Builder profile – roles and job description

Training and Training in Civil Construction in Brazil

In the Brazilian construction industry, professionals play a crucial role in several areas, and although certain fields require specific qualifications, the fundamental requirements for becoming one are universally applicable. In previous years, it was common for builders to acquire skills on the job, but this scenario has evolved.

Academic and Practical Training

Currently, most Brazilian professionals begin their educational journey in classrooms, pursuing an associate degree in construction. The curricula of these programs cover a variety of disciplines, from introduction to construction to codes and regulations, materials testing, and project management. Although practice is still valued, many professionals seek practical training after academic training, with varying duration depending on the individual's level of prior knowledge. In some cases, additional learning of two to six years may be required, depending on the specialization chosen.

Accreditation and Licensing

After obtaining the diploma or acquiring the necessary skills, many Brazilian professionals choose to seek certifications from entities recognized in the construction sector, highlighting their ongoing commitment to professional excellence. Although many end their educational journey at this point, some Brazilian states impose licensing requirements for specific services, such as carpentry and masonry.

Essential Skills and Qualities

To stand out as a professional in construction in Brazil, it is essential to have diverse skills, such as the ability to interpret plans, solve problems, calculate dimensions and estimate materials. Furthermore, it is important to work well in a team, enjoy outdoor activities, be able to lift heavy objects and operate machinery, and be prepared for prolonged periods of standing. These qualities are essential to face daily challenges and ensure success in Brazilian construction.

A builder's job responsibilities can change from day to day, as no day is the same on a construction site. While much of a builder's day is supervising other employees and the project as a whole, these are just two of the dozens of items they will do in a day.

Here are some of the many job responsibilities a builder has every day:

1. Construction Materials Management:
   • Technical Factors: Explain how the builder is responsible for ensuring that necessary materials are available at the job site, as well as managing inventory and ordering new materials as needed.
   • Advantages: Ensures that the project is not interrupted due to lack of materials, keeping it within the expected deadline and budget.
   • Procedure: Implement efficient inventory control systems, such as detailed records of incoming and outgoing materials, and maintain regular communication with suppliers.
2. Heavy Machinery Supervision:
   • Technical Factors: Describe how the builder should oversee the proper use of heavy machinery on the job site, ensuring it is used safely and efficiently.
   • Advantages: Minimizes the risk of workplace accidents and ensures that machinery is used productively to advance the project.
   • Procedure: Assign qualified operators to operate the machinery, provide adequate training on safe use, and regularly monitor its use.
3. Construction Contract Management:
   • Technical Factors: Explain how the builder is responsible for negotiating and managing contracts with clients, detailing the terms and conditions of the project.
   • Advantages: Ensures that both parties understand their obligations and expectations, avoiding disputes and litigation in the future.
   • Procedure: Draft clear, comprehensive contracts, thoroughly review terms with clients, and maintain regular communication to track progress and resolve any issues.
4. Field Measurements and Project Formulation:
   • Technical Factors: Detail how the builder takes accurate measurements of the project site and formulates design plans based on this information.
   • Advantages: Ensures that the project is executed in accordance with customer specifications and requirements, minimizing errors and rework.
   • Procedure: Use appropriate measuring instruments, such as tape measures and levels, and collaborate with architects and engineers to create detailed and viable designs.
5. Project Selection and Implementation:
   • Technical Factors: Highlight how the builder selects and prioritizes the projects to be implemented, considering factors such as deadline, cost and complexity.
   • Advantages: Allows efficient allocation of resources and more effective time management, ensuring continuous project progress.
   • Procedure: Carefully evaluate each potential project, considering its feasibility and impact on the overall schedule, and prioritize those that best meet the client's objectives.
6. Construction Site Review and Progress Reports:
   • Technical Factors: Explain how the builder conducts regular job site inspections to assess progress and document findings in detailed reports.
   • Advantages: Provides a comprehensive view of project status and identifies any issues or concerns that require immediate action.
   • Procedure: Establish a schedule of regular inspections, document observations, and communicate any problems to those responsible for the project for resolution.
7. Hiring and Supervision of Workers:
   • Technical Factors: Describe how the builder recruits and supervises the work crew, ensuring that workers have the skills necessary to perform their tasks efficiently.
   • Advantages: Ensures that the work is carried out by qualified professionals, contributing to the quality and progress of the project.
   • Procedure: Conduct in-depth interviews to assess candidates' experience and skills, and provide clear guidance and constant monitoring during the execution of tasks.
8. Preparation of Budgets and Cost Analysis:
   • Technical Factors: Explain how the builder prepares detailed budgets and performs cost analyzes to ensure the project remains within the established budget.
   • Advantages: Allows effective financial planning and prudent resource management, avoiding excessive costs and schedule delays.
   • Procedure: Collect and analyze information about costs of materials, labor and other necessary resources, and use specialized software to create accurate and up-to-date quotes.
9. Organization of Inspections and Licenses:
   • Technical Factors: Detail how the builder arranges regular inspections and obtains necessary permits to ensure compliance with building regulations and standards.
   • Advantages: Ensures legal compliance and project security, avoiding fines and delays due to regulatory issues.
   • Procedure: Coordinate inspections with relevant authorities, prepare necessary documentation, and ensure all licenses and permits are obtained before work begins.
10. Execution of Construction Tasks:
    • Technical Factors: Clarify how the builder supervises and actively participates in construction tasks, ensuring they are completed accurately and according to project specifications.
    • Advantages: Contributes to the quality and progress of the project, ensuring that all stages of construction are carried out efficiently and safely.
    • Procedure: Closely monitor work on site, provide guidance to workers when necessary and resolve any problems that arise while carrying out tasks.

