Construction Jobs in Rhode Island
Construction jobs in Rhode Island are concentrated in residential renovation, commercial development, and public infrastructure work, with steady demand from entry-level laborers through experienced project superintendents. Providence, Cranston, and Warwick are the state's busiest hiring centers, where contractors like Gilbane Building Company, Dimeo Construction, and Walsh Construction have long-standing operations. The most sought-after specialties include carpentry, electrical work, and concrete finishing. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Description
About NRF: The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) exists to preserve and restore Newport’s extraordinary architectural heritage — one of the most significant concentrations of colonial and early American historic buildings in the US. Founded in 1968 by Doris Duke, NRF has spent more than five decades acquiring, restoring, and stewarding, over 80 historic properties throughout Newport and Newport County, ensuring that these structures remain vibrant anchors of community life for generations to come.
Today, NRF stands at an exciting moment in its history. Our properties continue to shape the fabric of Newport, and our work continues to evolve. We are seeking a Construction Manager — someone who shares our commitment to the long-term stewardship of these remarkable homes and who is ready to contribute to the dynamic hands-on work that continues to shape Newport’s culture and unique sense of place.
Title: Construction Manager
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Reports To: Director of Historic Properties Salary: $90,000-110,000
Reporting to the Director of Historic Properties, the Construction Manager oversees construction projects throughout the organization’s collection of 80 historic buildings. Projects will range from small-scale repair and maintenance projects to large-scale restoration and rehabilitations at the organization’s 18th- and 19th-century rental properties. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized multi-tasker with experience in construction project management in Rhode Island or New England and a sensitivity to the unique nature of working with historic buildings.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Manage and oversee subcontracted construction projects at the organization’s Preservation Properties including – but not limited to – exterior restorations, roof replacements, chimney repairs and caps, and foundation repairs from start to finish (e.g., defining scope, obtaining and negotiating competitive bids, scheduling contractors, reviewing mockups, and managing budget).
· Work collaboratively with Properties Team to ensure application of appropriate preservation standards.
· Work closely with NRF’s properties crew; foster collaboration and maximize productivity.
· Perform detailed documentation of all projects managed.
· Receive and track project-related work orders (e.g., chimney leaks) in NRF’s property management system.
· Work with staff, architects, engineers, etc. as needed to assess conditions (e.g., leaks, deterioration, etc.), identify solutions, and scope repairs.
· Communicate regularly with Tenant Stewardship Manager to ensure tenants remain informed about project status and impact.
· Ensure all work performed by subcontractors adheres to industry standards, safety, and preservation best practices.
· Develop, maintain, and follow a set of specifications for commonly performed work.
· Inform and identify annual capital priorities and budgetary needs.
· Seek and implement efficiencies in project tracking, documentation, and planning.
· Apply for necessary project permits, as needed.
· Monitor building conditions, as needed.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
· At least 5 years of previous experience in construction management, with experience working directly with historic buildings preferred.
· Associate’s degree in construction or equivalent.
· Excellent organizational skills, including time management, delegation, prioritization, and multitasking.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills.
· Effective at working with third-party vendors such as contractors, architects, engineers, etc.
· Strong understanding of construction methods (historic and modern), industry standards and best practices, and building pathologies.
· Ability to read blueprints, such as floor plans, MEP drawings, and architectural drawings.
· Proactive approach to solving problems, such as project delays or unavailable resources.
· Ability to work independently as well as an effective and enthusiastic team player.
· Flexible schedule when needed to accommodate contractor hours.
· Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project) and experience with property management and/or construction management software is preferred.
· Must be able to work in normal office conditions, construction and field environments.
Newport Restoration Foundation is an equal opportunity employer
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- AD&D insurance
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Job Description
About NRF: The Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) exists to preserve and restore Newport’s extraordinary architectural heritage — one of the most significant concentrations of colonial and early American historic buildings in the US. Founded in 1968 by Doris Duke, NRF has spent more than five decades acquiring, restoring, and stewarding, over 80 historic properties throughout Newport and Newport County, ensuring that these structures remain vibrant anchors of community life for generations to come.
Today, NRF stands at an exciting moment in its history. Our properties continue to shape the fabric of Newport, and our work continues to evolve. We are seeking a Construction Manager — someone who shares our commitment to the long-term stewardship of these remarkable homes and who is ready to contribute to the dynamic hands-on work that continues to shape Newport’s culture and unique sense of place.
Title: Construction Manager
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Reports To: Director of Historic Properties Salary: $90,000-110,000
Reporting to the Director of Historic Properties, the Construction Manager oversees construction projects throughout the organization’s collection of 80 historic buildings. Projects will range from small-scale repair and maintenance projects to large-scale restoration and rehabilitations at the organization’s 18th- and 19th-century rental properties. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized multi-tasker with experience in construction project management in Rhode Island or New England and a sensitivity to the unique nature of working with historic buildings.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Manage and oversee subcontracted construction projects at the organization’s Preservation Properties including – but not limited to – exterior restorations, roof replacements, chimney repairs and caps, and foundation repairs from start to finish (e.g., defining scope, obtaining and negotiating competitive bids, scheduling contractors, reviewing mockups, and managing budget).
