Large-scale construction projects demand careful planning, clear communication and a strong commitment to safety. Superintendents are at the center of these efforts, bringing crews together, monitoring progress and keeping daily work aligned with the big picture.
Devin Clay, a superintendent in the Oil, Gas & Chemical Group at Burns & McDonnell, is currently leading construction on an engineer-procure-construct (EPC) project for a midstream client. With years of experience building teams in the field, Devin has seen firsthand how safety culture shapes the success of a project.
We spoke with Devin about his day-to-day role and how he motivates teams to safely and successfully execute a project.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you on-site?
My role is to coordinate mechanical work in the field and support supervisors so they have the resources to lead their crews effectively. A big part of that is monitoring safety practices, checking progress against schedules and helping address challenges in real time. I spend much of the day moving between crews, seeing that everyone has what they need and reinforcing that safety comes first. No two days are ever the same, but every day comes back to leading by example and keeping the team focused on the larger goal.
Q: How has your job evolved since you started, particularly in planning, teamwork and safety?
When I started, projects often felt more segmented, with each group focused only on its own tasks. Today, I see a much greater level of collaboration across crafts. From early planning through execution, communication is much stronger and safety is mentioned in every conversation. This is shaping new employees coming into the field with safety at the foundation, which creates a stronger, more unified team.
Q: How do you keep crews motivated and aligned during long, complex builds?
Motivation comes from leadership and consistency. We start every day with a toolbox talk to go over safety, daily goals and any lessons learned. Recognizing milestones and celebrating wins helps people see their progress in a tangible way. I also share opportunities that lie ahead, so crews understand the role today’s work plays in their future. Most importantly, I try to lead by example. When people see their superintendent engaged and invested, it raises morale and keeps everyone aligned. Safety ties directly into that. Talking about why rules and procedures exist, and connecting them to real experiences, makes safety personal for the team and keeps it top of mind.
Q: What’s one thing clients might not see about field execution that you wish they understood?
Clients usually focus on the finished structure or the big-picture progress. What they may not always see are the small details and the craftsmanship it takes to get there. Every weld, every lift, every piece of pipe represents skilled work that adds up to the whole. It’s a process built step by step, and there’s a lot of pride in the craft along the way.
Q: What’s one challenge you and your team have faced, and how did you overcome it?
On a recent project, we were given a tight window to complete critical work during a turnaround. The scope was significant, and the timeline didn’t leave much room for error. My team came together with strong planning, consistent communication and a focus on safety. We not only finished ahead of schedule but did so with zero incidents. That experience reinforced the value of teamwork and how much can be accomplished when safety and quality drive the effort.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the field?
This is your career, so own it! Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you because every day offers a chance to learn and grow. The field is challenging, but it’s also rewarding when you see what you’ve built at the end of a project. If you stay focused, work safely and keep growing your skills, you’ll find a path forward.
