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General Contractor Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is an excellent opportunity for someone coming from a general contractor who wants to ... Review project costs and assist with risk assessments * Support multiple projects simultaneously

About the Company Our client is a well-established general contractor with over four decades of ... About the Role The Project Assistant is an office-based position located in the Citrus Heights, CA ...

About the Company Our client is a well-established general contractor with over four decades of ... About the Role The Project Assistant is an office-based position located in the Citrus Heights, CA ...

About the Company Our client is a well-established general contractor with over four decades of ... About the Role The Project Assistant is an office-based position located in the Citrus Heights, CA ...

Summary A reputable, mid-sized general contractor is looking to bring on an Assistant Superintendent to support ground-up commercial construction projects across Orange County. This role is focused ...

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General Contractor Assistant information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do general contractor assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for general contractor assistant in California is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.59 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid assistant job?

The highest paid assistant jobs are often executive assistants or personal assistants to high-level executives, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases. These roles typically require advanced organizational skills, experience, and sometimes specialized knowledge or certifications, and they may involve working in industries like finance, law, or technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a General Contractor Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a General Contractor Assistant, you need a basic understanding of construction processes, project documentation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant trade certifications. Familiarity with project management software, scheduling tools, and construction site equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for supporting project efficiency, ensuring safety compliance, and facilitating smooth coordination between teams and subcontractors.

What is the difference between General Contractor Assistant vs Construction Coordinator?

AspectGeneral Contractor AssistantConstruction Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some experience in constructionHigh school diploma, often some project management knowledge
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, officesConstruction sites, project offices
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, general contractorsConstruction firms, project management teams
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a General Contractor Assistant supports the general contractor with daily tasks, scheduling, and coordination, often focusing on site assistance. A Construction Coordinator typically handles project planning, communication, and documentation, often with more emphasis on administrative and organizational duties. Both roles are essential in construction projects but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are General Contractor Assistants?

General Contractor Assistants support general contractors in managing construction projects by performing administrative, organizational, and hands-on tasks. Their duties often include coordinating schedules, communicating with subcontractors and suppliers, maintaining project documentation, and ensuring that safety regulations are followed on-site. They help keep projects running smoothly by assisting with project planning, budget tracking, and addressing any logistical needs that arise. This role is vital for efficient project execution and helps ensure construction projects are completed on time and within budget.

What are some typical challenges faced by a General Contractor Assistant, and how can they be managed?

General Contractor Assistants often face challenges such as juggling multiple tasks on tight deadlines, coordinating with various subcontractors, and adapting quickly to changes on the job site. Effective time management, clear communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for success in this role. Building strong relationships with team members and staying organized can help manage these challenges and contribute to smooth project execution.

Is 30 too old to start construction?

Starting a career as a general contractor assistant at age 30 is not too late, as the construction industry values experience, skills, and certifications over age. Many professionals enter the field later in life and succeed by gaining relevant knowledge, such as OSHA safety training and project management skills, and building practical experience on-site.

What Does a General Contractor Assistant Do?

As a general contractor assistant, you assist construction teams on a building site and in an office. Your responsibilities include tasks like preparing and securing equipment, maintaining clean and safe work areas, and collaborating with teams of workers to complete each project. You use power and hand tools, direct subcontractors and temporary staff on daily duties, inventory materials, and collaborate with team members to complete tasks. Duties also include attending meetings and taking notes as necessary, communicating with teams of architects, engineers, subcontractors, and other team members, and following guidelines to ensure each structure is safe and meets code requirements.

What does a construction assistant do?

A construction assistant supports project managers and construction crews by performing tasks such as preparing sites, organizing materials, and assisting with daily operations. They may also help with safety checks, documentation, and communicating between team members, often using tools like blueprints and basic construction equipment. This role requires good organizational skills and knowledge of safety protocols on construction sites.

How much does a GC charge per hour?

A general contractor assistant typically charges between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the project. Rates may vary based on the scope of work and whether the assistant is working directly under a licensed general contractor or independently.
What are the most commonly searched types of General Contractor jobs in California? The most popular types of General Contractor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to General Contractor Assistant jobs in California? For General Contractor Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching General Contractor Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for General Contractor Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for General Contractor Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most General Contractor Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various General Contractor Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,089 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Director of Housing Development (Oakland or Foster City or Watsonville)

Director of Housing Development (Oakland or Foster City or Watsonville)

MidPen Housing

Oakland, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Location: Oakland or Foster City or Watsonville

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Director of Housing Development is responsible for managing a team of Real Estate Development personnel including Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, Associate Project Managers and/or Project Associates. The team is responsible for executing, under the guidance of the Director of Housing Development, all aspects of the development process for new construction and/or acquisition/rehabilitation projects, ensuring a financially and operationally viable development in a timely and cost-efficient manner. The Director of Housing Development is responsible for training and mentoring members of the Development Team.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

Lead a Development Team through the development process as outlined below providing strategic advice, training and guidance as appropriate to minimize MidPen's risk, ensure adherence to MidPen standards, and fulfillment of MidPen's mission. 

