About

Ask yourself...

  • Are you a good leader?
  • Can you work well with others?
  • Are you interested in a variety of construction trades?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then a career as a First Level Construction Supervisor could be right for you.

First level supervisors are experienced tradespersons who possess all the necessary technical skills of their particular trade or occupation to oversee and coordinate the hands-on activities of journeypersons and apprentice trades-people on construction job sites. They hold primary responsibility for supervising the safety, quality and productivity of construction projects.

Duties

As a First Level Construction Supervisor, your duties may include the following:

  • Supervising, coordinating and scheduling the daily activities of construction trades-people
  • Coordinating work activities with subcontractors
  • Establishing methods to meet work schedules and coordinating work activities with other departments/subcontractors/supervisors/managers
  • Resolving work problems and recommending measures to improve productivity and product quality
  • Ordering materials and supplies
  • Training or arranging for the training of workers in job duties, safety procedures and company policies
  • Ensuring standards for safe working conditions are observed
  • Recommending personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
  • Preparing schedules, work progress, production and other reports
  • Supervising, coordinating and scheduling the activities of related apprentices, helpers and labourers
  • Possibly managing the operations of one’s own company

Work Conditions

The standard work week for a First Level Construction Supervisor is 40 hours (8 hours a day, 5 days a week). As with many careers in construction, there are peak periods that will require you to work overtime. The number of additional hours you work each week depends on the construction sector and region you work in, and will vary from one job to the next.

As a First Level Construction Supervisor, you will work on a construction site and coordinate with project managers to ensure accurate and up-to-date reports. Some supervisors may also perform duties of their trade, working alongside those they oversee.

As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. First level construction supervisors are key personnel in ensuring workplace safety, and they must know and apply occupational health and safety rules and best practices. They are trained to work safely and wear personal protective equipment such as hard hats, gloves and steel-toed boots whenever they are on construction sites.

Training and Certification

First level construction supervisors often begin their career as a certified journeyperson in their trade of choice, and advance to a supervisory role by demonstrating solid leadership skills and excellent on-the-job performance. Additional training will likely be required, and some candidates for a first level supervisor position have upgraded their skills by completing additional trades or supervisory courses.

Alberta has an Industrial Construction Crew Supervisor occupation that requires a combination of training and on-the-job experience. For more information visit the Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education website.

Courses

Canadian Construction Contract Essentials
Communication, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Construction Industry Ethics
Construction Law
Construction Project Management
First Level Supervisor Training Program
Introduction to Understanding Systematic Racism
Pipeline Construction Safety Training
Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace

Anticipated In-Demand Regions

  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Nova Scotia
  • Ontario - Central Region
  • Ontario - Eastern Region
  • Ontario - Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
  • Ontario - Northern Region
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Saskatchewan
Check out the Job Prospects for this trade in your province over the next six years. Click on the Job Prospects box at the top right.

Wage

Salary Gradient
Mid range
$82,370
Salary Range ArrowHigh range
$108,330
The wage range listed here is based on hourly rates multiplied by a 40-hour work week. Wages can vary depending on the contract, company, location and collective agreements (if applicable), as well as local and national economic conditions. Overtime is not included.

The “mid range” wage is based on the national “median” wage reported in the Job Bank career profile for this National Occupational Category (NOC): 7201, 7202, 7203, 7204, 7205, 7301, 7302

Note: Some career profiles may have more than one NOC code associated with them.

Wage data obtained from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.