DESIGN/PRE-CONSTRUCTION

Design and pre-construction includes occupations related to the management and planning of building and construction project process and resources.

CAREER DETAILS

Description:
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Tasks:

  • Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
  • Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
  • Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
  • Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
  • Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.

*Additional tasks may be needed for this career.

Average Salary:
$39,510 – $105,240

Description:
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

Tasks:

  • Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
  • Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
  • Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.
  • Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
  • Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.

*Additional tasks may be needed for this career.

Average Salary:
$46,420 – $140,460

Description:
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

Tasks:

  • Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
  • Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
  • Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
  • Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
  • Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.

*Additional tasks may be needed for this career.

Average Salary:
$54,510 – $139,390

VIRGINIA WIZARD

Learn more about the careers above and others in construction by visiting the Virginia Education Wizard.