Project Assistant Jobs in Poughkeepsie, NY (NOW HIRING)

Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a highly-motivated Assistant Project Manager with a broad knowledge of procedures used to acquire real property interests for public utility/infrastructure projects including condemnation. This is a full time, permanent position supporting many projects concurrently. The successful candidate is able to multi-task and adept at producing accurate project deliverables on short notice. In this role, you’ll be the driving force behind right of way and land acquisition efforts, managing projects that directly shape communities and support critical transportation, utility, and public infrastructure initiatives. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with public agencies and private landowners, and ensure every acquisition is executed efficiently, ethically, and in full compliance.

The Right of Way industry sits at the intersection of infrastructure, community, and progress. Every road widened, every utility expanded, every pipeline installed, and every transit corridor built begins with one critical step: securing the right of way. This is where strategy meets negotiation. Where land, law, and people converge. And where professionals who thrive on challenge, complexity, and impact build careers that truly shape communities.

• Represent client in a positive and professional manner while providing a positive experience with the landowner.
• Assist with researching public records to determine property ownership.
• Adhere to and Monitor Client and Company Standards and Procedures (e.g. safety, use of PPE).
• Document landowner communications and send customer concerns to Manager.
• Serve as notary in acknowledgment of legal signatures.
• Ensure documents are processed timely for recording.
• Be able to discuss design alternatives with landowner and PM, if applicable.
• Have thorough understanding land rights and the acquisition of land rights.
• Make offers, if needed, and negotiate with landowners
• Must possess team player attitude and ensure all projects are completed by let schedule.
• Must have a flexible schedule to meet landowners when available.
• Responsible for completing assignments within the given deadline & monitoring agents.
• Responsible for mentoring and training land agents.
• Assist in preparation of effective work plans and man-hour budgets for approval by supervisor.
• Monitor time schedules and capital cost budgets on projects to satisfy client.
• Oversee the work and productivity on assigned projects.
• Strive to achieve predetermined goals for profit, productivity targets, and schedule of deliverables.
• Participate in or hold team meetings ensuring procedures governing the review and approval of projects are followed prior to submission of completed work.
• Ensure all project work is performed and completed in accordance with QA/QC standards, systems and procedures as designated for project.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with all employees involved in the project to ensure high utilization rates (i.e. Project team meeting).
• Review monthly man-hour and cost reports to ensure projects are being completed at the pre-established goal.
• Assist with the preparation for public hearings, meetings and any other presentations related to his/her projects.
• Works efficiently with the Billing Department to authorize and transmit bills to client. Follows up with clients for timely payments.
• Adhere to Health and Safety program and all applicable SOPs.
• May oversee the activities of assigned staff, including but not limited to timesheet review and approval, performance evaluation and daily supervision.

• 4-year undergraduate degree, preferred.
• Utilities experience preferred.
• SR/WA or other IRWA Designation preferred or the ability to obtain.
• NY Real Estate License and/or Broker required.
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience is required in work related to right of way or real estate services provided to public/private agencies.
• Ability to visit and safely traverse construction and project sites and complying with all applicable safety codes and requirements.
• Possess aptitude to act as a positive representative of the company and its core values.
• Must possess a valid driver license and be willing to travel as dictated by the project.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate clearly and concisely to prepare reports, specifications, applications, and correspondence.
• Must be knowledgeable with laws and regulations involving real estate transactions and Eminent Domain.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Should be comfortable interacting with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must be proficient with MS Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word and Outlook, Google Earth and databases such as SharePoint or equivalent.
• Demonstrated organizational, planning and negotiation skills.
• Analytical skills and ability to problem solve under pressure.
• Excellent customer service skills; in person and over the phone with internal and external customers and clients.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under tight deadlines, as well as balance multiple projects by prioritizing effectively.
• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $75,000 to $95,000 per year (depending on qualifications)

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.

This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.

Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!