The FootBridge Company is a Burns & McDonnell Approved Vendor

Maximizing nationwide construction management job opportunities

Burns & McDonnell is one of the world’s largest, 100% employee-owned construction and engineering firms. They’re also as vast as the infrastructures they support, perpetually overseeing projects at power generation sites, wastewater facilities, high voltage power distribution centers, cybersecurity, roads, and more across various industries.  With so many projects and hundreds of thousands of employees on their payroll, all of whom do a little bit of everything from entry-level positions to engineers, project controls managers, and in-between, requires vital vendor management contract-based delivery system, each with their own specialty.

This is why FootBridge is pleased to announce we are an approved “Burns &Mac” staffing vendor specializing in construction management positions including but not limited to:

  •         Project controllers
  •         Project managers
  •         Engineers
  •         Cost controllers
  •         Superintendents
  •         Safety specialists
  •         Schedulers

For candidates, this is an excellent time to send us your resumes because we continuously receive requests for various Burns & Mac engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) positions. Maybe you’re concerned about whether your professional profile is up-to-date, and that’s fine. Our recruiters are happy to work with you and suggest updates. As a previously screened candidate, you’ll be a part of our inventory so that we can call upon you when a potential position arises without hesitation.  

The ideal fit for Burns & Mac is:

  • Someone with a bachelor’s degree in project management or engineering with 4 to eight years of experience working in their field of specialty
  • Hands-on experience  

What it means to work as a contractor for Burns & Mac:

  • All contractors will work full-time and be paid as FootBridge employees for a minimum of six months to two years before they are converted to permanent Burns & Mac employee-owner.
  • Some positions will require up to 50 to 60 hours per week
  • May include per diem

FootBridge is proud to have been selected as an approved vendor due to our commitment to safety, quality work, competitive pricing, and a proven record of on-schedule delivery regarding the project engineering and construction industry.  “[Burns and McDonnell] are known for integrity and the close adherence to strong ethical principles. We expect the same from our suppliers.”

As a reminder, If you want to make a job change in the next couple of years, send us your information or follow us on LinkedIn.  Typically, requisitions remain open from two weeks to a month. Please note we are very much interested in project managers, safety folks, and engineers. Furthermore, the FootBridge team is committed to building trusted relationships through our core values: accountability, transparency, integrity, and excellence. Click here for information on what it means to work as a FootBridge contractor.

Commercial Construction and Staffing Industry Trends for 2022

The commercial construction and staffing industry has faced a year of innovation and new challenges—from COVID-19-related project delays and supply chain disruptions to the “great resignation” and a brief recession. Despite these setbacks, analysts anticipate growth in non-residential construction for 2022. As a staffing firm serving this sector, we wanted to weigh in on what these trends mean moving forward.

First, the pandemic’s start did see some project slowdowns as nonessential projects were placed on hold. However, as a staffing firm in the thick of hiring, it didn’t take long for jobs to ramp back up. The most significant difference we saw this past year is that our commercial construction candidates who have been in the industry for upwards of twenty years aren’t necessarily taking assignments like they used to due to ongoing COVID concerns. 

Pre-pandemic, these candidates were more willing to travel for a project that may last six months. Now, we’re finding their families have more of an impact on their decisions, and rightfully so. Although COVID booster shots are becoming more available, this scenario could change. 

Savvy Staffing Strategies

 “We have an entire pool of people who a couple of years ago would have considered four or five different construction projects. But now,” says FootBridge General Manager Joe Squires, “That isn’t the case. They’re asking themselves if it’s worth it to take a temporary job that takes them away from their family for a months-long project. People are afraid of getting sick and bringing the illness home to their loved ones. So, COVID is a real factor when it comes to placements in the commercial construction industry right now.”

Next, while the news headlines indicate commercial construction starts will improve in 2022, there are still more jobs than qualified candidates. Therefore, those in commercial construction businesses have had to get creative when finding talent, and that’s where a staffing firm partnership comes in.  Especially since it’s a candidate’s market, clients have to be quick in their decisions when hiring top talent.  

Why staffing firms? 

It’s hard to know if a staffing firm is suitable for a commercial construction company until we speak to them. But what we can tell you is that here at FootBridge, recruiting is our primary focus. More than likely, we have run a similar search for a candidate just like the one a client requests on any given day.  So, we have a good idea of who is available to fill a position. 

“If your one job is to make the perfect cup of coffee, you will put all your resources into that assignment,” says Squires.  “You’d find your favorite bean, maybe even a grinder, and the perfect coffee machine for the best brew.  But that’s not how it works with companies hiring for large, capital-budget construction projects. Human resource managers are the ones taking on recruiting, but they also have many other essential responsibilities that can take away from their efforts. It’s why they like to integrate staffing firms into their hiring strategy.”

Of course, we’ve come across clients who worry that even a staffing firm will have difficulties sourcing suitable commercial construction candidates. But what these firms may not realize is that we are deeply vested in the market. There’s also no need to endure multiple approvals because we have already vetted the candidate. Most of our clients hire candidates based on our recommendation saving them time and money. 

To summarize, positive growth is happening in commercial construction, and our recruiters are ready to tackle any job our clients put in front of us. We are looking forward to 2022, and here for our clients when they need us and deliver significant results. Visit our job board for a complete list of commercial construction openings. 

Want to know more? Read our commercial construction success stories here. 

As always, hiring top talent is essential to the success of your business, and our team is here to help you find the right people with unmatched expertise. Let’s collaborate today to fill your open positions. We are ready to source your next top performer for continued business success.

The FootBridge Company Named a 2021 Top Boston Recruiting Agency

The FootBridge Company was recently named a 2021 top Boston area recruiting agency by Expertise.com, and we couldn’t be prouder of our awesome team of recruiters. FootBridge scored straight A’s when it comes to responsiveness, friendliness, and helpfulness. 

What does this mean for companies looking to hire us as a staffing firm? Expertise.com finds and reviews the top professionals in over 200 industries across the United States. Being named to their list of top recruiting agencies means they’ve done their homework using a proprietary set of research and scoring tools. Being named as a leading recruiting agency by Expertise.com is another way clients can be sure we’re more than qualified to hire contractors to fill their positions across a wide range of industries, including but not limited to:

  • Oil and Gas
  • Energy Services
  • Process Industries
  • Manufacturing
  • Power and Utilities
  • Commercial Construction

At FootBridge, our experienced recruiters specialize in helping our clients streamline the hiring process to attract and hire top talent. Contact us today to learn more.

Energy Job Sector Outlook: Make Way for Post Pandemic Growth and Change

The energy job industry always offers an interesting look at the overall state of our economy. We mention this because understanding how energy services job growth is changing is an essential part of developing a sound hiring process and determining whether or not this is a good time to start a new company or grow an existing one. Do you hire permanent employees or choose to go with contractors in an ever-evolving market? It’s a lot to consider when dealing with large budgets and employees that may or may not need to be mobile.

The good news, according to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, who was quoted in a Department of Energy (DOE) report, “The country is turning a corner, and a strong energy workforce is critical to our full recovery.” In other words, jobs need to be filled. With a focus on clean energy, particularly power grids, transportation, and fuel infrastructures –  modernizations will inevitably lead to more manufacturing, installation, and maintenance jobs.  Here are some more key findings from the DOE report:

  • Companies connected with energy efficiency operations anticipate a 10.1% job increase
  • Companies tied to electric power generation predict an 8.1% rise
  • The fuels sector expects a 5.5% increase in jobs
  • The transportation, distribution, and storage anticipate 4.2% job growth

Additionally, according to a  fuel report by the International Energy Agency (IEA),  “Nuclear and hydropower are going to be critical to low-carbon electricity generation. The proof is in the numbers, too, as nuclear power has reduced CO2 emissions by over 60 gigatonnes – nearly two years’ worth of global energy-related emissions in the past 50 years.

What Does This Mean for Hiring Energy Workers?

Innovation is the cornerstone of clean energy. As new technologies continue to emerge, companies prepared to take advantage of these changes and implement new strategies will be ahead of the competition.