Variety of Tasks and Projects

Builders face a variety of tasks and projects in their work routine. In addition to overseeing the construction of homes and buildings, they may also be involved in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and drainage systems. This diversity of projects requires that builders have knowledge in different areas and be able to adapt to different contexts.

Complexity and Challenges

The nature of construction projects often presents complex challenges that require technical skills and problem-solving abilities. From interpreting plans and designs to coordinating teams and managing resources, builders deal with a variety of tasks that require precision and efficiency to ensure the success of the project.

Flexible and Intense Schedules

Builders' work schedules generally don't follow a conventional nine-to-five pattern. They often start their workday early, around five or six in the morning, to carry out administrative tasks, such as planning and preparing materials. This anticipation allows them to stay ahead of the project's demands and be prepared for the workday ahead.

Long Working Hours and Social Commitments

Due to the unpredictable nature of construction, builders often face extended work hours, extending beyond the initially scheduled hours. This can result in forgoing social commitments and family time as builders need to be available when needed to ensure work progresses. Flexibility and the willingness to dedicate additional time to work are essential characteristics for construction professionals.

Flexibility and Dedication

To deal with the challenges and unforeseen events that arise during construction projects, builders need to be highly flexible and dedicated. They must be able to adapt to constantly changing situations, make quick and effective decisions, and maintain a high level of commitment to the successful completion of the project. The ability to work under pressure and solve problems efficiently are essential attributes for builders to face the challenges of the construction sector.

Every builder needs to understand that they need to think quickly in any type of situation, so this is one of the key skills they will want to perfect when entering this industry. Everything else will come with experience, although there are many new and different scenarios in the future. However, they just keep every builder looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge.

Concluding

A builder in the construction industry is a challenging profession that requires technical skills, flexibility and dedication. Builders face a variety of tasks and projects, dealing with complexities and challenges that require quick and effective resolution. Their working hours often extend beyond conventional working hours, requiring commitment and giving up personal time. However, flexibility, the ability to adapt and the willingness to face challenges are essential characteristics that guarantee the success of builders in carrying out civil construction projects.