20 types of jobs in a construction company which don't require you to be on-site

Working in construction carries a few myths. For starters, it’s not all manual labour, hi-vis and hard hats. If you have used our career explorer, you’ll know that there are plenty of different types of construction jobs. Those you may be suited for won’t always be on a construction site. 

Some time will be spent on-site in these careers, but the majority of the time you will be working in an office, from home or in different locations. Here’s a look at 20 construction company roles you won’t always need a hard hat for.

Architectural roles

Architects creatively shape our environment by designing the buildings and spaces around us. They bring new structures to life and restore or renovate existing ones. 

Architects design buildings and spaces for construction projects. As well as creativity, they use technical drawings and work with other members of an architectural team to ensure what they are designing will function effectively as a building. Although they may visit construction sites, they usually work from an office, or studio space.

Architect

Architects design buildings and draw plans for how new, restored and extended buildings will look, externally and internally. They work with other professionals in construction to establish the layout, structure and functionality of buildings, based on budgets, measurements and the requirements of the client. Architects make sure that buildings are safe and fit for purpose, meet building regulations and enhance the environment in which they are built.

Architectural technician

Architectural technicians or technologists work closely with architects and specialise in presenting building designs using technology. They use architectural CAD software to build virtual models, to show to clients before construction, as well as draw freehand. Architectural technicians and technologists coordinate detailed design information, prepare drawings, plans and documents, obtain tenders and prepare applications for approval by regulatory bodies.

Landscape architect

Landscape architects are responsible for producing designs for projects such as parks, gardens, housing estates or city centres, paying particular attention to the design of landscapes and natural features. Landscape architects work closely with architects, civil engineers and town planners in surveying sites and carrying out environmental impact assessments, writing reports and drawing up contracts.

Surveyor

Surveyors give professional advice on a lot of different construction issues, from regulations to specifications. Many choose to specialise in a specific area (such as building surveyors) and they will mostly work from an office, visiting sites when necessary.

Engineering roles in construction

Like building service engineers, civil, structural and geotechnical engineers will work from an office but visit sites to analyse and inspect construction projects and give advice. Their reports can change and affect the construction project regarding materials, safety measures, and design.

Civil engineer

Civil engineers plan, design and manage large construction projects. This could include bridges, buildings, transport links and other major structures. Civil engineers use computer modelling software and data from surveys, tests and maps to create project blueprints. These plans advise contractors on the best course of action and help minimise environmental impact and risk. 

Geotechnical engineer

Geotechnical engineers specialise in the way a structure will interact with, impact or be impacted by the type of ground it is built on. They will test the sub-surface of the ground and check for anything that may affect the stability of a construction project. Roads, bridges, houses and other projects need to be built on soil that contains the right materials.

Structural engineer

Structural engineers are responsible for ensuring that structures can withstand various forces and conditions. This includes calculating ability, strength and rigidity, as well as ensuring the appropriate materials are chosen for each project. Structural engineers may work on a variety of projects, including residential buildings, commercial spaces, bridges, offshore rigs, cultural institutions and even space satellites.  

Design and planning careers

A lot of planning goes into a construction project. From materials to coordinating teams on site, someone has to plan how the project will come together. Planners will work with budgets, oversee logistics and work with other teams to make sure everything runs smoothly. The work is often done from an office but sometimes includes checking in on sites, or other businesses involved with the project for meetings.

Construction planner

Construction planners create programmes for all the work needed on large construction projects and direct activities. Planners oversee logistics, deploy workers, manage budgets and ensure that work is on schedule. They work closely with estimators, engineers, surveyors and architects to keep projects on track and manage conflicting priorities.

Town planner

A town planner is responsible for the design and development of urban areas, such as towns and cities. As a town planner, you would ensure there is a balance between demands on the land being developed and the needs of the community. This can be on a national, regional, or local level and requires an awareness of the environmental and economic impacts of a proposed development. To prepare for a career in town planning, geography graduates often take postgraduate qualifications in subjects such as urban planning or property development.

