Project Associate Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Project Manager – Utility Construction

Job Description

This role oversees multiple substation construction, replacement, and upgrade projects, including transformer and breaker replacements and other small to mid-scale utility projects. The Project Manager coordinates cross-functional teams, manages budgets and schedules, and ensures projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with technical and operational requirements. This position is well suited for an entry- to mid-level project management professional with experience in construction, engineering, or utility projects who thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage new substation construction and design projects, as well as substation replacement projects such as transformer and breaker replacements and other small to mid-level jobs.
• Lead and coordinate a team that supports multiple engineering disciplines and other internal groups involved in project delivery.
• Own project schedules and budgets, ensuring that work stays on track and within approved financial parameters.
• Provide bi-weekly schedule updates and monthly budget updates to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Manage bid events and coordinate requests for estimates from contractors to support project planning and execution.
• Review engineering designs for constructability and provide feedback to ensure practical, safe, and efficient implementation.
• Conduct field visits as needed to monitor project progress, verify design assumptions, and address issues on site.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to complete substation, transmission, and distribution projects from initiation through construction and closeout, including project controls, land, environmental, IT, engineering, and other support groups.
• Utilize and support field construction teams while maintaining strong, consistent communication with them throughout the project lifecycle.
• Serve as a liaison between engineering and construction teams to align technical designs with field execution.
• Provide internal reporting to the leadership team and other stakeholders, summarizing project status, risks, and key decisions.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with contractors, clients, and internal stakeholders to support successful project outcomes.
• Execute project scope and budget as defined by the project sponsor, ensuring compliance with project objectives and requirements.
• Communicate with customers and internal organizations to understand and refine technical requirements for new customer-driven projects.
• Define the scope and operational requirements needed for preliminary electrical and civil design.
• Coordinate with Distribution Engineering, Civil Construction, the Project Management Office, Drafting, Scheduling, Construction, Environmental, design contractors, and other internal organizations to create complete and accurate electrical designs.
• Manage several projects concurrently, adjusting to shifting priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, encouraging open communication and shared problem-solving.
• Prepare and deliver PowerPoint presentations and other project-related documentation for internal and external audiences.

Essential Skills

• 2–5 years of program or project management experience, preferably in construction, engineering, or utility-related projects.
• Experience managing multiple projects at the same time while adapting to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong project management skills, including scope, schedule, and budget management.
• experience in engineering and/or construction that enables effective coordination of design and field activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel with 2–5 years of hands-on experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Project or a similar project scheduling tool for 2–5 years.
• Ability to create and deliver PowerPoint presentations to communicate project status and technical information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with customers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle complex problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team environment and collaborate across multiple disciplines.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple internal groups, including engineering, construction, project controls, environmental, IT, and others.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Formal program management experience in a utility or construction environment.
• Experience in utility construction, including substation, transmission, and distribution projects.
• Construction management and project coordination experience in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with contractors, clients, and internal partners.
• Comfort working in both office and field settings, including conducting site visits.
• Interest in long-term professional growth and upskilling within a stable, project-driven organization.

Work Environment

This role supports the coordination of design and construction efforts for utility infrastructure projects, including new substations, new feeder lines, conversion of distribution lines to higher voltages, and system reinforcements and upgrades. The position is based in the Tucson area, and candidates should be local or able to commute regularly to project sites and the office. The schedule follows a hybrid model with mandatory in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and many team members choosing to work on-site more frequently. New hires are expected to be in the office nearly every day during the initial ramp-up period, with hybrid flexibility evaluated once they are fully up to speed. The office environment offers a range of amenities and provides all necessary equipment to perform the role effectively. The organization invests in upskilling and professional development, and many consultants have remained in long-term roles, reflecting a stable and supportive work culture focused on collaboration, continuous improvement, and high-quality project delivery.

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Tucson,AZ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.