Project Associate Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA (NOW HIRING)

Department: Operations

Reports to: Project Manager

Works closely with: Owners, Field Construction Staff, Preconstruction, Procurement, Scheduling, Quality and Safety.

Location:  Coggon, Iowa - 100% Project Site based with home rotations

Role Overview:

The Associate Project Manager (APM) plays a critical role in supporting the Project Manager and project team to ensure the successful completion of construction projects. The APM assists with decision-making, planning, and execution phases, aligning activities to create value for clients while gaining experience to progress into a Project Manager role. This position is developmental in nature, with responsibilities assigned based on individual strengths and growth opportunities, preparing the APM for leadership positions within the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Management Support:
   • Assist the Project Manager on large, complex projects by managing specified tasks such as procurement, subcontract management, scheduling, submittals, RFIs, permitting, and project closeout.
   • Partner with the Project Manager to prioritize safety, quality, and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
   • Represent the company in interactions with clients, subcontractors, and partners to address issues related to scope, schedule, and budget.
   • Collaborate with Construction Managers to gain field experience, including managing schedules, subcontractors, safety, quality, commissioning, and on-site problem-solving.
   • Provide timely and accurate updates on project status, resources, budgets, and forecasts to internal leadership, customers, and stakeholders.
   • Under supervision, manage small-scale projects or components of larger projects, assuming full Project Manager responsibilities when appropriate.
2. Relationship Building and Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Build lasting, trust-based relationships with team members, clients, and stakeholders through ethical and transparent practices.
   • Foster an exceptional client experience by understanding client values and ensuring project activities align with expectations.
   • Promote open and frequent communication with clients and team members, consistently meeting commitments and seeking feedback to improve performance.
   • Serve as a mentor and first point of contact for Project Engineers and Field Engineers, fostering professional development within the team.

Primary Skills/Experience/Abilities:

• Leadership Potential: Demonstrates a strong desire to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility.
• Organizational Skills: Capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in software tools such as Viewpoint, Procore, MS Project, and MS Office Suite.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement actions effectively.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, promoting transparency and clarity with all stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Willingness to relocate or travel as required for assigned projects.

Preferred Education/Experience: 

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 2–4 years of experience in construction management or general contracting.

Preferred Certificates/Licenses: 

• OSHA 10 Hour Certification.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Metrics of Success

Performance in this role will be evaluated based on:

• Task completion and efficiency.
• Support to Project Manager.
• Client and Stakeholder communication.
• Team collaboration and mentorship.
• Readiness for leadership.

Important Interview Policy: To ensure a focused conversation and protect the privacy of both our candidates and team members, the use of AI note-takers, recording devices, or real-time transcription software is strictly prohibited during this interview. If an unauthorized bot joins the meeting, our team will ask for it to be removed before beginning the interview. Thank you for your cooperation!

CoVolt Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer and uses E-Verify.

We are not accepting resumes from Third Party Recruiting Firms for positions posted on our careers page. If you are an Agency or Search firm representative, contact the CoVolt Power Talent Acquisition Manager directly at talent.acquisition@covolt.com for consideration. CoVolt Power or its affiliates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes and online response forms through this source. In addition, CoVolt Power or its affiliates will not be responsible for any fees on unsolicited resumes that are submitted to any member of the Staffing or Operations team. CoVolt Power has established an approved vendor program for this service, and will only consider accepting submissions from those approved firms