Employer Guide: Creating a Job Proposal for Construction Job Titles

Growing your team may be the next step in solving resource challenges or scaling construction operations. However, before you can hire a concrete finisher or equipment operator, you may need executive leadership or other collaborators to sign off. A well-written job proposal is one way to get buy-in for new construction job titles in your organization. 

Things to consider when building a construction job proposal template

Doing research and presenting your request can increase the success rate of your construction job proposal. If you regularly ask leadership to consider adding new positions to your team or department, you might want to create a construction job proposal template. Starting with a template helps ensure you include all the relevant information to back your request.

Team Strategy 

Consider how you can incorporate big-picture team and organizational strategies into your job proposal. You may want to include sections for:

• Alignment to company goals: Describe specific organizational, department or team goals and highlight challenges you’re experiencing. You can then suggest the a construction job title as a solution for these issues.
• Focus of your team: Discuss the purpose of your team and how this new position will integrate into the team and help drive toward objectives. 
• Current gaps or opportunities: Use metrics to establish gaps that may be overcome with the addition of this new team member. For example, you might note that despite all current team members performing at optimal rates, the organization consistently falls 10% short of project deadlines.
• Return on investment (ROI): Include specific ROI metrics so organizational leaders can see you have a plan for measuring the effectiveness of this solution. 

Job title hierarchy

Consider how the new construction job title will fit into your organizational structure. Who will the new hire report to, and will anyone report to them? For example, laborers or equipment operators might report to a crew foreman, but a construction inspector might report to a director of quality. 

In addition, think about how your team and the proposed title may need to evolve with future growth. For instance, if you don’t already have any carpenters, you may propose hiring a single carpenter who will report to the construction manager. As the organization grows, you may have an entire team of carpenters who will report to a lead carpenter. 

Business case

Ensure your job proposal includes specific data to make a strong business case for the role. You may also need to address multiple audiences with your proposal, with each level of approval hinging on different types of information. Make a compelling case by speaking to each of the following audiences:

Directors and senior directors

Directors and senior directors emphasize operational efficiency and team performance. Get them excited about your business case by showcasing the benefits, and include the following in your job proposal:

• Job description
• Justification for its creation
• Impacts on performance
• Budget and resources required
• Timeline for recruiting and hiring

VPs and senior VPs

These executives align departmental goals with your company’s overall strategy and financial considerations. You can increase your chances of approval by showing how the new role supports broader business objectives, and include the following:

• Strategic alignment with specific goals
• Financial justification for a new hire
• Risk assessment for missed opportunities
• Comparative analysis against competitors

Chief HR officer

Chief HR officers (CHROs) are the main drivers behind your organization’s health, talent management and HR strategy alignment with company goals. Get them interested in your job proposal by adding the following elements:

• How the role fills skill gaps
• Impacts on succession planning
• Company culture improvements
• Improvement in HR KPIs and metrics

Board of directors

The board of directors is responsible for the long-term vision of companies, focusing on governance and maintaining overall financial health. Convince members of the board with a job proposal that includes the following:

• Executive summary of the role
• Strategic and collaborator impacts
• Financial projections with ROI
• Risk management assessments
• Governance and compliance considerations

Example construction job proposal template

Use the following template guide to create a complete job proposal.

1. Propose a compelling job title for the new role. 
2. Write an executive summary that includes the most important information, such as the position you’re proposing and what specific challenges it will solve.
3. Include a background section that explains the current state of the team and why you believe a new position is in order. Consider adding visuals, such as charts or graphs, to illustrate specific metrics if possible. End this section by tying the narrative into critical objectives for the team or organization.
4. Add a solutions section. Make a case for the new construction job title as a solution to the problems presented in the background section. Estimate cost savings or return on investment and other economic benefits associated with the role when possible.
5. End your job proposal by providing an outline of what you might include in a job description, such as relevant skills and qualifications required for the role and what duties you would expect the position to handle. 

In-demand construction job titles  

These are the top 50 most common construction jobs posted on Indeed in 2023.¹

1. Laborer 

Laborer makes up 19.67% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

General laborers are responsible for loading and unloading, assembling, digging and other tasks on construction sites. If you have highly skilled or certified specialists unable to get to specific tasks because they’re handling general labor duties, you may need to hire one or more laborers. 

Skills required may include: 

• Physical endurance
• Mechanical acuity 
• Experience cleaning and prepping sites 

Common measures of success for laborer roles include how much work is done in a day, on-the-job safety records and work quality. 

2. Equipment operator

Equipment operator makes up 10.43% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

An equipment operator controls heavy machinery and other equipment on construction sites, affecting the movement of materials or tasks such as digging. 

Skills required may include:

• Knowledge of safety protocols to ensure safe operation of heavy machinery
• Proficiency in operating heavy machinery
• Having required certifications or licenses to operate heavy machinery

3. Construction laborer

Construction laborer makes up 5.52% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed.  

A construction laborer performs physical tasks on construction sites, such as transporting items, operating equipment or installing items in support of skilled tradespeople.

Skills required may include:

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods
• An understanding of how to use constructions tools and equipment safely
• Ability to collaborate with others to complete tasks efficiently

4. Carpenter

Carpenter makes up 5.44% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A carpenter builds, installs or repairs structures made of wood or other related materials. 