Understanding job growth and change in energy services are essential for developing a good hiring process. Also, the energy industry thrives on large-scale projects, so candidates who understand these roles are more likely to succeed. Industry knowledge, technical achievements, critical problem skills, and intellectual curiosity will be must-haves for candidates who want to build long-term careers in an industry that will likely change many times before they retire.

Why Hiring Contractors is Beneficial for Energy Companies

Regular ups and downs in the energy industry leave many professionals wondering which “next step” to take. Because many contract positions are project-specific, they give energy companies a chance to test their workers and only bring them on for a specific amount of time.  Contract positions focus on the project, leaving the daily tasks to the everyday staff.

As hiring tightens, which is always a possibility, employers will need to stay connected to energy staffing experts with extensive professional networks and keen knowledge of those who work in the field. By connecting with a staffing firm, employers work with someone who specializes in staying on top of energy market trends and knowing who the established professionals and “rising stars” are in the local oil and gas industries.

One of the most proactive approaches to establishing a solid recruiting process in a specialized field is to bring in the help of an outside staffing firm. Outsourced energy recruiting companies employ the most talented and experienced staffing professionals in the field who know the energy industry inside and out. They understand energy services’ niche needs and goals and know where to find the most skilled and promising candidates. This know-how gives energy recruiters an edge when bringing in the best talent and cutting hiring costs due to saved time and money.

Want more help navigating the complex professional job market in the energy sector? Give the pros at FootBridge Energy Services a call today, and we can help you find your next career opportunity!

Fast Energy Facts

2021 Look at the Energy Industry

While we all adjust to the post-COVID-19 new normal, so too, it seems, is the energy market. According to a recent US Energy Information Administration (EID) report, it will be years before we return to 2019 energy consumption levels, which isn’t necessarily bad as carbon emissions are also on the decline – a trend that is expected to continue through 2035. Depending on the US economic recovery pace, it could be 2029 before energy consumption returns to pre-pandemic levels. The same goes for electricity, which will mostly return to 2019 levels by 2025. However, if the market is slow to recover, those numbers could take as long as 2050.  The stock market natural gas will remain flat, while coal and nuclear are expected to drop by about half. 

What is Clean Energy?

A renewable resource generates clean energy. The pros of clean energy are net-zero carbon emissions, cleaner air, lower costs, and more jobs. On the flip side, securing land and infrastructures for wind and solar farms can be problematic. Also, since renewable energy relies on natural resources such as sun, wind, and water, it’s not always reliable. They can also produce too much energy and overload grids. 

Clean Energy Jobs 

So, where does this news leave energy jobs for 2021? With climate change marked as a priority, President Biden has pledged 10 million clean energy jobs in his vow to reduce carbon emissions. While also wanting to reach a carbon-free energy sector by 2035. In a report from CNN, Biden has pledged $400 billion to US-made manufacturing efforts toward clean cars, telecom equipment, steel, building materials, and health care equipment. Another $300 billion would go to the research and development of 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and electric vehicles.  For reference, clean energy jobs include positions such as:

  • Solar panel installers (construction)
  • Energy-efficient HVAC technician
  • Wind and grid modernization jobs
  • Clean energy storage
  • Green construction

Clean Energy Projects

In our last blog, we spoke about how retail workers, restaurant employees, and event planners could transition to manufacturing as there are many openings in this market. The same can be said of pipefitters, welders, and steelworkers applying their skills to building solar farms such as the Samson Solar Energy facility in northeast Texas.  With up to 600 jobs, its 1.3 gigawatts capacity is expected to surpass many nuclear reactors.

Open Positions

For a list of our open solar positions, check out our job search page. On a side note, clean energy jobs are said to pay 25 percent more than the national median wage earnings. 

To search the FootBridge Company website for clean energy jobs. Just type key word “solar” and select energy and construction. 

To summarize, the energy market is adapting to our new normal. Countries are likely to become more independent when securing their energy needs in the coming years. The US, for example, will purchase 75 million barrels of oil for their Strategic Petroleum Reserve. While India is ending its monopoly over coal. 

