Page 9 - Careers in Renewable Energy

one or more green construction managers. State governments and
the federal government also hire construction companies staffed with
managers dedicated to green building principles and methods.

Working Conditions

Green building construction managers work both indoors and out-
doors, depending on the weekly and daily needs and circumstances
of the project at hand. Almost always they work long hours—ten,
twelve, or more per day being common. Typical indoor activities in-
clude scheduling and attending meetings; preparing contracts, bud-
gets, and reports; and e-mailing and/or phoning materials suppliers.
In contrast, green construction managers often visit the construc-
tion sites to determine firsthand how the work is going. The job is
generally safe. However, when at a construction site, a manager is
no less subject to injuries, including those caused by falling objects.
So it is fairly standard for them to wear protective hard hats in those
situations.

Earnings

Experienced green construction managers made an average of
$85,000 per year in 2017, according to the BLS. Depending on the
state, company, and project, beginners made at least $20,000 less. The
most experienced and highly paid managers made $150,000 or more.

Opportunities for Advancement
Because they are already high up in the hierarchy of jobs in a typical
green construction company, the firm’s construction managers most
often have minimal opportunities for advancement. Nevertheless,
those openings tend to bring with them considerable prestige and sal-
ary increases. A promotion to company administrator is possible, for
example. In a few cases a construction manager may even rise to the
position of head of the company. Some green construction managers
form their own small companies. In such a situation the person starts
out as the top boss, who doubles as on-site manager for projects the
company takes on.

61