Demolition General Superintendent

Confidential; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential seeks an experienced Demolition Superintendent for managing field operations across active project sites in Chicago, Illinois. This direct-hire role demands independent operation from day one, overseeing crews and ensuring safety compliance.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of demolition experience, including 2 years as a superintendent. Key responsibilities include daily operations management, crew supervision, and compliance with regulations.

Applicants must have strong communication skills and an OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification, with a focus on public and institutional projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of demolition field experience required.
• Current OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification is mandatory.
• Experience with public and institutional projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily field operations across demolition projects.
• Supervise and coordinate crews effectively.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations including OSHA protocols.

Skills

Demolition field experience

OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification

Strong communication skills

Spanish Speaking

Tools

Hydraulic excavator

Material handler

Grapple/shear attachments

Job description

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Demolition Superintendent to manage field operations across active project sites. This is a direct-hire position for a candidate who can operate independently from day one — overseeing crews, coordinating with general contractors, managing subcontractors, and ensuring strict compliance with safety and environmental regulations. You will not be growing into this role; you will be running it.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily field operations across interior selective, structural, and hazmat-involved demo projects
• Supervise and coordinate crews of laborers, operators, and subcontractors
• Interface directly with GC project managers, owners, and inspectors on job sites
• Enforce OSHA, IEPA, and site-specific safety and environmental compliance protocols
• Manage pre-demolition surveys, hazmat abatement sequencing, and debris removal logistics
• Maintain daily field reports, incident documentation, and progress logs
• Monitor project schedule and budget with PM; elevate variances early
• Conduct toolbox talks and enforce on-site safety culture
• Coordinate equipment needs, deliveries, and staging with operations team

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of demolition field experience, with 2+ years as a superintendent or lead
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification (current)
• Demonstrated experience on public and institutional projects (schools, municipal, healthcare)
• Experience working under GC-managed contracts with structured compliance requirements
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings and project specifications
• Valid driver’s license with clean MVR
• Strong communication skills — written daily reports, GC coordination, crew direction
• Spanish Speaking

Preferred Qualifications

• Lead abatement supervisor certification (Illinois EPA or equivalent)
• Operator experience: hydraulic excavator, material handler, grapple/shear attachments
• NFPA or confined space competent person training
• Familiarity with Chicago DOB permit requirements and city inspection process
• Experience with union and non-union mixed-trade sites

Work Environment

This is an active field role. Candidates must be comfortable working in varying site conditions including occupied institutional buildings, confined work zones, and phased abatement environments. Minimal desk time — the expectation is daily presence on site.