The energy industry can be an exciting and rewarding career, and we’re here to help you find your path.  If you’re looking for ways to update your resume and writing a cover letter, visit our job resources page. There you’ll find tips for reaching out. Or reach out to connect with our recruiters who can help you land the energy job of your dreams. 

Electric Vehicles and the Demand for Power Plants

The Hummer was once known as a gas-guzzling car and discontinued in 2010, was just reintroduced as having zero emissions.  It’s not the only electric car on the road. Still, it did make us wonder about power consumption and the impact on grids moving forward. Will we need to build more electrical power plants to keep up with demand? Not that we have anything against EVs or the Hummer, although it will cost you around 100K to purchase. But with almost half the cars on the road in 2050 expected to be electric, we thought it worthwhile to check it out. Here’s what we found. 

About Carbon Emissions:

First, a little information about carbon emissions: according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, transportation became the largest greenhouse gas source in 2016. But that’s not to say it’s at its all-time highest. In 2005 carbon emissions peaked, and from 1990 to 2016 grew by 21.5 percent. According to NASA, even though carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas, too much of it and other greenhouse gases ((methane, nitrous oxide, and (hydrofluorocarbonsCFCs)) can trap thermal energy increasing the earth’s temperature, leading to global warming.  It isn’t just vehicles that produce these carbon emissions, either. But the burning of any naturally occurring fossil fuel such as coal, oil, and natural gas. According to Energy.gov, these fossil fuels formed when prehistoric plants and animals died and were buried under rock layers. Without them, there’d be no electricity or industry. 

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) account for 28 percent of total emissions.  As such, “labels on today’s cars also include ratings on greenhouse gas and smog-forming pollutants. EPA provides online resources, such as the Green Vehicle Guide and the joint EPA-DOE website fueleconomy.gov,” for those who are interested in learning more. 

Power Grids

While emissions do not come from a tailpipe in EVs, they are emitted through the source of electricity at the power plant. According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), California has banned the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Hawaii and Washington aren’t far behind. However, doing so could boost power demand by up to 25 percent. Which, in turn, could lead to a shortage in supply. Much work will need to be done on the grid to handle the demand. For instance, Maine would have to produce 55 percent more electricity if every car in the state went to electricity.  

Whether EVs will lead to overall lower carbon emissions, one study reports that electric cars emit overall lower carbon emissions even as the electricity generation still relies on fossil fuels, except for countries where electricity is still reliant on coal. Countries like Sweeden with more renewable energy sources and nuclear power stations fare better with lifetime emissions are more than 70 percent lower than petroleum.  And as we mentioned, with more than half the cars on the road predicted to be electric by 2050, it’s an increase that would boost national power consumption by 38 percent. This is excellent, but in the meantime, it will be interesting to see how the nation’s power grids will adapt and what demand will look like during peak charging time frames like after work.   

As always, hiring top talent is essential to your business’s success, and our team is here to help you find the right people with unmatched expertise.  

Let’s collaborate today to fill your open positions. We are ready to source your next top performer for continued business success.

Technology and the Data-Driven Future of Construction

Have you heard the term Internet of Things (IoT)? How about in the construction industry? IoT is used to describe devices connected to the Internet for remote data collection and management. Doing so creates better efficiencies that would otherwise not be humanly possible because not one person can be everywhere at once.  At home, IoT examples include remote access to thermostats, doorbells with cameras, Fitbits, refrigerators that let you know when food is low. Apply this technology to the construction industry, however, and managers can collect real-time information to help manage assets, expenses, maintenance, setbacks, deliveries, safety, and more.  As companies look toward becoming more energy-efficient and as job sites want a better handle on all their moving parts, IoT will continue to play an integral role in things like site monitoring, machine control, construction safety, and green (LEED) building.  If you’re looking for a job in commercial construction, get ready to hear the IoT term being used more and more. Continue reading for further details. 

