure you get a job that is right for you.

Drafters’ salary by industry: Insights for 2023

Drafters in the United States make about $54,240 annually, which equals $28.04 per hour. Several factors can influence this figure to trend higher or lower. Factors such as your industry or location influence salaries. Drafters with the same skills and experience can make more than others in some states. Here’s a look at how much drafters make according to their industry. All figures are obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary estimates for drafters in 2021.

The electrical industry 

These drafters work with engineers to create drawings used for electrical wiring for projects like power plants. They’ll typically visit the project site to assess the structure and create drawings for proper wiring per industry regulations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electrical Drafters make about $77,780 per year as of 2021.

The civil industry

Civil drafters develop sketches and drawings for infrastructure development projects like highways. The average salary for drafters in this industry is $61,630 in 2021.

The architectural industry

These Drafters create drawings for construction projects, such as school buildings and factories. They work with architects and engineers to turn their plans into blueprints to ensure they are completed according to industry stands. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Architectural Drafters made $61,630 per year as of 2021.

The marine industry 

These Drafters define where critical systems like plumbing and electrical should be so the facilities comply with industry regulations. Drafters in this industry earn $57,660 per year as of 2021.

The mechanical industry 

In the mechanical industry, Drafters work on drawings and diagrams for mechanical products. They outline the required dimensions of the products and also give details for assembling them. Mechanical Drafters earn $52,450 as of 2021.

Certis: Guiding you toward your dream role

A technical staffing agency like Certis Solutions can help new and experienced Drafters find their ideal job. Whatever your industry may be, we can help you land the perfect job from our extensive database of industry connections. Contact us today to get started.

Emergency restoration service workers specialize in restoring properties damaged by environmental and chemical agents, such as mold, water, and asbestos. Emergency restoration also covers restoring properties damaged by disasters, such as fires and accidents. They offer several services, including preventative care, by planning to prevent damages from happening. 

These companies train extensively to use the right tools, testing, and inspection methods to estimate damage level and properly plan restoration. They help people impacted by crises to recover their properties quickly and safely by cleaning damaged sites.

Why emergency restoration service jobs are in high demand

The demand for emergency restoration services grows yearly as the world becomes more aware of the dangers of property damage. Things like chemicals and other agents can cause harm to the environment and individuals’ health. Let’s take a look at some of the factors influencing the growing demand for emergency restoration services.

1. Increased awareness

There’s growing awareness of the dangers of chemicals in our immediate physical environment. People are keen to avoid agents like mold and asbestos, which pose significant health risks. Thanks to advanced technology, you can now easily detect mold problems in your home. This means more people now know when they need help from emergency restoration services.  

2. Better supplies and equipment 

A career in emergency restoration has become more attractive since the tools of the trade are more advanced. Jobs are more straightforward. Cleaning supplies have fewer harsh chemicals and are better at cleaning. Equipment like dehumidifiers are more affordable and optimized to make the job efficient.

3. Natural disasters 

Incidences of natural disasters have increased over the last few years. It’s helpful to have many emergency restoration companies in places like California, where widespread wildfires occur. Other areas prone to floods, hurricanes, and heavy storms also benefit from having emergency workers readily available. These firms specializing in emergency restoration improve living in disaster-prone regions, so they’re in high demand.

4. Aged infrastructure 

Buildings deteriorate as they get older. The demand for people who can fix the problems associated with age grows as people’s homes’ structural integrity declines. These buildings become more dangerous to live in because of water damage and mold.

Types of emergency restoration services jobs

There are many jobs available with a career in restoration services. The industry covers several areas, and workers will often specialize in a specific area depending on the type of damage. Some of the types of restoration services include:

• Jobs in water damage restoration 

Water is one of the most common reasons for property damage. Things like heavy rains, hurricanes, and leaky pipes can compromise a building’s integrity. With a job in water damage restoration, you’ll repair the damage and remove excess water in buildings, using advanced equipment. 

• Jobs in flood and storm damage restoration 

Buildings affected by floods need serious repairs to restore them to a livable condition. The damage affecting these buildings need to be restored as quickly as possible to reduce the impact of flooding. Typical work activities include:

• Pumping out excess water
• Removing furniture and other damaged belongings
• Decontaminating the buildings

Storm damage restoration may involve fixing damage caused by wind and hail. You’ll also provide preventative maintenance and secure buildings against future damage.

• Jobs in fire damage restoration 

Fire disasters  leave more than scorched buildings behind. If not cleaned properly, toxic gasses and smoke after a fire can harm the building’s occupants. Your work in fire damage restoration will include using specialized equipment and techniques to deodorize and clean the building. You’ll also install safety tarps to seal the airspace around the location to contain the toxic gasses. 

• Jobs in mineral and fungal damage restoration

Mold often occurs due to water damage left unchecked. There are many types of mold, and almost all of these fungi pose a health risk. A job in chemical damage restoration involves using professional methods to remove and clean the affected areas. Naturally occurring minerals like asbestos also need to be professionally remediated as they cause diseases, such as lung cancer.

