Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

The Work

Construction projects are complex processes, with many relationships to be managed and very precise sequences of events to be followed. Construction Planners coordinate between the various groups involved in a project, such as architects, engineers and construction contractors to ensure that a coherent plan is created and implemented.

They do this by understanding the work that will go into a project. To do this they identify what tasks must be completed, they then plan how long each will take and the order in which they will take place. They will then define the resources and manpower that goes into fulfilling each task.

They determine the tasks required and estimate timelines, their primary goal is ensuring construction projects are delivered on schedule and to budget, along with any other priorities that have being set.

A construction project involves a vast array of moving parts, resources and people, the work of the planner is ssential to ensuring the work proceeds smoothly.

Clearly defining these factors in the planning stage is required for the accurate estimation of costs and the procurement of the necessary resources, which are key to the construction process proceeding efficiently. This makes the construction planner’s work vital to the effective management of a construction project.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
• Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
• Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to representatives of the owner or developer, including administrative staff, workers, or clients.
• Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
• Prepare contracts or negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, or subcontractors.
• Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.
• Plan, organise, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
• Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
• Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
• Investigate damage, accidents, or delays at construction sites to ensure that proper construction procedures are being followed.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There is no set route into construction planning, but a variety of occupations can provide the skills and opportunities necessary to transition into construction planning. These include civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, mechanical engineering and project management.

Project management training offers the best route for those looking to move into construction planning, especially if you already work in construction. The planning skills learned in project management training should be transferable to construction planning.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Manual Handling, Safepass, Working at height, LUGS Locating underground services, Construction skills programme, Project & Supervisory management Single cert/ NFQ Level 4-6 Search FET Courses 

FET PLC Courses: Construction skills, Building Construction (Pre-Apprenticeship), Construction and Engineering Technology, Construction Technology with Renewable Energy Systems, Property Management courses at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses. 

Apprenticeships: Further Machinery & Skills certs for entry into this occupation can be short, but progression into sustained employment is gained via developing more skills, networking, and qualifications up to trade Apprenticeship levels NFQ Level 6 Search Apprentcieships 

Higher Education CAO Entry: Construction Management, Construction (Facilities and Building Services Management), Construction Management and Engineering, Construction Project Management and Applied Technology, Project and Construction Management at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Health & Safety in Construction, Construction Project Management, BIM & Lean Construction Management NFQ Major or special purpose level 9 award. 

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €120k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Irishjobs /Morgan McKinley / CPL / Brightwater / Clark

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the annual average employment growth over the five-year period for this occupation was only marginally above the national average, employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022. 

Census data indicates that civlil engineers account for over half of the employment in this group: the strongest growth since 2016 was for production managers/directors. 

Both the new employment permits issued and the mentions of difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey point to issues in sourcing civil, site and structural engineers along with construction project managers. In addition, the Skills for Growth data signals issues with sourcing civil engineers (including for water infrastructure and sustainability) and structural engineer roles (especially those with project management skills).

Demand for this occupation was also evident in the 12% increase in the number of job postings (OVATE) for civil engineers in 2022, with growing demand for skills in project management, teamwork, communication and adaptability. Demand for these roles is expected to continue as Ireland aims to meet housing and climate action targets. With employment increasing and issues with recruitment evident, shortages are likely to continue. 

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here