Skills required may include:

• Proficiency in using tools for cutting, shaping and assembling wood
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans
• Problem-solving skills to address issues that may arise during construction

5. Painter

Painter makes up 5.40% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A painter applies paint, varnish and other finishes to ensure visually pleasing and/or protective coatings.

Skills required may include:

• Skilled in using brushes, rollers and sprayers for various finishes
• Ability to distinguish and apply colors accurately
• Attention to detail

6. Handyman

Handyman makes up 4.74% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

Handyman is another common term in the construction industry to refer to a person who is usually tasked with repair and maintenance tasks, including basic plumbing or electrical work.

Skills required may include:

• Versatility in performing various repair and maintenance tasks
• Ability to clearly explain tasks and requirements to clients and team members
• Basic understanding of plumbing, electrical and other typical construction fields

7. Fabricator/welder

Fabricator/welder makes up 2.33% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A fabricator/welder works to assemble metal structures and components via welding methods, typically according to specifications and blueprints.

Skills required may include:

• Proficiency in various welding methods and techniques
• Ability to interpret blueprint specifications accurately
• Certified for welding and metal fabrication

8. Construction foreman

Construction foreman makes up 2.30% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A construction foreman supervises and coordinates construction workers and subcontractors to help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Skills required may include:

• Strong leadership skills to manage and motivate construction workers and subcontractors
• Ability to communicate effectively and discuss projects goals and instructions
• Extensive knowledge of overall construction workflows and safety regulations

9. Builder

Builder makes up 2.29% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A builder supports construction, repair and renovation by laying foundations, erecting frameworks and installing various building components.

Skills required may include:

• Proficiency in laying foundations, building frameworks and installing other building components
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks on site

10. Pipefitter

Pipefitter makes up 1.86% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

Pipefitter duties include installing, fabricating, maintaining and repairing piping systems to ensure proper flow and functionality. Some signs your team might need a pipefitter include inefficient piping installations, frequent leaks or failures and problems meeting piping compliance standards on builds. 

Qualifications you may want to look for when hiring a pipefitter include plumbing knowledge, welding and pipe installation experience and relevant certifications and licenses. Common KPIs for measuring the success of this role include compliance with industry standards, the quality of completed work and the number of jobs (or feet of pipe) installed within a certain period of time.

11. Construction estimator

Construction estimator makes up 1.61% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A construction estimator analyzes project requirements and specifications to provide accurate cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment and overall project expenses. 

Skills required may include:

• Data analysis skills to accurately estimate costs and project requirements
• Proficiency in using tools and software for cost estimating
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials for accurate budgeting

12. Construction inspector

Construction inspector makes up 1.47% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A construction inspector reviews construction sites and projects to ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes and project specifications.

Skills required may include:

• Knowledge of building codes
• Strong observation skills
• Adequate hands-on experience in the construction industry

13. Concrete finisher

Concrete finisher makes up 1.40% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A concrete finisher finishes the surfaces of poured concrete using hand and power tools. If your team installs a lot of concrete structures, including driveways, sidewalks or curbs, you may need a concrete finisher on staff.

Skills required may include:

• Experience with finishing tools
• Knowledge of concrete’s properties
• Attention to detail

14. Crane operator

Crane operator makes up 1.33% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

Crane operators control cranes, using them to lift and move heavy equipment and items on construction sites.

Skills required may include:

• Experience operating various types of cranes safely
• Precision in lifting and moving heavy loads with cranes
• Proper licensing and certifications to operate cranes

15. Remodeler

Remodeler makes up 1.26% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed. 

A remodeler completes renovation projects from planning to oversight of execution. 

Skills required may include:

• General carpentry and construction knowledge
• Experience with building codes
• Problem-solving abilities

Other top construction jobs in demand

Here are an additional 35 construction jobs that are commonly posted on Indeed:

16. Skilled laborer makes up 1.19% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
17. Subcontractor makes up 1.04% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
18. Maintenance electrician makes up 0.94% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
19. Journeyperson makes up 0.87% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
20. Industrial painter makes up 0.84% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
21. Restoration manager makes up 0.83% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
22. Pipelayermakes up 0.77% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
23. Lead carpentermakes up 0.76% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
24. Construction laboratory technician makes up 0.72% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
25. Finish carpentermakes up 0.68% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
26. Ironworker makes up 0.66% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
27. Roofer makes up 0.64% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
28. Glazier makes up 0.63% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
29. Framer makes up 0.63% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
30. Mason makes up 0.63% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
31. Construction supervisormakes up 0.70% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
32. Commercial electrician  makes up 0.62% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
33. Excavator operatormakes up 0.61% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed 
34. Drain technician makes up 0.59% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
35. Flooring installer makes up 0.59% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
36. Flagger makes up 0.56% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
37. Locksmithmakes up 0.56% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
38. Scaffold builder makes up 0.49% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
39. Carpenter/laborer makes up 0.49% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
40. Preconstruction managermakes up 0.48% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
41. Electrical assistant makes up 0.46% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
42. Sewer makes up 0.45% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
43. Tradesman makes up 0.42% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
44. Carpenter helper makes up 0.39% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
45. Planning engineer makes up 0.39% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
46. Fence installer makes up 0.39% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
47. Groundworker makes up 0.39% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
48. Crew foreman makes up 0.36% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
49. Entry-level laborer makes up 0.36% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed
50. Commercial roofer makes up 0.34% of all construction jobs posted on Indeed

¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023

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