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Contractor job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$52,376per year, about $25 an hour
Range$25,920 to $77,000 a year
Hourly$12 to $37 an hour
EducationThe minimum educational requirement for Contractors is a high school diploma.
Also calledGeneral Contractor, Construction Coordinator, Construction Manager
DepartmentConstruction
The role

What is a Contractor?

Contractors have a responsibility to coordinate building projects and oversee all their aspects.

They arrange everything from materials and equipment to workers and services needed for completing a particular project.

Contractors also guarantee project completion in an adequate and timely manner. Because their duties differ depending on the project’s size and scope, contractors need to be reliable, experienced, and highly qualified to perform the job.

What to screen for

The top Contractor skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
Project Management SkillsEffective project management ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Contractors need to plan, organize, and oversee construction projects from start to finish, coordinating with various stakeholders and managing resources efficiently. Strong project management skills help in mitigating risks, addressing issues promptly, and ensuring smooth project execution.
Technical ExpertiseA deep understanding of construction methods, materials, and regulations is essential for a contractor. Technical expertise enables contractors to provide accurate estimates, make informed decisions, and ensure that construction meets safety and quality standards. This knowledge is crucial for troubleshooting problems, improving efficiency, and delivering high-quality work that meets client expectations.
Communication SkillsClear and effective communication is vital for coordinating with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and team members. Good communication skills help in setting expectations, providing updates, and resolving conflicts. They ensure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page, which is crucial for the successful completion of the project and maintaining positive relationships with all parties involved.
Problem-Solving and Critical ThinkingConstruction projects often encounter unexpected challenges, such as delays, budget overruns, or technical issues. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills enable contractors to assess situations quickly, identify potential solutions, and implement effective strategies to overcome obstacles. These skills ensure that projects stay on track and that any issues are resolved promptly and efficiently.
Leadership and Team ManagementContractors often lead a team of workers and subcontractors, requiring strong leadership and team management skills. Effective leadership ensures that the team is motivated, productive, and working towards common goals. Good team management includes delegating tasks appropriately, providing guidance and support, and fostering a positive work environment. This helps in maintaining high morale, reducing turnover, and ensuring the successful completion of the project.
Free template

The job description, ready to post.

Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.

ContractorConstruction · Free to use and edit

Are you a skilled Contractor looking to take your career to the next level? Our company is seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to join our dynamic team. In this role, you'll be responsible for overseeing various construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

As a contractor with us, you'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, collaborate with a motivated team, and contribute to the growth and success of our company. If you have a strong background in construction management, excellent organizational skills, and a keen eye for detail, we want to hear from you!

Duties and responsibilities

  • Plan construction projects from beginning to end.
  • Estimate the cost of materials, labor, machinery, and equipment, and predict other expenses to formulate an accurate bid price.
  • Prepare presentations to illustrate a timeline of each particular project.
  • Work with other contractors and team members to ensure better working performance.
  • Follow industry laws and regulations.
  • Ensure the safety of employees and other workers on the job site.
  • Visit job sites and inspect buildings and other elements to ensure everything is up to code.
  • Inspect the quality of work and motivate employees to follow deadlines and deliver quality work.
  • Complete the necessary paperwork regarding building projects, including financial reports.

Requirements

  • High school diploma required; bachelor's degree in construction management preferred.
  • Valid contractor license.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in the construction field.
  • Hands-on experience with residential construction and renovation projects.
  • Strong business and communication skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet all industry regulations.
  • Experience using project management software.
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

Take the template with you

Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

What education this role needs.

The minimum educational requirement for Contractors is a high school diploma.

However, there's an increase in the need for a bachelor's or associate degree in construction management.

Although experience in the industry is still the most crucial requirement, Contractors who want to advance in their careers usually have to achieve a higher level of education.

After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a Contractor.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • What inspired you to pursue a career as a contractor, and what do you find most rewarding about this work?
  • Can you share a personal strength that you believe makes you particularly effective as a contractor?
  • Describe a challenging construction project you managed and how you overcame the obstacles.
Human Resources
  • What type of work environment do you find most conducive to leading a successful construction project?
  • How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with subcontractors, clients, or team members?
  • How do you stay current with best practices and developments in the construction industry?
Management
  • How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple construction projects simultaneously?
  • Describe a time when you had to motivate and manage a diverse team of workers and subcontractors to meet a project deadline.
  • Can you give an example of a project where you identified potential risks early on and implemented measures to mitigate them?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • How do you stay updated on the latest construction methods and technologies, and how do you incorporate them into your projects?
  • Describe how you ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and other legal requirements in your projects.
  • Can you provide an example of a technical issue that arose during a project and how you resolved it?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$25,920
25th percentile$32,000
Median$52,376
75th percentile$54,000
90th percentile$77,000

Hourly equivalents run from $12 at the 10th percentile to $37 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

General Contractor

Construction Coordinator

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager is your go-to expert for steering construction projects from start to finish.

$95,168 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What qualifications should a Contractor possess?

A Contractor should have relevant education and certifications, such as a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.

They should also have a contractor’s license, which often requires passing an exam and meeting experience requirements.

Additionally, strong project management skills, technical expertise in construction methods, and familiarity with building codes and regulations are essential.

How can we ensure our Contractors maintain high safety standards on the job site?

Employers can ensure high safety standards by providing regular safety training, enforcing compliance with OSHA and other regulatory guidelines, and conducting frequent safety audits.

Providing the necessary safety equipment, fostering a culture of safety, and encouraging open communication about hazards can also help maintain a safe job site.

What are the key attributes to look for when hiring a Contractor?

Key attributes include strong project management skills, technical expertise, effective communication skills, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, and leadership and team management skills.

These attributes ensure that contractors can handle complex projects, manage teams effectively, and deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.

How can we assess the suitability of a candidate for the Contractor position during the interview process?

Employers can assess suitability by asking candidates to discuss their experience managing construction projects, describe how they handle specific challenges, and demonstrate their knowledge of construction methods and regulations.

Practical evaluations, such as reviewing past project portfolios or discussing case studies, can also provide insights into their technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, checking references and verifying licensing and certifications are crucial steps.

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