· Work collaboratively with Properties Team to ensure application of appropriate preservation standards.
· Work closely with NRF’s properties crew; foster collaboration and maximize productivity.
· Perform detailed documentation of all projects managed.
· Receive and track project-related work orders (e.g., chimney leaks) in NRF’s property management system.
· Work with staff, architects, engineers, etc. as needed to assess conditions (e.g., leaks, deterioration, etc.), identify solutions, and scope repairs.
· Communicate regularly with Tenant Stewardship Manager to ensure tenants remain informed about project status and impact.
· Ensure all work performed by subcontractors adheres to industry standards, safety, and preservation best practices.
· Develop, maintain, and follow a set of specifications for commonly performed work.
· Inform and identify annual capital priorities and budgetary needs.
· Seek and implement efficiencies in project tracking, documentation, and planning.
· Apply for necessary project permits, as needed.
· Monitor building conditions, as needed.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
· At least 5 years of previous experience in construction management, with experience working directly with historic buildings preferred.
· Associate’s degree in construction or equivalent.
· Excellent organizational skills, including time management, delegation, prioritization, and multitasking.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills.
· Effective at working with third-party vendors such as contractors, architects, engineers, etc.
· Strong understanding of construction methods (historic and modern), industry standards and best practices, and building pathologies.
· Ability to read blueprints, such as floor plans, MEP drawings, and architectural drawings.
· Proactive approach to solving problems, such as project delays or unavailable resources.
· Ability to work independently as well as an effective and enthusiastic team player.
· Flexible schedule when needed to accommodate contractor hours.
· Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project) and experience with property management and/or construction management software is preferred.
· Must be able to work in normal office conditions, construction and field environments.
Newport Restoration Foundation is an equal opportunity employer
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- AD&D insurance
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 20 Construction Jobs in Rhode Island
Find roles in Rhode Island that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Construction JobsConstruction Jobs by City in Rhode Island
Where Rhode Island roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Construction Job Market in Rhode Island
A snapshot from current Rhode Island openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Food & Beverage
What Rhode Island Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in construction jobs across Rhode Island.
- Active Rhode Island contractor license or registration recognized by the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board
- OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour construction safety certification required or strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience reading blueprints, technical drawings, and project specifications
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to job sites across the state
- Physical ability to lift heavy materials, work at heights, and perform outdoor labor in all conditions
- Experience operating and maintaining common construction equipment such as forklifts or skid steers
Construction Jobs in Rhode Island: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a construction in Rhode Island?
Most construction workers in Rhode Island enter the trades through an apprenticeship or vocational training program and then register with the Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board, which oversees licensing for contractors and specialty trades in the state. Programs through Rhode Island building trades unions and community colleges like Community College of Rhode Island offer structured pathways. Electricians and plumbers must also pass state-administered licensing exams specific to Rhode Island.
Which companies hire constructions in Rhode Island?
Employers hiring constructions in Rhode Island right now include JLL, GZA GeoEnvironmental, and General Dynamics Electric Boat, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Rhode Island's ongoing investment in public infrastructure, hospital expansion projects, and mixed-use development across Providence keeps large general contractors and specialty subcontractors consistently active in the market.
Which Rhode Island cities have the most construction jobs?
Providence, North Kingstown, and Johnston have the most construction openings in Rhode Island. Providence anchors demand as the state's largest city, with major hospital expansions, university projects, and downtown redevelopment driving consistent hiring, while Cranston and Warwick see steady work tied to commercial construction, retail builds, and residential development along the Route 2 and Route 1 corridors.
Are there remote construction jobs in Rhode Island?
Yes, but they're rare. About 18% of construction openings tied to Rhode Island are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting how hands-on and site-dependent most construction roles are. The positions most likely to allow remote or hybrid work are estimating, project management, and construction coordination roles that rely more on software, documentation, and client communication than on physical presence.
How can I get hired as a construction in Rhode Island with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying as a general laborer or construction helper with a large general contractor in Rhode Island, where on-the-job training is standard. Gilbane Building Company and Dimeo Construction are known for bringing on entry-level workers on active project sites. Enrolling in a union apprenticeship through the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council also gives candidates structured training, progressive pay, and direct connections to hiring contractors without requiring prior experience.
Where can I find and apply to construction jobs in Rhode Island?
You can find and apply to construction jobs in Rhode Island on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search through the roles below, find the ones that match your trade, experience level, and preferred location, and apply directly to the listings that fit.
See All 20 Construction Jobs in Rhode Island
Find roles in Rhode Island that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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