Benefits of starting a career in restoration

A career in restoration can be quite beneficial and rewarding. Below are a few benefits you can look forward to if interested in pursuing this career path. 

Take part in a growing market—things like the increasing number of natural disasters and the knowledge on structural damages to a property mean the restoration industry will continue to grow. With the right tools and training, starting a career in restoration can be lucrative. There are numerous growth opportunities for success and to significantly advance your career. 

Advanced training is available—players in the industry are now held to higher standards, and new regulations are in place. Special training ensures workers are well prepared to carry out their duties efficiently. You’ll also grow your skills and become a valuable asset, making yourself more marketable to employers.

Job security—the constant threat of natural disasters, environmental factors, time, and physical agents will also ensure a steady restoration job market. Going into this career, you can be sure there will always be demand for your services.

How to get started in the emergency restoration industry 

The best way to get started in the emergency restoration industry is by gaining work experience. Many companies will hire you with no experience for low-level jobs that don’t require expertise. You can use this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the job environment to see if it’s a career you want. 

The next step is to acquire appropriate training. You’ll need to get training in fire, water, and mold restoration as these areas have the highest focus. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides training and certifications that teach the required skills for the industry. You can also choose your specialty and get as many certifications as possible in that area to become an expert. 

Having these certifications will give you a competitive edge and increase your chances of advancing in your career. You’ll learn appropriate ways to respond to emergencies while keeping yourself and others safe. 

Finally, the restoration industry is often challenging and demanding, so you’ll need to work hard and apply yourself. Doing this will show employers you’re willing to do what needs to be done. This can-do attitude will help you gain referrals for better jobs. 

There’s a continuous need for emergency restoration workers that won’t slow down anytime soon. If you’re interested in beginning your career in emergency restoration relief, we advise you to work with a qualified AEC staffing agency. 

Certis Solutions provides technical professionals with the resources they need to get the best jobs in the emergency restoration industry. Contact us today to learn how our account managers and recruiters can help you grow in your career.

Engineering is a dynamic field with various areas of specialization, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical. For the engineering skills you need to add to your resume, read below. In this blog, you can also learn how a staffing agency can help you get your dream engineering job.

Must-have skills for engineering jobs

With growing market competition, it has become important for young engineering graduates to advance their knowledge and skills to stand out among other applicants. Here are a few must-have skills for engineering graduates.

1. Communication skills

Regardless of your job title or field of study, excellent communication is the key to getting your dream job. An engineer has daily dealings with employees and supervisors to discuss the plan, design, technical information, or chemical theories, meaning you need to demonstrate excellent communication skills to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely.

2. Critical thinking

When looking for engineering jobs in California, or the rest of the country, work on upgrading your critical thinking skills as many employers value efficiency and problem-solving abilities. Critical thinking skills demonstrate a rational approach and understanding of any given topic. 

3. Complex problem-solving

Problem-solving is an essential engineering skill all new graduates must acquire to be successful in their respective fields. You must analyze and identify the problem and work mindfully to find a solution. A successful engineer possesses excellent problem-solving skills.

4. Technical skills

Technical skills may vary depending on the area of specialization. For example, a water resources engineer needs to be proficient with different modeling software, whereas a mechanical engineer must know how to design and construct machines. You should have the theoretical and practical knowledge to perform your job duties well.

5. Collaboration and teamwork skills

Team-building and collaboration are traits of a successful engineer. Be a team player; acknowledge everyone’s ideas, encourage participation, ask questions, avoid conflict, and listen to feedback. Teamwork helps increase productivity and motivates everyone to work together to achieve the predetermined goal of a company/organization.

A staffing agency can help you prepare for your first engineering job

In many cases, engineering graduates work hard to attain their degrees and sharpen their engineering skills, but often get lost in the process of finding a job that matches their expertise, requirements, and expectations. As such, a staffing agency can help with staying focused while job hunting.

A staffing and recruiting agency can help in many ways, from recommending jobs and providing resume support, to preparing candidates for interviews and suggesting follow-up interview steps. Below are a few reasons that make a staffing agency the perfect choice if you’re looking for engineering jobs in California or other states.

• Technical recruiters get to know you, they understand your job expectations, requirements, and field of specialization so as to align your skill set and desires with jobs available in the market.
• Before job-hunting, a staffing agency helps you refine your resume and build an engineering portfolio that demonstrates your work competencies and skills for the job you’re targeting. 
• Staffing agencies have a strong network, which means they can recommend you to employers looking to hire engineers at your level.
• Recruiters help you prepare for interviews by boosting your confidence and encouraging you to expand upon your impressive engineering skills.
• After an interview or screening, staffing agencies connect with the employer to collect feedback on your application and interview to help you better prepare for future opportunities.

Looking for your ideal job? Visit Certis Solutions. With more than seventy years of combined industry experience, we’ve helped many engineering graduates find their desired jobs. Start here to find engineering jobs in top companies in the United States.