Baltimore Area Project Managers Ensure Goals, Standards Are Met
While construction managers have typically risen through the ranks to become managers, first learning the trade and then becoming conversant with the managerial aspects of budgeting and time management; increasingly, as projects become bigger and more complex, project managers and construction managers have both on the job experience and a related degree in construction management.
These degrees vary but may include engineering, architecture or various construction sciences/management degrees. There are also certifications available based on both job experience and education. These include: Certified Construction Manager, Professional Constructor/American Institute of Constructors, and the Project Management Professional (PMP).
The Bureau Of Labor Statistics predicts that the outlook for these managers will remain strong from 2012 through 2022 with an increase of 16 percent, well above the 12 percent average.
Project and construction managers are responsible for single or multiple projects and all of the details associated with them such as budgeting, timing, permits, and the handling of personnel related issues such as the hiring of subcontractors and construction crew. Supervisors and foremen may report to them, so they must also be able to work as a team. One of the most important qualifications of this position is the ability to effectively interact with the variety of developers, builders, other professionals and tradesmen necessary to any building or other job site. A large job may even have multiple project managers requiring further coordination of activities.
Some managers are actual employees of the construction company, but many more are self-employed, preferring to work as sub-contractors who own their own businesses. In this way, many specialize in a particular aspect of the construction process or in some particular area, for example, new residential construction or cost estimation.
Project manager jobs in the Baltimore area have been impacted by the loss of the controversial Red Line metro project. The Hogan administration determined that, due to its reliance on an expensive underground tunnel, that the project was not feasible. Its proponents, however, say they will work to revive this $2.9 billion project for its positive impact on the local Baltimore economy. The Red Line is a proposed 14-mile light rail line connecting East and West Baltimore and considered by many to be essential to revitalizing parts of Baltimore.
On the other hand, the Purple Line is a 'go' in the Md-DC suburbs to the tune of $2.4 billion, although the Hogan administration is looking for ways to reduce costs. The Purple Line is a 16 mile east west light rail line running between Bethesda and New Carrollton, Maryland, which is estimated to take five years to build once a proposal is accepted.
Finally, project and construction managers working in the Baltimore area generally work full-time, and salaries range from $59,192 for an entry-level position to $97,104 for a manager with up to seven years experience. Numbers are as of July, 2015. The high salary for Baltimore is listed at $121,191 with seven years experience.
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
