Project Assistant Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Assistant Project Manager (APM) supports the Project Manager in planning, coordinating, and overseeing commercial, industrial, and civil concrete construction projects from pre-construction through project closeout. The APM assists with project scheduling, budgeting, subcontractor coordination, procurement, documentation, and quality control to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Coordination

• Assist the Project Manager with daily management of concrete construction projects.
• Coordinate project activities with superintendents, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
• Support project planning, scheduling, and execution efforts.
• Monitor project progress and identify potential delays or issues.
• Attend project meetings and document meeting minutes and action items.

Budgeting and Cost Control

• Assist in developing and maintaining project budgets.
• Track project costs, labor hours, equipment usage, and material expenditures.
• Review invoices, purchase orders, and subcontractor pay applications.
• Support change order preparation and documentation.
• Help prepare monthly cost reports and project forecasts.

Procurement and Material Management

• Coordinate procurement of concrete materials, reinforcing steel, embeds, and related supplies.
• Track material deliveries to ensure alignment with project schedules.
• Communicate with suppliers to resolve delivery or pricing issues.
• Maintain procurement logs and project records.

Scheduling

• Assist with creating and updating project schedules.
• Monitor critical path activities and milestone completion dates.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, and material needs with field operations.
• Identify scheduling conflicts and communicate recommended solutions.

Contract Administration

• Support contract review and compliance efforts.
• Track submittals, requests for information (RFIs), change orders, and closeout documents.
• Maintain organized project files and documentation.
• Ensure project records are complete and current.

Quality Control

• Assist with implementing project quality control processes.
• Review work to ensure compliance with project requirements, specifications, and industry standards.
• Coordinate inspections and testing activities.
• Track corrective actions and punch list completion.

Safety Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety throughout all project activities.
• Support compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Participate in safety meetings and site inspections.
• Report and document safety incidents, concerns, and corrective actions.

Client and Stakeholder Communication

• Maintain professional relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Respond to client inquiries and project-related requests.
• Provide regular project updates to management and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2-5 years of construction industry experience; concrete construction experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of cast-in-place concrete, foundations, slabs, elevated decks, tilt-wall, reinforced concrete structures, or related concrete systems.
• Understanding of construction scheduling and project management principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Project).
• Experience with project management software such as Procore, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, or similar applications.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing commercial, industrial, municipal, or heavy civil concrete projects.
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification.
• Familiarity with CPM scheduling.
• Experience with estimating, takeoffs, and quantity tracking.
• Understanding of concrete placement, reinforcing steel installation, formwork systems, and quality control testing.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk active construction sites, including uneven terrain.
• Ability to stand, bend, climb stairs, and occasionally climb ladders.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds periodically.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and teamwork
• Project planning and organization
• Time management
• Cost management
• Communication and negotiation
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Safety awareness

Performance Expectations

• Projects maintained within established budget and schedule targets.
• Accurate and timely project documentation.
• Effective coordination between office and field personnel.
• Strong client and subcontractor relationships.
• Compliance with company quality and safety standards.
• Successful completion of project milestones and deliverables.