Transport modeller

Transport modellers use specialist computer software to design and develop transport routes. Transport modellers design how new road installations link to existing transport systems. Drawing on analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as maths, engineering, science and geography, transport modellers could be designing one-way systems or diversions while other roads are being repaired, or planning transport systems ahead of large events, such as festivals or protests.

Interior designer

Interior designers help curate or renovate the inside spaces of buildings, so they are functional and aesthetically pleasing to homeowners or business clients. Interior designers recommend wall colours, lighting, fittings, furniture and fabric to enhance a space. They also oversee structural design elements within a room, such as in-built shelving, stairs, ceiling designs and more.  

3D visualiser

3D visualisers bring architects’ ideas to life, taking plans, architectural illustrations and other reference materials and using these to produce photo-realistic 3D images or animations of proposed buildings and developments. Using computer software, 3D visualisers have to be both creative and technically-minded, in order to model prospective buildings that will both function well and look good.

Design manager

Design managers coordinate all of the design work required during construction projects. They manage the production of technical drawings and plans used to build a structure. Design managers bring together architects, structural and service engineers, along with specialist designers and BIM technicians, to create coordinated designs which can be used during the build and aid maintenance of the structure once complete.

Finance & HR

Every project requires human resources and finance personnel, and both these roles work behind the scenes to ensure a project runs smoothly. Budgets must be monitored, and workers will need to be recruited and supported. HR and finance roles will rarely require being physical on a construction site, except when an HR manager may be required to carry out a risk assessment to help keep people safe.

Accounts Assistant

Accounts assistants help keep track of the money that comes in and goes out of a construction business. Working in the offices of the construction company, accounts assistants provide accounting and administrative support to accounting and finance staff to ensure customer and supplier accounts are accurate. They receive, process and file paperwork, and manage petty cash transactions.

Accountant

Accountants are responsible for managing the finances of a business. Accountants prepare financial records and reports, produce profit forecasts, manage cash flow and oversee tax and VAT submissions, as well as paying wages. Accountants use specialist software and are skilled at working with spreadsheets.

Human resources personnel

Human resources managers develop and implement policies relating to the working practices of an organisation or business. HR staff hire employees and help them get training and development to advance their careers. They are instrumental in overseeing conditions of employment, contractual terms, pay negotiations and issues relating to equality and diversity.

Economist

Economists study complex data and statistics and use their findings to provide financial advice to businesses. Economists research and monitor economic trends, and create statistical models to predict future developments. The role of economists in the construction industry is to investigate how a project can be successfully funded and to ensure its feasibility and financial sustainability.

Health, safety & environmental careers

Health and safety is vital in construction, especially as high-powered tools, machinery and heavy materials are often used in projects and building work. Roles such as SHEQ advisors and HSQE managers combine both office and site work, making sure regulations, quality control and environmental restrictions are being followed.   

SHEQ advisor/HSQE manager

A safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) advisor is responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, environmental regulations, and quality control, both on-site and in the construction business. More time might be spent on-site than some of the other roles in this article, as quality control inspections and risk assessments form a large part of what a SHEQ advisor does. But they will also spend a lot of time within the office, writing reports, presentations, policies and procedures. Health, Safety, Quality and Environment (HSQE) managers perform a similar role.

Environmental advisor

Environmental advisors or environmental consultants ensure that construction projects comply with environmental regulations and targets. They strategically plan ways to keep air pollution or water and soil contamination to a minimum, reduce material waste and ensure that any necessary waste is disposed of in the correct manner. A sound knowledge of maths and geographic skills would be useful for anyone considering a career as an environmental advisor.

Environmental engineer

Environmental engineers optimise the use of natural resources, help to develop renewable energy resources and maximise the use of existing materials. They design technologies and processes that control pollution and clean up contamination. As an environmental engineer you will be reporting on the environmental impact of construction work, mainly by visiting sites and carrying out assessments and technical audits. You will be designing and developing technical solutions to manage or resolve negative impacts, interpreting data and making recommendations.