Aaron Owen

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response or HAZWOPER is an OSHA-certified training required by any architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professional who performs emergency response, cleanup, or corrective actions that deal with the uncontrolled release of hazardous and harmful chemicals or substances. 

Exposure to hazardous substances may result in life-threatening health disorders and safety risks, including explosions, infections, toxins, fires, and burns. This is why AEC professionals are required to gain HAZWOPER certification to handle and manage to work in an environment with harmful chemicals and substances.  

If you’re an aspiring AEC professional, here’s all you need to know about the HAZWOPER certification, including its importance and requirements. Continue reading to find out how Certis Solutions can help you find your next dream job. 

Do I need to be HAZWOPER certified? 

If you belong to any one of the five following groups of employers and their employees, you need HAZWOPER certifications. This also applies to employees or workers engaged in the below-mentioned operations: 

• Cleanup operations conducted by local, state, federal or any other governmental body involve cleaning or dealing with hazardous substances at chemical waste sites.
• Regardless of the hazards’ location, emergency response operations involve the release of or potential threat of release of hazardous substances.
• AEC operations generate harmful waste but aren’t hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities. 
• Hazardous waste operations conducted at TSD facilities are managed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). 
• Corrective actions and operations involve cleanup operations at hazardous waste sites covered under RCRA. 

Moreover, if you’re in any of the following job roles, acquiring an OSHA HAZWOPER certification becomes even more significant to work in the related field:

• Geophysical surveyors 
• Hazardous material specialists
• Equipment operators
• On-site management and supervisors
• On-scene incident commanders
• General laborers 
• Supervisory personnel

HAZWOPER certification: Requirements

To gain HAZWOPER certification, you need to fulfill four major requirements.

1. Baseline physical medical exam 

The HAZWOPER training begins with a medical examination that includes a pulmonary function test (PFT) to test your lung capacity for respiratory use. You must complete the mandatory OSHA medical evaluation and questionnaire with questions related to your previous or pre-existing medical condition and basic health-related questions. 

2. Training based on job classification 

If you’re a general site worker, emergency response worker, or resource conservation and recovery act worker, you must take up to forty-hours of HAZWOPER training courses. The course length and curriculum may vary depending on your job responsibilities. 

3. Respirator fit test 

This testing process involves two types of tests:

• a qualitative test that relies on a candidate’s response to a test agent; and
• a quantitative test to measure the concentration of particles both inside and outside of the mask.

A positive and negative fitting follows this while the candidate cleans up hazardous substances. 

4. Site-specific or on-the-job training 

Going on-site or on-the-job training is a major part of OSHA HAZWOPER certification. The set-up with actual equipment and chemicals offers a real-life situation for participants to take necessary measures while conducting operations to deal with hazardous chemicals.

How long does the HAZWOPER certification last?

A HAZWOPER certification is valid for up to twelve months. You need to take refresher training to maintain certification after it expires. The refresher training helps workers learn about the latest training program advancements to comply with the changing workplace environment. It also enables you to optimize your skills to remain safe at hazardous waste sites or while conducting challenging operations involving hazardous substances and chemicals. 

Based on your job requirements and responsibilities, you can also opt for computer-based refresher training as it covers topics about employees’ assigned duties at a chemically exposed worksite. Please make sure to gain hands-on training to deal with all the tasks involved at a workplace to renew your HAZWOPER certificate. 

Get ready for your next role with Certis Solutions

A technical staffing agency like Certis Solutions advocates for your skills and other work competencies to major AEC firms to provide you with an opportunity to work on some of the industry’s biggest projects. 

The team of skilled recruitment managers and consultants at Certis Solutions help you build your resume, optimize your skills, and connect you with the industry’s leading professionals to find a job that matches your personal and professional goals. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services or to search for your dream AEC job. 

The construction industry is thriving in California for many reasons, including rising housing demands, infrastructure development, wildfire damages, and seismic issues. This gives rise to several employment opportunities to renovate, remodel, design, and construct these structures, attracting thousands of recent graduates and experienced professionals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is one of the largest states in the country, with more than 6,70,000 construction jobs across different job categories and titles. But to get your dream job, you need to work on optimizing your skills and knowledge before even applying for these construction jobs in California.

Here’s a helpful guide when applying for your dream job in the construction industry. Learn how construction staffing firms can assist you in finding your ideal job.

Top considerations when applying for construction jobs

Ready to apply for construction jobs in California? Here are ten things to keep in mind to find the ideal employment opportunity.

1. Subject knowledge

To work in the construction industry, you need to acquire some level of professional education or degree to perform the job duties. You may also need to complete training or an apprenticeship program.

2. Diverse skill set

Regardless of job title, to excel in a career, have a diverse skill set and expertise to perform various tasks. For example, a construction manager needs to demonstrate a balance of multiple skills, including decision-making, leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

3. Physical strength and stamina

This skill is one of the most critical skills that every construction worker must have. While working on-site as a construction worker, you need to lift, pull, load, unload, and carry heavy construction material, so you need to demonstrate excellent physical strength and stamina to perform your duties efficiently.

4. Mental health

A healthy mind increases productivity and creativity and encourages you to excel in a given task. Along with physical health, work on improving and boosting your mental health. If you keep a healthy mindset, you’ll make rational decisions in the workplace and perform your duties with utmost care.

5. Technical skills

You can’t perform tasks well if you don’t have exemplary technical skills. Familiarity with tools, building materials, hazardous chemicals, and techniques is crucial to performing a wide range of tasks and duties in the construction industry. 

6. Certifications and licenses

A certification or license proves you have the proficiency and understanding to handle complex tasks. Some available certifications are listed below. You can acquire them based on your job title and the specialty tasks you want to perform. 

• Green business certification (GBCI)
• American concrete institute (ACI) certification 
• Certified construction manager 
• Crane operation certification

7. Technological knowledge

When you get into more specialized roles, like a construction project manager or engineer, you need to advance your technological knowledge to match the pace of shifting market needs and demands. You must know how to deal with modern technology when designing, restructuring, remodeling, or scanning the structure.

8. Safety construction rules

Most companies list knowing these safety standards as mandatory when applying for a construction job. All construction employers must comply with Cal/OSHA regulations and know the safety standards with the different subchapters, such as Electrical Safety Orders and Construction Safety Orders.

9. Resume requirements

Along with your educational credentials, expertise, and experience, you must work on your resume to find construction jobs in California. Format your resume as per the Application Tracking System (ATS) requirements to ensure it matches the job description for better reach. You must include important keywords, take care of the format, and alter your resume based on the job description to meet the search engine requirements while applying for a construction job online. 

10. Cover letter

It’s good practice to attach a cover letter to your resume; it allows employers to know you better, in your own words. A cover letter should highlight what you would bring to the organization and how your experience and expertise can benefit the company and team. 

Leverage construction staffing solutions: Benefits of working with Certis Solutions

Construction staffing firms like Certis Solutions offer professionals an opportunity to work with top companies in and around California. You get consultation, support, and guidance from experienced project consultants who prepare you for your dream job. Some of the top benefits of working with Certis Solutions include:

• access to companies and job advertisements not listed on other job portals or recruitment sites;
• access to a broad network of architecture, engineering, and construction (ACE) professionals that can help you advance your career and gain experience;
•  opportunity to find long-term employment positions;
• help to find the job that aligns with your professional and personal goals;
• best-in-industry salaries.  

Certis Solutions provides the best construction staffing solutions in California to both new graduates and experienced professionals. Want access to our services? Contact us today!

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.