In brief, a job description summarizes an employee’s areas of activity and responsibility. For the employer, a job description serves three functions: It helps you to communicate your expectations to an employee in a clear, concise way; it focuses your expectations when hiring through objective criteria for skills and experience; and it provides a basis to evaluate employee performance.
Anatomy of a job description
A basic job description suitable for a construction company includes eight parts, starting with the title. Here’s an outline:
JOB TITLE |
For example: Lead carpenter |
POSITION DESCRIPTION |
A craftsman, preferably a carpenter, with extensive skill and experience in performing home construction and remodeling able to manage job sites with multiple employees and subcontractors. |
JOB REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS |
Education – Associate’s degree in construction Experience – Minimum of five years in all phases of residential construction. Supervisory experience. Knowledge – Extensive knowledge of residential construction and remodeling trades. Proficient at blueprint reading and specifications. Able to oversee quality control, cost control, and safety and applicable building codes. Able to do layout, framing, finishing of typical projects, including new homes, room additions, and remodeling. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, to communicate with employees, subcontractors, suppliers, and the front office. Mathematical skills and analytical skills necessary to interpret job-cost reports. Computer – Competent in the use of Word, Excel, and able to learn quickly and use scheduling and project management software. Timberline experience a plus. |
RESPONSIBILITIES
|
Organize schedules and chart progress of multiple employees and trade contractors on a single job site. Order materials and verify accurate deliveries. Identify potential schedule conflicts, and implement and report needed modifications. Provide clear directions, and answer questions about construction processes to employees and subcontractors. Evaluate and enforce safety regulations and best practices in compliance with company safety policy and OSHA requirements. Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships during project, and facilitate prompt resolution of conflicts as they occur. Complete and fulfill paperwork required for daily progress reports, update scheduling software, generate purchase orders, and complete time sheets. Act as liaison between office and job site. Provide excellent customer care to homeowners. |
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL CONTACTS
|
Lead carpenter reports to the company owner and coordinates with the project manager. Interacts with employees and subcontractors on site on behalf of and in the interests of the company. Coordinates scheduling and resource sharing across all company projects with the project manager. The lead carpenter represents the company favorably and professionally with the homeowner. |
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
|
Job requires ability to perform tasks on all aspects of construction project. Requires ability to climb ladders for heights of up to 60 ft., and crawl for distances of 50 ft. Job requires ability to work with tools, lumber, and materials. Ability to lift and manipulate objects of up to 80 lb. for 50 ft. |
WORKING CONDITIONS |
At least 90% of time spent on job site. 5% at office meetings. 5% driving. Extensive driving required; a reliable vehicle able to transport tools and light material loads required. Hazards – Normal hazards associated with construction environment, including heights, toxic materials, and power tools. |
COMPENSATION |
Hourly wage commensurate with experience, from $15 to $25. Standard mileage reimbursement for use of personal vehicle. Tool repair and maintenance provided. |
For more information, you will find a host of useful job-description templates published by the National Association of Home Builders in Job Descriptions for the Home Building Industry (BuilderBooks; 3 edition; January 2003).
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You will find a host of useful job-description templates published by the National Association of Home Builders in Job Descriptions for the Home Building Industry (BuilderBooks; 3 edition; January 2003).