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Temporary Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RHC

Project Manager

Oakland, CA

$110K - $145K/yr

Rod Heisler Construction (RHC) -- Construction Project Manager Oakland / San Francisco Bay Area | Temp-to-Hire | Commercial & Residential ABOUT THIS ROLE This position begins as a temporary ...

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Degenkolb Engineers

Project Manager

Anaheim, CA · Hybrid

$123K - $164K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager from the AEC industry, preferably in structural ... This position could also be filled with a temporary/contract employee with the option to convert ...

Vince Sigal Electric, Inc.

Project Manager

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Manage multiple complex temporary generation projects by contributing to a team of Project Coordinators, Subject Matter Experts, Field Personnel and Subcontractors as well as incorporating Health ...

Degenkolb Engineers

Project Manager

Anaheim, CA · Hybrid

$123K - $164K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager from the AEC industry, preferably in structural ... This position could also be filled with a temporary/contract employee with the option to convert ...

Degenkolb Engineers

Project Manager

Anaheim, CA · Hybrid

$123K - $164K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager from the AEC industry, preferably in structural ... This position could also be filled with a temporary/contract employee with the option to convert ...

Degenkolb Engineers

Project Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$123K - $164K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager from the AEC industry, preferably in structural ... This position could also be filled with a temporary/contract employee with the option to convert ...

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Temporary Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$101.3K

$159.9K

How much do temporary project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary project manager in California is $101,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 80/20 rule for project managers?

The 80/20 rule for project managers suggests that roughly 80% of project results come from 20% of efforts or activities. It emphasizes focusing on the most impactful tasks, such as critical path activities and key stakeholder communications, to improve efficiency and project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Project Manager, you need strong project management skills, organizational abilities, and experience managing budgets and timelines, usually supported by a relevant degree or PMP certification. Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Trello, and knowledge of common reporting systems is essential. Excellent communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help you quickly build rapport with teams and navigate shifting project requirements. These skills ensure projects are delivered efficiently and effectively, even within tight timeframes and dynamic environments.

What is the average hourly rate of a project manager?

The average hourly rate for a temporary project manager typically ranges from $30 to $70, depending on experience, industry, and location. Certified project managers with specialized skills may command higher rates, especially for complex or high-demand projects.

What Are Temporary Jobs for a Project Manager?

As a temporary project manager, you supervise a team for the duration of your contract and help ensure they meet the goal of their assignment. In this position, you may help plan the project, create a budget, determine metrics for evaluating the project, document all activities, regularly evaluate progress, and give a final report at the end of the project. Most temporary jobs for project managers last less than a year, but they could last longer. Many project managers focus on specific industries or activities. For example, you could choose to specialize in managing software development projects or skyscraper redesign projects.

Will PMP be replaced by AI?

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification remains a valuable credential for project managers, emphasizing skills like leadership, planning, and risk management. While AI tools can assist with data analysis and automation, they are unlikely to fully replace the strategic and interpersonal aspects of PMP-certified project managers in the near future.

What does a Temporary Project Manager do?

A Temporary Project Manager is a professional hired for a limited period to oversee specific projects within an organization. Their main responsibilities include planning, executing, and closing projects while ensuring goals are met on time and within budget. They coordinate team members, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders to keep the project on track. Temporary Project Managers are often brought in to fill short-term gaps or to provide expertise for unique or urgent projects.

What is the difference between Temporary Project Manager vs Contract Project Coordinator?

AspectTemporary Project ManagerContract Project Coordinator
CredentialsPM certifications (PMP, CAPM), relevant experienceProject coordination experience, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, manages teams, responsible for deliverablesSupports project tasks, assists project managers, handles documentation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for managing projects temporarilyCommonly used for supporting roles within projects

The main difference is that a Temporary Project Manager oversees entire projects and manages teams, while a Contract Project Coordinator supports project activities and assists the project manager. Both roles often require similar certifications and are used in various industries for temporary project staffing, but their responsibilities and level of authority differ.

How does a Temporary Project Manager integrate quickly with a new team and adapt to ongoing projects?

As a Temporary Project Manager, you're often brought in to provide immediate leadership and fill a gap, so rapid integration is crucial. Typically, you’ll start by meeting with stakeholders and team members to understand project goals, current progress, and any existing challenges. It's important to be proactive in learning the team's communication styles, project management tools, and company processes. By demonstrating flexibility, clear communication, and quick decision-making, you can build trust and keep the project on track while adapting to the organization's unique culture and workflow.

How do I get into project manager with no experience?

