2

Entry Level Project Manager Jobs in Columbus, NE

Level 1 is an entry level position with approximately six to twelve months of training/work ... Other daily, weekly, monthly or special project duties as identified and defined. Qualifications ...

Entry Level Project Manager information

See Columbus, NE salary details

$38.9K

$103.7K

$163.6K

How much do entry level project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level project manager in Columbus, NE is $103,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $124,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level project manager?

As an entry-level project manager, you work to improve communication between departments in an organization. You are assigned a team to manage as you guide them through a project and help them collaborate with other groups. Your responsibilities center around completing the project goal, creating a plan for the project, and designing a timeline for project completion. You also work with upper management, explaining your project strategy and how it falls in line with their goals and budget. Other duties include creating visual representations of the project processes, monitoring employee progress, and altering the process when necessary.

What does an entry level project manager do?

An Entry Level Project Manager assists in planning, executing, and completing projects under the supervision of senior managers. They help coordinate teams, monitor project timelines, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure that tasks are completed on schedule and within budget. Their role often includes administrative duties, tracking project progress, and identifying potential issues early on. This position is a great starting point for building project management skills and learning how to lead larger projects in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level project manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Project Manager, you need a solid grasp of project management principles, organizational skills, and typically a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with project management software such as Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello, and foundational certifications like CAPM or Agile fundamentals are often beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, and time management skills help you effectively coordinate teams and adapt to changing project needs. These competencies are essential for delivering projects on time, within scope, and fostering positive team collaboration.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level project managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Entry level project managers often encounter challenges such as managing competing priorities, communicating with diverse stakeholders, and adapting to rapidly changing project requirements. To succeed, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, proactively seek feedback from team members, and utilize project management tools to track tasks and deadlines. Building relationships with mentors and experienced colleagues can also provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate new responsibilities. Embracing a continuous learning mindset will help you grow and adapt quickly in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Project Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Project ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, PMP certification (preferred)Bachelor's degree often required; certifications like CAPM beneficial)
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, manages teams, responsible for project successSupports project teams, handles scheduling and communication
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for managing projects at entry levelCommonly used in same industries, often as support role

The main difference is that an Entry Level Project Manager has more responsibility for project outcomes and team management, while a Project Coordinator primarily supports project activities and communication. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Project Manager holds more accountability for project success.

How to become an entry level project manager with zero experience?

To become an entry-level project manager with no experience, focus on developing strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Obtain relevant certifications such as Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or learn project management tools like Microsoft Project or Trello. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or assisting with projects can also help build your resume for entry-level roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Manager jobs in Columbus, NE?

The most popular types of Project Manager jobs in Columbus, NE are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Project Manager jobs in Columbus, NE look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Project Manager jobs in Columbus, NE are:

What cities near Columbus, NE are hiring for Entry Level Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Columbus, NE with the most Entry Level Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Project Manager job openings in Columbus, NE as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,714 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Sub-Transmission Planning Engineer I/II/III

Columbus, NE • On-site


Nebraska Public Power District
1 - 5K employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for a Sub-Transmission Planning Engineer I/II/III located at the Columbus General Office in Columbus, Nebraska.  Position closes September 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. 

Position Summary

Position provides daily support for Operations, Maintenance, trending system performance and initiating actions to restore/improve system performance and reliability, troubleshooting off-normal system conditions, failure and root cause analysis, evaluating proposed configuration changes, recommendations to maintain asset value, and coordinating maintenance-related projects.  Assignments are designed to develop general knowledge of professional engineering practice in the electric utility industry and introduce customer/supplier communication skills.  In addition to the general engineering activities above, job-specific knowledge and expectations for this individual role will include: 

Sub-transmission Planning: Develop short-term and long-term Subtransmission plans and provide operational support in the area of Subtransmission planning. These plans identify improvements required to serve projected load increases and help solve operational problems.

Education, Training and Experience

Level I to Level III is considered a progression and is approved by the appropriate manager.  District engineering positions are managed under the Engineering Technical Career Path. 

Level I:

Bachelor's degree in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited university or college is required, or Professional Engineering (PE) License and bachelor's degree in engineering from a non-ABET accredited school is required.

Entry-level position with assignments designed to develop a general knowledge of professional engineering practice in the electric utility industry and introduce customer/supplier communication skills.

Level II:

Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited university or college, or Professional Engineering License obtained by accredited examination.

Second-level position with assignments designed to develop competent technical knowledge within an engineering discipline, develop customer relation skills, and introduce project management skills.

Level III:

Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited university or college, or Professional Engineering License obtained by accredited examination.

A fully competent engineer in conventional aspects within the specific discipline with expertise in specific areas of past assignments. Assignments designed to expand the areas of expertise within the discipline, develop project management skills, and develop a general knowledge of other disciplines.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Engineer III - Must have successfully passed the Engineering in Training (EIT) / Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Level I:

Performs tasks of limited and specific scope under the direction of experienced personnel. Applies standard engineering practices and techniques utilizing prescribed methods in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. Judgment is required on details of work, such as correlating data and recognizing discrepancies in results. Communicates with customers and suppliers as directed by supervision.

Level II:

Performs tasks of limited and specific scope under the direction of experienced personnel. Plans and conducts detailed phases of work in support of multiple assignments as well as managing assignments of moderate scope. Independently selects and applies standard engineering techniques and procedures utilizing prescribed methods in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. Includes some complex features. Work requires a broad knowledge within the discipline and development of expertise in specific areas of work assignment. Judgment is required on details of work, such as correlating data and recognizing discrepancies in results. Communicates with customers and suppliers, as needed.

Level III:

Performs detailed development, planning, and implementation of numerous concurrent assignments of moderate scope. Performs work which includes a variety of complex features, such as unique operating conditions, conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials or methods, or difficult coordination requirements. Performs as a consultant in technical specialties to determine and assess technical and economic feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering solutions as well as analysis of unusual operating conditions. Communicates with customers concerning needs and work status. Work generally requires a broad range of knowledge within the specific engineering discipline with expertise in numerous areas and general knowledge of other engineering disciplines.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Customer Focus
Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion
Integrity/Excellence
Public Service/Environmental Stewardship
Safety

Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.  Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.

Engineer Level I: Exempt Pay Grade 12

Engineer Level II: Exempt Pay Grade 13

Engineer Level III: Exempt Pay Grade 14

Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: 

Exempt Pay Grade 12: $6,837 - $9,715 per month

Exempt Pay Grade 13: $7,668 - $10,897 per month

Exempt Pay Grade 14: $8,720 - $12,738 per month

Travel Required: Up to 25% (With no or minimal overnight stays, less than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska)  Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.

Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer



What Nebraska Public Power District employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom