Project Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Role Definition

The Assistant Project Manager supports the Project Manager in the planning, coordination, and execution of EPC projects to ensure safe, timely, and high-quality delivery. This role assists with project controls by maintaining cost and schedule updates, tracking progress, and preparing accurate reports. The APM coordinates communication among subcontractors, vendors, and field teams to keep materials, documentation, and information flowing efficiently. They prepare and track change order drafts, ensuring all supporting documentation is complete and accurate. Additionally, the Assistant Project Manager helps promote and enforce company and client safety and quality standards, contributing to overall project success and team performance. This person would be able to manage small to medium sized EPC projects from start to finish with little support from the Project Manager.

PROTECT PEOPLE

• Safety comes first in everything I do
• I protect our seat at the table by doing my best work
• I develop myself and others
• I put the needs of the Company and others above my own
• I represent myself and the Company professionally at all times

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

• I respect people
• I have a positive attitude
• I collaborate and build healthy external relationships
• I collaborate and build healthy internal relationships
• I engage in healthy conflict
• I act with honesty, integrity, and ethics
• I avoid dramatic and toxic behavior

FOCUS ON END GOALS

• I focus my efforts on providing value-added work to the customer; ?work in the business?
• I start with the end in mind
• I honor our process
• I act with the greater good of the company and the team in mind
• I embrace the EOS process and take the appropriate amount of time to "work on the business"
• I respect Company resources

DRIVE INNOVATION

• I offer 2 Second Lean improvements
• I act with a continuous improvement mindset, low tech or high tech
• I think differently to create value and solve problems

Top 5 role responsibilites:

Project Manager Support

• Support the Project Manager in executing day-to-day project operations and communication.
• Assist in tracking project progress, identifying issues, and coordinating timely resolution.
• Attend internal and external project meetings; prepare agendas, minutes, and action item lists.
• Help manage project documentation, including drawings, RFIs, submittals, and correspondence.
• Coordinate with the field team to ensure materials, equipment, and information are available when needed.
• Serve as a liaison between engineering, procurement, and construction teams as directed by the Project Manager.
• Step in to support limited project decision-making when delegated or in the PM?s absence.

Cost and Schedule updates

• Maintain and update project schedules under the direction of the Project Manager.
• Collect and input progress data from field supervision, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Assist in monitoring cost performance and labor tracking for self-performed work.
• Support monthly cost forecasting and schedule analysis.
• Help prepare reports, dashboards, and KPI updates for internal and client reviews.
• Track material deliveries, fabrication progress, and long-lead items against schedule milestones.

Subcontractor/vendor coordination and meetings

• Communicate with subcontractors and vendors to confirm scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Draft Subcontract and Purchase Order documents for review.
• Coordinate and track submittals, RFIs, and procurement documentation.
• Attend coordination meetings and document key discussions and follow-ups.
• Support subcontractor and vendor performance tracking, including schedule and safety compliance.
• Assist in managing project correspondence and ensuring timely responses to design or field inquiries.
• Follow up with suppliers to verify order status, shipping, and delivery confirmations.

Prepare change order drafts

• Assist in identifying potential changes to project scope, schedule, or cost.
• Gather supporting documentation (RFIs, drawings, field directives, time and material tickets).
• Draft change order requests for review and approval by the Project Manager.
• Track pending and approved changes to ensure they are reflected in cost forecasts and billing.
• Coordinate with estimating and procurement teams to validate pricing and impacts.
• Maintain a log of all change events, requests, and approvals.

Safety and quality compliance support

• Support the implementation of company and client safety programs at the project level.
• Participate in site safety walks and help track corrective actions to closure.
• Ensure field documentation, inspections, and permits are current and compliant.
• Help maintain project quality records such as inspection reports, test results, observations, and submittal approvals.
• Promote safety awareness and quality standards during project coordination activities.
• Report potential safety or quality issues promptly to project leadership.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor?s degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or related Engineering degree equivalent preferred.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in EPC projects.
• Proven experience supporting all EPC phases?engineering, procurement, and construction?with strong financial, schedule, and quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships, lead cross-functional teams, and manage contractual and commercial responsibilities.
• Knowledge of project controls, scheduling, and cost management tools and familiarity with safety and regulatory compliance standards (e.g., OSHA 30-hour).
• Travel 30% or as needed, by air and ground.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sedentary strength demands include exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, sitting most of the time.
• Continuously requires vision, fine dexterity, hearing, and twisting.
• Frequently requires standing, talking, sitting, and handling.
• Occasionally requires walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, kneeling, pushing/pulling, bending, and crouching.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

Keen Project Solutions is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and background checks are required if applicable.

Benefits and additional Company Information is located on the career section of our website. https://thinkdifferentthinkkeen.com/careers