Assistant Project Manager Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

DACON, the construction business unit of Dashiell Corporation, an operating company of Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR), specializes in the construction of medium- and high-voltage electrical infrastructure. DACON delivers construction services across substations and power systems, supporting electric utilities, power generation, industrial, petrochemical, and renewable energy clients. 

Backed by more than 60 years of experience through Dashiell, DACON provides field-proven expertise in substation construction, equipment installation, cable systems, and energized infrastructure projects. DACON is part of a nationwide network of Quanta Services companies delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality electrical construction solutions. Learn more at www.dashiell.com. 

Primary Function: 

The Senior Project Manager provides senior-level leadership for Dacon's most complex and high-value electrical construction projects within the substation and power systems portfolio. In addition to managing a portfolio of projects, the Senior Project Manager leads estimating on major bid pursuits, serves as a technical resource and mentor for the project management team, contributes to business development activities, and drives continuous improvement in project delivery and estimating practices. The position will be based in our Deer Park, Texas office located at 1300 Underwood Rd, Deer Park, TX 77536 and will report to Dacon's Director of Project Management. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

Employee may be called upon to perform any or all of the following functions: 

• Lead and manage a portfolio of large, complex electrical construction projects - including greenfield and modification substations up to 500 kV, cable systems, and high-voltage power infrastructure - from award through final closeout. 

• Establish project execution strategies, staffing plans, procurement plans, and risk management frameworks at project inception. 

• Serve as senior client relationship manager for major accounts; lead client meetings, negotiations, and project reviews at the executive level. 

• Oversee project financial performance across a portfolio, including budget management, cost forecasting, and margin optimization. 

• Direct, coach, and mentor Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers; provide guidance on complex project challenges and professional development. 

• Lead contract administration including change order negotiation, claims avoidance, and dispute resolution. 

• Partner with business development teams on proposal development, bid strategies, and contract review for new opportunities. 

• Champion implementation of project management best practices, tools, and standards across the Dacon project management organization. 

• Ensure full compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and safety requirements across managed projects. 

• Identify and escalate project risks to senior leadership; develop and execute mitigation strategies. 

• Represent Dacon at client, industry, and community events as appropriate. 

• Lead estimating efforts for large and complex bid opportunities, including major substation projects, transmission work, and high-voltage power construction pursuits. 

• Establish estimating standards, templates, and review processes to drive consistency and accuracy across the project management and estimating teams. 

• Review and approve final estimates and proposals prior to submission; ensure alignment between estimate assumptions and contractual risk. 

• Collaborate with business development and executive leadership on bid/no-bid decisions, competitive positioning, and pursuit strategy for significant opportunities. 

• Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested. 

How You Will Make an Impact 

• Lead delivery of Dacon's largest and most strategic projects, directly driving company revenue, profitability, and client retention. 

• Build and maintain senior-level client relationships that generate repeat business and support Dacon's growth objectives. 

• Elevate the capability of the project management team through active mentorship, coaching, and development of Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers. 

• Strengthen organizational project delivery standards by identifying and implementing process improvements across the project management function. 

• Drive business growth by leading estimating on major bid pursuits and ensuring Dacon submits competitive, accurate proposals for high-value electrical construction opportunities. 

• Model and reinforce Dacon's safety-first culture at the highest organizational level, setting the standard for safety leadership on all projects. 

Minimum Qualifications / Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree on a year-for-year basis (4 years = Bachelor's equivalent); Master's degree preferred. 

• Minimum 10 years of project management experience in electrical construction, substation construction, or high-voltage power construction. 

• Demonstrated experience successfully managing projects of $20M or greater in substation, transmission, or high-voltage electrical infrastructure. 

• Demonstrated experience leading estimating efforts for large, complex high-voltage or power construction bid opportunities. 

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required. 

• Deep knowledge of substation construction methods and high-voltage electrical systems. 

• Proficiency in Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project; experience with Procore or equivalent construction management platforms. 

• Experience in contract negotiation, claims management, and complex change order administration. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop and mentor project management staff. 

• Excellent executive-level presentation, communication, and client relationship management skills. 

• Valid driver's license required; regular travel to project sites and client offices required. 

Physical Requirements: 

LEVEL 3 - Hybrid (Office & Field Exposure) 

Typical Roles: Project Managers, Engineering Project Managers, Safety Managers, Directors 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to sit for extended periods during office-based work. 

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during field visits. 

• Ability to walk on uneven terrain, gravel, and graded surfaces. 

• Ability to navigate active construction environments including stairs, ramps, and temporary walkways. 

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally. 

• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, FR clothing, and hearing protection. 

• Ability to travel to project sites as required. 

Environmental Conditions 

• Combination of climate-controlled office work and outdoor construction environments. 

• Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and rain. 

• Exposure to noise, dust, and industrial conditions during site visits. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions as defined by Company policy. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Dacon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. 

Dacon labor is provided through Local #66 Lineman's Union in Houston, TX. This includes excellent wages, plus health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and a retirement fund. 

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without current or future visa sponsorship. Third-party recruiters and agencies, please do not contact us regarding this position.