Entry-level project management roles often require demonstrating organizational skills, communication, and basic understanding of project tools like MS Project or Trello. Gaining relevant certifications such as CAPM or PMP can improve your chances, and starting in related roles like coordinator or assistant can provide valuable experience to transition into a project manager position.
More about Temporary Project Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Temporary Project jobs in California? The most popular types of Temporary Project jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Temporary Project Manager jobs in California? For Temporary Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Project Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Project Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Temporary Project Manager job openings:
Temporary Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Project Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 52% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $101,337 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
Temporary Project Manager / Senior Project Manager | full time

Temporary Project Manager / Senior Project Manager | full time

space150

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

We're seeking a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager to join a team leading high-profile YouTube engagement for one of the world's fastest-growing content creation platforms, helping shape creator-first programming, product education, and long-form content experiences for a global audience. You will also have additional opportunities to support always-on social brands across the wider portfolio as well.
This is not a rinse-and-repeat project management role. You will help orchestrate fast-paced, platform-native work that flexes across social, long-form video, creative content, and real-time cultural moments. Your ability to manage ambiguity, simplify chaos, bring structure where it's needed, and keep creative teams moving forward with clarity will be essential.
You'll support content planning, daily content production, and the internal workflows that are rooted in cultural relevance, working closely with account leadership, creatives, strategists, and client partners to ensure high-quality work is delivered on time, on budget, and at pace with internet culture.
Location: Los Angeles preferred. While this is a remote role, proximity to the internal team in Los Angeles and the client team in China is a plus. There is no expectation to work from a physical office, though candidates who prefer a hybrid or in-office environment are welcome.
Hours & Timing: This position is estimated to be up to 40 hours per week, eligible for full benefits and starting as soon as possible and will go through November, with likelihood to extend.
Project & Production Management
  • Lead and support day-to-day management of social content-from content calendars to reactive one-offs to large-scale social campaigns
  • Translate strategic and creative ideas into clear, actionable plans with timelines, owners, and budgets
  • Manage production timelines for social content, ensuring agility while maintaining creative integrity and brand guardrails
  • Support fast-turn production projects while managing long-lead strategic initiatives
  • Apply your real-time awareness to manage schedules and scope without slowing creative momentum
  • Contribute to client meetings, internal creative reviews, and production check-ins with clarity and confidence

Operational & Financial Excellence
  • Partner closely with Account Leadership to oversee scope, staffing, budgets, estimates, timelines and the overall financial health of the engagement.
  • Create and maintain accurate project forecasts, scopes, timelines, and resourcing plans
  • Monitor team utilization, timelines, and resourcing across overlapping deliverables
  • Own or support the development of scopes, estimates, and contracts for projects
  • Maintain detailed budget tracking and contribute to client status reports
  • Submit accurate, timely records of hours worked and project efforts

Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration
  • Participate in a standing weekly client status meeting (5:30-6:30pm PT), supplemented by ad hoc meetings, working sessions, and written communication through the client's preferred collaboration platforms
  • Navigate cross-cultural working relationships and manage workflows that span global stakeholders across multiple time zones (specifically collaborating with teams in China)
  • Build strong relationships across cross-functional teams (creative, strategy, production, social media) and act as the connector between them
  • Maintain clear communication with the client team-providing frequent updates, owning deliverables, flagging risks, and setting realistic expectations
  • Anticipate roadblocks and surface risks early-proactively developing actionable solutions before they impact delivery
  • Foster a positive, collaborative environment where both creative excellence and operational rigor can thrive

Requirements
Qualifications
  • 3-5+ years of project management experience in a creative agency, digital content, or marketing environment
  • Experience managing creative and content workflows for social-first campaigns
  • Familiarity with social platform-native work (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, Twitter/X, etc.) and an understanding of the unique timelines, trends, and demands of internet culture
  • Client service experience, with a balance of diplomacy and clarity in managing priorities, feedback, and expectations
  • Experience managing global stakeholders across time zones and navigating cross-cultural working relationships is highly preferred
  • Proficient in project management and collaboration tools: Google Workspace, Slack, Keynote/Slides, etc.
  • Technically curious, especially about emerging tools like AI, and excited to apply new solutions to workflow and process
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills-with the ability to manage both virtually and in-person
  • Able to manage both granular tasks and big-picture oversight with equal effectiveness

Essential functions include:
  • A clear communicator who brings structure, clarity and calm to chaos and gray areas
  • Ability to zoom out to see the bigger picture, and zoom in to fix operational friction points
  • Emotionally intelligent and team-oriented, with a high degree of empathy and integrity
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to connect creative ambition to operational excellence
  • Self-starter who can lead with initiative, flexibility, and a sense of humor-even when timelines and priorities shift
  • Energized by a fast-paced, high-culture, creatively driven environment

Agency Summary
space150 is a modern creative agency built for what's next. We partner with brands who want to break convention, embracing innovation and pushing boundaries. Our work spans strategy, creative, media, tech, and culture-and we love nothing more than building brand experiences that people actually care about.
Benefits
At space150, we are committed to pay transparency and equity in accordance with applicable laws. We believe in providing clear, upfront information regarding compensation to ensure a fair hiring process for all candidates.
  • Compensation
    • Role Type: Temporary, full-time estimated at up to 40 hours per week
    • Hourly Rate: $80 - $90 / hour based on experience
    • Payroll: This is a W2 position only; all compensation will be processed through space150 payroll.
  • In addition to base compensation, space150 offers a competitive benefits package, including:
    • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
    • 401(k) with company match
    • Life Insurance (basic, voluntary & AD&D)
    • Family Leave (parental leave)
    • Short & Long Term Disability
    • Hybrid Work Environment
    • A collaborative, creative and fun work environment

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