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Project Assistant Jobs in Urbana, IL (NOW HIRING)

Design Hire LLC

Project Manager

Champaign, IL

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead commercial fire protection projects from award through closeout. This role is responsible for delivering projects safely, on schedule, within ...

Farnsworth Group

Electrical Project Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$99K - $149K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and designers, provide technical review, and support the development of department standards and best practices. * Assist with proposals, project setup, fee planning, and ...

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Project Assistant information

See Urbana, IL salary details

$13

$21

$31

How much do project assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for project assistant in Urbana, IL is $21.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project assistant?

A project assistant provides support to the project team and helps make sure projects get done on time and budget. They answer to the project manager or project administrator or a company director. Job duties include handling communication with everyone on the project team, creating and filing documentation, preparing reports, and serving as a liaison between management and the project team. Other responsibilities may include setting up office equipment—such as computers, printers, and webcams for online conference calls, scheduling meetings and check-ins, and managing the project calendar.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of project management principles, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello, and proficiency in MS Office Suite are typically expected. Excellent communication, teamwork, and time management skills help you support project managers and coordinate among stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure projects run smoothly, deadlines are met, and teams stay aligned on objectives.

How does a project assistant typically collaborate with project managers and other team members?

Project Assistants play a crucial role in supporting project managers by organizing schedules, preparing documentation, and facilitating communication among team members. They often attend meetings to take notes, track action items, and ensure deadlines are met. Regular collaboration with various departments is common, as Project Assistants help coordinate resources, gather updates, and address any logistical challenges that arise. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy multitasking and thrive in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

What is the difference between Project Assistant vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectProject AssistantAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer associate's degree or relevant certificationsHigh school diploma; often no specific certifications required
Work EnvironmentProject sites, offices, collaborative team settingsOffice settings, administrative departments
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, IT, consulting, engineeringCorporate offices, government agencies, nonprofits
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for support roles in projectsCompared for general office support roles

The Project Assistant and Administrative Assistant roles share similarities in supporting organizational functions, but Project Assistants focus more on supporting specific projects, often requiring knowledge of project management processes. Administrative Assistants handle broader administrative tasks across departments. Both roles are essential in various industries, but their focus and work environments differ slightly.

Can I get into project management with no experience?

Project assistants often start with little or no experience and can transition into project management roles by gaining relevant skills such as communication, organization, and familiarity with project management tools like MS Project or Trello. Entry-level positions may require some related experience or certifications like CAPM, and gaining practical experience through internships or volunteering can improve prospects.

Is a project assistant a good job?

A project assistant role involves supporting project managers with tasks such as scheduling, documentation, and communication. It can be a good entry-level position for those interested in project management, offering opportunities to develop organizational and communication skills in various industries. Job satisfaction depends on the work environment and career goals.
More about Project Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Project jobs in Urbana, IL?

The most popular types of Project jobs in Urbana, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Project Assistant jobs in Urbana, IL?

For Project Assistant jobs in Urbana, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Project Assistant jobs in Urbana, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Assistant jobs in Urbana, IL are:

What cities near Urbana, IL are hiring for Project Assistant jobs?

Cities near Urbana, IL with the most Project Assistant job openings:

Project Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Assistant job openings in Urbana, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,103 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Project Manager Engineering

Champaign, IL • Hybrid

MSA Professional Services, Inc.
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about MSA Professional Services, Inc.external

$88K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

Project Manager Engineering (Public Works)

Locations: Open to candidates within a commutable distance to any MSA office in WI, MN, IA, or ILType: FullTime | Salaried | Hybrid Eligible | Flex Time Eligible

Due to continued strategic growth, MSA is excited to announce an opportunity for a Project Manager Engineering at any of our Midwest office locations. This position is on our Public Works Service line and works closely with a wide variety of clients as a project manager for civil engineering projects. Projects may range from roads, utilities, water/sewer, site development, wastewater, and more. The majority of clients you would be supporting would be municipal and close proximity to your location. 

MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a multidisciplinary network of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play. 

Come join the ownership team here! 

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners." -Project Engineer - Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities

  • Client relations including attendance at client meetings and interaction with existing and new clients
  • Project management including project planning, scoping, budgeting and QA/QC
  • Design of public works infrastructure projects
  • Assist with mentoring junior engineering staff
  • Preparation of plans, details, specifications, and bidding documents
  • Preparation of technical reports and regulatory permits for projects
  • Administration of construction on public works infrastructure projects
Qualifications

What you bring

Skills & Knowledge / Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental or Civil Engineering required
  • 6+ years of prior experience with relevant project types required
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required
  • This position requires you to have authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We will not provide sponsorship for this position
Why MSA
  • 100% employeeowned firm with 100+ years of community impact
  • Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
  • Flexible worklife integration
  • Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
  • Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
  • Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years
Pay & Benefits*
  • Compensation Range: $88,000-$143,000 (commensurate with experience)
  • Flex Time (Remove for Hourly): Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future
  • ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
  • 17+ days PTO (potentially higher pending experience) + 8 paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
  • 401(k) plan with company matching
  • Shortterm incentive program for annual bonus opportunities 
  • Companypaid life & disability insurance

*Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@msa-ps.com

 

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Employment Type: OTHER

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