 

Where and How Smart technology is being used in commercial construction

 

When it comes to construction staffing, we know if an employee is wearing a sensor and have worked beyond their scheduled hours – they become tired and at risk for an accident. If they are wearing a sensor, however, a manager can be alerted to the problem and act. The employee’s location is accessible, and early intervention is achievable. If there is a fall, a sensor can even alert management to a “drop.”  Fleet management, GPS, and drones are also examples of IoT. They can be used to inspect hard to reach places in construction management.  Also known as machinery or machine to machine (M2M) technology, sensors on these instruments can detect unusual vibrations, temperature changes, and air quality conditions. Being alerted to an undesired change in machinery, as you probably know, is critical to a company’s bottom line. Smart technology is even being used to build bridges and roads too. Tags can be used to send measurements to engineers, which helps measure aging and wear. 

 

How does the IoT Differ from artificial intelligence (A1)?

 

Different from artificial intelligence (A1), in which systems collect data, recognize a pattern, and make informed decisions without programming IoT allows managers to act on data.  A1, on the other hand, is when the machine itself acts on a pattern of data. These days students can even get a degree in construction technology. At the University of Southern California, for instance, they’re offering a master’s degree in the field. Accordingly, “Students will graduate with an understanding not just of the building process itself, but also how people behave in buildings.” 

As a staffing company, we are seeing more commercial construction projects with a focus on sustainability that includes optimizing energy and ventilation.  During the time of COVID-19, when ventilation standards are especially critical, the IoT can be used to help monitor air quality. We found this article, which does a great job of explaining the technology behind the IoE.   For more information, you can also check out last week’s blog to learn about how A1 is being used in construction. 

Looking for a commercial construction job? As always, hiring top talent is essential to the success of your business, and our team is here to help you find the right people with unmatched expertise.  

 Let’s collaborate today to fill your open positions. We are ready to source your next top performer for continued business success.

Why Staffing Agencies are Great for Construction

One of the main reasons our commercial construction clients use FootBridge is because of the ease and flexibility we afford them. Want someone on site the next day? You got it. Need someone with a niche skillset for a specific project? Done. Don’t want to pay salaries when the project is on hold? We get that.

Maybe a client is working on a hospital, an industrial structure, or a sports facility. Each of which requires their own set of skills and proficiencies. Instead of keeping personnel on staff and taking on salaries and benefits for an ongoing basis, they turn to us to keep them on the payroll just for the current project.   When the contractor is done with the project, it’s an expense that goes away.  It’s that simple. And during the time of COVID-19, when many commercial construction firms face hiring uncertainties,  flexibility it turns out, is the name of the game. 

Business Development

When it comes to staffing, there are numerous hurdles to overcome, but they don’t all have to turn into challenges. Sometimes a commercial construction firm may only work on government projects, for instance. But then suddenly, and as we see more of lately, shifts to another market. Rather than taking on a direct-hire where the client will need to onboard, train, and pay for benefits, they’d be better off sourcing a contractor with say, five years’ niche experience in that alternative industry.  Doing so means saving time on training, salary, benefits, insurance, not to mention a contractor is going to be skilled in the area of expertise you need.  Keep in mind as well that with a contractor, you don’t pay taxes, social security, or benefits. So the reality is the client is saving money even though the hourly rate may be higher. For more information on this topic, see our article, “What are the Cost Benefits of working with a Staffing Agency?” 

Alternatively, sometimes when we speak with commercial construction firms, they assume working with us means markups and higher costs. But what they don’t realize is the business development relationship we afford them.

Mitigate Adverse Outcomes

Just like we can get a contractor on-site the next day, a staffing agency can let them go as needed too.  If a candidate shows up for the job and the person isn’t what the client thought they would be, we can offer an immediate solution. One phone call to Footbridge is all it takes, and the person won’t be on-site the next day. If someone doesn’t live up to your expectations, we will let them go immediately, with absolutely no cost to you within the first week. 

