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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Builder

💰 $ - $

ConstructionBuildingTrades

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a skilled Builder responsible for constructing, renovating, and finishing residential and commercial structures. The Builder will interpret plans and specifications, supervise on-site activities, perform diverse trades work (framing, masonry, concrete, roofing, finishing), coordinate subcontractors, ensure strict adherence to safety and building code requirements, and deliver projects on time and within budget. This role requires a practical, hands-on leader comfortable with physical work, equipment operation, and clear communication with stakeholders.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Construction Laborer
  • Carpenter Apprentice
  • Masonry or Roofing Apprentice

Advancement To:

  • Site Supervisor / Foreman
  • Construction Manager / Project Manager
  • General Contractor / Builder Lead
  • Estimator / Construction Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

  • Equipment Operator
  • Safety Officer / HSE Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Read, interpret and work from blueprints, construction drawings, specifications, and shop drawings to accurately lay out and build residential and commercial structures, ensuring alignment with architect and engineer instructions.
  • Perform precise site layout and grade work using laser levels, transit instruments, tapes, and layout tools to set foundations, footings, and framing locations in accordance with project plans and local codes.
  • Build and install structural framing for walls, floors, roofs and partitions using dimensional lumber, engineered lumber, metal studs, and prefabricated components, ensuring plumb, level and square assemblies.
  • Form, pour, finish, and cure concrete for foundations, slabs, steps and footings; execute proper mixing, placement, vibration and finishing techniques to achieve specified strength and surface quality.
  • Install exterior systems including roofing, siding, windows, doors, flashing and waterproofing membranes, ensuring weather-tight building envelope performance and compliance with manufacturer instructions.
  • Execute interior finish work such as drywall installation, taping, mudding, trim carpentry, cabinetry installation, flooring installation, painting touch-ups and finish carpentry to meet quality standards.
  • Perform masonry tasks including block laying, brickwork, stone veneer, mortar mixing, joint tooling and tuckpointing to complete exterior and interior masonry elements.
  • Operate heavy and light equipment safely and effectively (skid steer, excavator, backhoe, forklift, scissor lifts, boom lifts) to support excavation, grading, material handling and installation tasks on-site.
  • Coordinate and supervise subcontractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, glazing, insulation) to integrate disciplines, schedule inspections and maintain project milestones and quality expectations.
  • Conduct daily site inspections and quality control checks, identifying non-conforming work, implementing corrective actions, and documenting progress for site logs and client reports.
  • Maintain compliance with all building codes, local regulations, permits and inspection requirements; prepare for and manage municipal inspections and ensure timely sign-offs.
  • Implement, monitor and enforce job-site safety programs and OSHA requirements, including PPE usage, fall protection, scaffold safety, trenching procedures and toolbox talks to reduce incidents and maintain a safe workplace.
  • Estimate material quantities, produce take-offs and work with procurement to order materials on-time, control waste, and optimize inventory to keep projects on budget and schedule.
  • Read and interpret structural, mechanical and electrical plans to coordinate penetrations, clearances and interface points, resolving conflicts before and during installation.
  • Perform demolition, selective removal, and site preparation activities with attention to hazardous materials procedures, proper disposal and recycling practices.
  • Mentor and train apprentices, new hires and junior tradespeople on safe work practices, construction techniques and company quality standards to build a skilled workforce.
  • Maintain, inspect and repair tools, power equipment and small machinery; perform routine maintenance to ensure reliability and reduce downtime.
  • Prepare and submit daily progress reports, time sheets, material usage logs and site hazard assessments to construction managers and project stakeholders.
  • Read and interpret specifications for finish standards, tolerances, and performance criteria, conducting mock-ups or punch-list reviews to ensure client satisfaction at turnover.
  • Manage on-site change orders and RFIs (Requests for Information) by documenting scope changes, communicating cost/time impacts and obtaining approvals from project management and clients.
  • Implement energy-efficient building techniques and follow green building practices where applicable, including insulation best practices, air sealing, and sustainable material selection.
  • Coordinate logistics for material deliveries, staging, hoisting and waste removal to maximize productivity and minimize site disruption and delays.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist project managers with basic cost tracking, timesheet verifications, and input for weekly progress billing and schedule updates.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on constructability, scheduling constraints and opportunities to improve productivity.
  • Participate in pre-construction meetings, client walkthroughs and handover processes to ensure expectations are set and met.
  • Maintain a clean, organized site by supervising daily housekeeping, proper storage of materials, and safe disposal of debris and hazardous materials.
  • Contribute to company safety committees and participate in periodic safety audits, equipment inspections and training sessions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint reading and construction drawing interpretation (plans, sections, details)
  • Framing, carpentry and finish carpentry (structural framing, trim, cabinetry)
  • Concrete formwork, pouring and finishing
  • Masonry skills (brick, block, stone) and veneer installation
  • Roofing and exterior cladding installation (shingles, metal, siding)
  • Proficiency with hand and power tools (nail guns, saws, drills, grinders)
  • Heavy equipment operation experience (skid steer, excavator, forklift, scissor lift)
  • Scaffolding erection and fall protection systems knowledge
  • Basic mechanical, electrical and plumbing site coordination skills
  • Building codes, permit processes and inspection readiness
  • OSHA 10 / OSHA 30 safety training or equivalent site safety certification
  • Material estimating, construction take-offs and basic procurement coordination
  • Layout and measurement using laser levels, transits and layout tools
  • Demolition, site prep and erosion control practices
  • Welding or metalwork skills (preferred for certain builder roles)
  • Knowledge of sustainable building practices and energy-efficient construction techniques
  • Crane signaling / rigging basics (preferred for multi-trade coordination)
  • Quality control, punch-list execution and client turnover procedures

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication skills for coordinating crews, subcontractors, and clients
  • Leadership and crew supervision with the ability to mentor apprentices
  • Problem-solving and practical decision-making under time and weather pressures
  • Time management and schedule-driven execution to meet project milestones
  • Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship
  • Safety-first mindset and proactive hazard recognition
  • Reliability, punctuality and high work ethic for site-driven environments
  • Adaptability to changing site conditions, design changes and priorities
  • Teamwork and collaboration across trades and stakeholders
  • Professional client-facing demeanor for on-site meetings and walkthroughs

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED); demonstrated practical trade experience required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or trade school diploma in Carpentry, Construction Technology, or Building Trades; OSHA safety certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Management
  • Carpentry / Woodworking
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Building Science / Building Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–10+ years (entry-level laborer to senior builder); most mid-level builder roles require 3–7 years of hands-on construction experience.

Preferred:

3–5 years of residential or commercial building experience, including proven track record with framing, concrete, exterior envelope work, and supervising subcontractors. Prior experience with permit processes, inspections and site safety programs is highly desirable.

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