Site Identification & Acquisition 

In collaboration with other team members, the Director of Housing Development will support: 

  • Identifying sites for potential housing developments  
  • Leading site acquisition negotiations with property owners 
  • Preparing Letters of Intent to property owners 
  • Negotiating site acquisition documents 
  • Providing support and overall guidance during the land acquisition process to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and schedule 

Project Conceptualization & Feasibility Analysis 

  • Assist and support staff in completion of site feasibility analysis including risk review of potential transactions 
  • Review due diligence reports for potential sites and assist team in identifying potential areas of exposure for MidPen that require mitigation or re-negotiation 
  • Working with the Project Manager, review, refine and modify as necessary conceptual financial analysis for potential sites 
  • Working with the Project Manager, review refine and modify as necessary the project's critical path schedule ensuring key project milestones can be achieved 

Project Financing 

  • Assist team in preparation of funding applications. Review and sign off on financing plan prior to application submittal to ensure adherence to MidPen underwriting standards 
  • Support Project Manager in closing the financing for the development, including taking the lead in negotiations with lenders and investors on critical issues, as necessary and appropriate 
  • Ensure clear documentation of loan and partnership terms for file and for approval via MidPen's Term Sheet process 
  • Ensure proforma that accurately reflects the project expenses and financing plan are up to date and accurate so that decisions during construction can be made efficiently 

Entitlements, Permitting and Pre-Construction  

  • Assist Project Manager in selection of architects, design consultants and general contractor. 
  • Assist Project Manager in negotiation of all contracts as needed. Review and approve any deviations from MidPen's standard AIA contracts for both architect and general contractor 
  • Review and approve entitlement package submittal before submission 
  • Guide and support community engagement plan 

Project Close-out & Transition to Operations 

  • Ensure adherence to MidPen's standard process for preparation of project summary and execute file transfer to central files 

Represent MidPen 

  • Represent the corporation before public bodies as needed 
  • Network with appropriate groups and individuals 
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external entities  
  • Provide technical assistance to other non-profit organizations  
  • Represent the organization at public hearings and other speaking engagements 

Mentoring and Management 

  • Be available for advice, meetings, and consultations 
  • Review work of team members weekly including review of budget and schedule and troubleshoot problems with a focus on critical path  
  • Conduct formal group trainings as requested 
  • Work with Senior Vice President(s) of Housing Development to develop systems and written procedures for the department, as requested 
  • Participate actively as a member of the Development Department's Leadership Team 

Internal Coordination 

  • Support team in coordination with all internal stakeholder departments including property management and services. Ensure team adheres to established internal protocols for cross departmental collaboration. 
  • Ensure that the building program, financing plan, and operating budget/reserves meet MidPen standards  
  • Ensure that project budgets and critical path schedules are updated regularly and accurately for review by the Senior Vice President(s) of Housing Development and other internal partners 
  • Schedule and budget changes are communicated in a timely manner 
  • Ensure team adheres to established procedures and requirements for reporting to MidPen's Board of Directors and Development Committee including review and/or preparation of monthly board memos and project summary report 
  • Ensure team adheres to MidPen's Development Guidelines and Real Estate Investment Guidelines 

Performs other assignments as requested 

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of theeducation,knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education and Experience 

  • Graduate or Professional degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Architecture, or related fields with an emphasis on real estate development or an equivalent combination of education and experience  
  • At least seven (7) years prior development experience 
  • Previous work experience managing personnel required 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

  • Thorough knowledge of Federal, State, Local, and Private sources of financing for low-income housing 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated skill in making effective presentations at public forums and facilitating community group discussions 
  • Strong negotiating skills and sound political judgment 
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills 
  • Ability to prepare in-depth financial feasibility analyses, conduct research, and prepare narrative reports and proposals 
  • Knowledge of real estate and tax law as it pertains to the development of low-income housing 
  • Proven ability to work effectively with lenders, investors, public officials, and low-income tenants 
  • Familiarity with standard architectural and construction practices and demonstrated ability to effectively supervise the design and construction of at least two low-income housing developments in coordination with the Construction Manager 
  • Proven ability to support, grow, and guide direct reports 
  • Strong computer skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project  
  • Ability to develop standard internal tax credit proformas and to train other staff in their use 
  • Ability to work in fast-moving, flexible environment 
  • Commitment to the goals and mission of the organization  

Physical Requirements  

  • Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks 
  • Frequently sitting 
  • Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 15pounds 
  • Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl 

This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Pay Range

$193,600 - $217,800 Annual Salary - Pay based on applicable experience and qualifications