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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Virtual Construction Coordinator

💰 $85,000 - $125,000

ConstructionBIMVDCEngineeringProject Management

🎯 Role Definition

The Virtual Construction Coordinator (VCC) is responsible for implementing and managing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) processes across projects to support design coordination, prefabrication, schedule simulation (4D), cost integration (5D), and field handover. The VCC federates discipline models, performs proactive clash detection and resolution, produces coordination deliverables, and aligns model LOD/LOI with procurement, fabrication, and installation requirements. This hands-on role interfaces with design teams, trade contractors, procurement, fabrication shops, and field superintendents to translate digital models into safe, efficient, and cost-effective construction outcomes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • BIM Technician / BIM Modeler
  • Field Engineer or Construction Technologist with BIM experience
  • Construction Coordinator with exposure to VDC/BIM workflows

Advancement To:

  • Senior Virtual Construction Manager / VDC Manager
  • BIM Manager / Head of BIM
  • Construction Technology Director or Director of Virtual Construction

Lateral Moves:

  • Prefabrication / Offsite Construction Coordinator
  • Digital Delivery Lead
  • Construction Planning & Scheduling Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead project-level model coordination by federating discipline models (architectural, structural, MEPFP) into a master federated model, managing version control and ensuring model interoperability for clash detection and deliverable generation.
  • Plan, schedule, and facilitate regular multidisciplinary coordination meetings (clash coordination sessions) with designers, subcontractors, and trades to identify, prioritize, and track resolution of design and constructability issues.
  • Perform advanced clash detection and analysis using Navisworks, Solibri, or equivalent tools; document clashes with visualizations, severity ratings, and clear action items tied to responsible parties and deadlines.
  • Develop and maintain the project's BIM Execution Plan (BEP), coordination protocols, naming conventions, LOD/LOI matrices, and model delivery schedules to align project stakeholders and procurement needs.
  • Produce 4D construction simulations (Synchro, Navisworks, or similar) that integrate schedule logic with model geometry to validate constructability, optimize sequencing, and communicate critical path activities to project teams and owners.
  • Integrate cost data and material takeoffs into models for 5D estimating support; generate accurate quantities and change-order support from model-based extractions to accelerate procurement and reduce rework.
  • Coordinate prefabrication and modularization efforts by creating shop-ready models, issuing model-based fabrication packages, and validating tolerances and installation sequences with fabricators and install teams.
  • Manage model health and quality by running model audits, clash-free thresholds, geometry cleanup, mapping of classifications, and cross-checks to ensure models meet quality standards for fabrication and field use.
  • Configure and administer cloud collaboration environments (Autodesk Construction Cloud/BIM 360, Trimble Connect, Procore integrations) to support model sharing, markups, RFIs, submittals, and field access to up-to-date models.
  • Extract and generate construction deliverables including coordinated drawings, layout sheets, material lists, splice and hanger locations, and floor-level details to support field installation and temporary works.
  • Use point-cloud data and laser scanning (FARO, Leica, ReCap) to capture as-built conditions, register scans to models, and perform as-built vs design comparisons for renovation, retrofit, or complex tolerance verification.
  • Translate model coordination outcomes into actionable RFIs, design revision requests, and submittal comments, then track resolution through to closure to minimize schedule impact and inform change management.
  • Work with planners and schedulers to link model elements to CPM schedules, validate sequence logic, optimize crane and logistics plans, and provide model-based schedule updates for stakeholder briefings.
  • Support site layout and installation by generating model-based layout references, GPS/total station export points, and spool drawings to reduce field layout time and improve first-pass installation accuracy.
  • Provide technical leadership to subcontractors and internal teams on model requirements, naming standards, acceptable file formats, and level-of-detail expectations to ensure consistent model delivery across the supply chain.
  • Implement automated workflows and scripting (Dynamo, Revit APIs, Python) to accelerate repetitive tasks such as data exports, clash report generation, and model checks; propose process improvements to the VDC program.
  • Create VR/AR/visualization assets and mobile-friendly model views to support stakeholder walkthroughs, safety briefings, and field coordination using tablets and mixed-reality devices.
  • Maintain a coordination log and dashboard reporting system to track outstanding coordination items, open clashes, responsibility assignment, and resolution dates for executive reporting and audit readiness.
  • Validate fabricated components against model geometry and shop drawings during mobilization and pre-installation meetings; coordinate mock-ups and prefabrication fit-checks to reduce field rework.
  • Support procurement and logistics by providing model-based takeoffs for long-lead items, prefabrication schedules, and assembly sequencing to optimize fabrication shop throughput and delivery windows.
  • Train field supervision, subcontractors, and project stakeholders on model navigation, markups, and model-based QA/QC processes to ensure adoption of VDC workflows and reduce on-site errors.
  • Ensure compliance with client BIM standards, contractual model deliverables, LOD requirements, and local digital delivery mandates; prepare final as-built federated models and handover packages at project closeout.
  • Serve as the liaison between design teams, construction managers, and fabricators to proactively address constructability risks, provide alternate design options where needed, and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc model data requests, visualizations, and exploratory model analysis to answer project-specific constructability or sequencing questions.
  • Contribute to the organization’s VDC/BIM standards, templates, and process roadmap; pilot new technologies and integrations to increase efficiency and data quality across projects.
  • Collaborate with project controls, estimating, and procurement to translate model data into cost, schedule, and risk metrics for integrated project delivery.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the digital construction team to prioritize model deliverables, automation tasks, and coordination milestones.
  • Assist field teams in troubleshooting model-related installation issues during mobilization and commissioning activities.
  • Provide periodic training sessions and create internal documentation on best practices for model setup, clash resolution workflows, and cloud collaboration tools.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert proficiency in Revit (architecture, structure, MEP) and advanced model authoring and coordination workflows.
  • Proficient in Navisworks Manage (clash detection), Solibri Model Checker, or equivalent for model QA/QC and clash management.
  • Experience with 4D and 5D tools (Synchro, Navisworks Timeliner, BPC, Vico Office, or similar) to link CPM schedules and cost data to model geometry.
  • Hands-on experience with Autodesk Construction Cloud / BIM 360 / Field tools for model sharing, markups, RFIs, and field coordination.
  • Ability to generate accurate quantity takeoffs and material extractions from models, and experience exporting data for estimating and procurement.
  • Familiarity with point-cloud processing and laser scanning tools (Autodesk ReCap, FARO Scene, Leica Cyclone) and registering scans to BIM.
  • Knowledge of BIM execution planning, LOD/LOI definitions, model standards, naming conventions, and model delivery requirements.
  • Competency with fabrication tools and model-to-fabrication workflows (Tekla, Advance Steel, Fabrication CADmep) and prefabrication workflows.
  • Basic scripting or automation skills (Dynamo, Revit API, Python) to streamline data exchange, model checking, and reporting.
  • Experience with data visualization, VR/AR, and mobile model viewers for stakeholder engagement and field adoption.
  • Solid understanding of construction sequencing, site logistics, and field installation constraints to validate models against real-world conditions.
  • Proficiency with clash reporting tools and dashboarding (Power BI, Tableau, or similar) to present coordination status and KPIs.

Soft Skills

  • Strong cross-disciplinary communication skills to convey technical model issues to non-technical stakeholders and trade partners.
  • Proven leadership in coordinating multi-contractor teams with the ability to drive decisions and hold parties accountable.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and analytical thinking with focus on practical constructability and buildability solutions.
  • Highly organized with strong time management skills to handle simultaneous coordination streams and deliverable deadlines.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to influence upstream (design) and downstream (field/fabrication) teams.
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality, clash-free models and accurate construction packages.
  • Client-focused attitude with experience presenting technical content to owners and project executives.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new BIM tools and construction technology as digital delivery practices evolve.
  • Coaching and training ability to upskill field and subcontractor teams on model-based workflows.
  • Resilience under pressure and strong follow-through to close coordination items and report on outcomes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's degree or diploma in Construction Technology, Architectural Technology, Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related construction discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil/Mechanical/Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Technology with formal BIM coursework.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Management
  • Architectural or Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineering Technology
  • Digital Construction / BIM Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–8+ years of hands-on BIM/VDC experience in commercial, healthcare, industrial, or infrastructure construction projects.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years coordinating multidisciplinary models and running project-level clash detection and 4D simulations.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting prefabrication/modular construction and producing shop-ready models for fabrication shops.
  • Prior experience working within large general contractors, specialty contractors, or engineering firms on complex, multi-trade projects.
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