Location, location, location

Sometimes a construction firm may have the right person for the job, but they aren’t willing to travel to the project location.  This isn’t an uncommon situation, and at FootBridge, our recruiters can find you a qualified candidate already in that location or one who is ready to go there. Let’s say you have a six-month job on a government project, but no one in your construction firm wants to relocate.  We not only find someone but perform the interview, screen, and bring them in for the project promptly. Rather than worrying about transferring someone across the country and paying living expenses, contract hire means you don’t end up with layoffs. 

Speaking of relocating – hiring and recruitment practices can vary by state. A client may have to get set up with a state just to be able to provide employment in the area. But a staffing firm like FootBridge, on the other hand, is already set up for jobs in all 50 states. 

Contractors can be an excellent resource for Commercial Construction firms

As always, hiring top talent is essential to the success of your business, and our team is here to help you find the right people with unmatched expertise.  

Let’s collaborate today to fill your open positions. We are ready to source your next top performer for continued business success.

What Industries Will Bounce Back Strong from COVID?

Construction, Manufacturing, and Energy are high on the List

As the summer months are upon us, and with phased reopening’s taking place across the country, businesses are starting to see a semblance of the new normal. With the May job reports out, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over a million restaurant workers returned to work.  Construction saw a rebound, with almost half a million jobs added in May. Retail, healthcare workers, dentists, delivery personnel, and janitors also saw an increase in employment, accounting for a total of 2.5 million overall jobs. Wondering what other industries are best suited for major comebacks and how that may affect your job search? Read on to find out. 

Online commerce is here to stay

Companies that have done well and continue to do so through COVID-19 include Amazon and Google. Just ask any UPS or FED Ex delivery driver how many packages a day they deliver. One survey notes eCommerce behaviors will only increase post-pandemic. And according to a recent Forbes report, COVID-19 has accelerated online shopping growth by two to four years. Looking for a job with these companies has never been easier as they offer local searches of available positions. Click here to search for employment with Amazon where you’ll find everything from customer service roles to warehouse and logistics. 

To some, it may also seem as if businesses are going through a renaissance period. Working from home has made us realize you don’t necessarily have to visit a client in-person to close a deal. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype are now serving that purpose, and companies are saving money as a result. On the downside, according to one commercial real estate investor we spoke to two out of three regional restaurants will close. Brick and mortar shops are also suffering and were already on the decline before the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, there are more chapter 11 filings than ever right now. 

Remote work is a good thing

With no definitive answer on when people can return to office environments, about 50 percent of businesses could close. We’ve all been thrown into this experiment, and no one knows for sure what our new normal will look like in the coming months. But one thing is for sure, remote work is taking off and could redefine what doing business looks like for many.  For tips on the virtual interview, be sure to click here. 

Jobs in manufacturing, construction, and energy abound 

On a positive note, and as mentioned above – the manufacturing, construction, and energy industries are making a comeback. Our Massachusetts-based semiconductor client, who was deemed essential, continues to have job openings. Other non-essential manufacturing and construction jobs are also starting to pick back up as are opportunities in the energy industry.  To adjust to the times, companies in this sector are doing everything from offering flexible work hours to investing in technology, customer services, and community engagement. Visit our job search site for work in manufacturing and construction. We’ve got you covered. 

When it comes to manufacturing, according to a Construction Review (CR) article, 56 percent of companies are anticipating making more products closer to home instead of overseas. There will also be a demand for post-pandemic products like plexiglass dividers to protect offices, schools, restaurants, and gyms. 

While every industry has been affected by supply chain shortages, some are also ready to innovate. For example, according to the McKinsey Group, the semiconductor industry could see an increase for:

  • Contactless solutions including touch screens and elevator buttons
  • Automated delivery solutions
  • Ambient assisted living devices
  • Digital work processes for healthcare, government, and defense sector

Looking back, in April, LinkedIn’s hiring rate for the hardware and networking industry, which includes semiconductor makers, saw a rise of 2.3 percent.  For a list of the most in-demand jobs on LinkedIn in 2020, click here. 

As always, hiring top talent is essential to the success of your business, and our team is here to help you find the right people with unmatched expertise. 

Let’s collaborate today to fill your open positions. We are ready to source your next top performer for continued business success.

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