Job Title: Assistant Project ManagerJob Description
This role supports the Project Manager in planning, coordinating, and overseeing heavy civil construction projects, with a focus on underground utilities and heavy highway work. The Assistant Project Manager helps ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to high quality and safety standards while gaining hands-on experience that can lead to a future project management role and exposure to estimating.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Project Manager in planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction projects, particularly in heavy civil and underground utilities.
- Help develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and forecasts using appropriate project management tools.
- Monitor project progress, track key milestones, and prepare regular status reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate daily activities with subcontractors, suppliers, and other project stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
- Support field operations by collaborating closely with site teams to address day-to-day construction issues and constraints.
- Prepare, process, and track Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, and change orders to ensure accurate project documentation and timely responses.
- Assist in ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with design specifications and quality standards.
- Help maintain compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and project-specific requirements, and support a strong safety culture on site.
- Participate in project meetings, take detailed notes, and provide clear updates on project status, risks, and action items.
- Support project coordination activities, including resource planning, material tracking, and schedule adjustments as needed.
- Collaborate with clients and stakeholders in a professional manner, helping to build strong working relationships and representing the project team effectively.
- Assist in resolving issues or conflicts that arise during the construction process by gathering information, proposing solutions, and coordinating with relevant parties.
- Contribute to project documentation and record-keeping to ensure accurate and complete project files.
- Engage in learning opportunities related to estimating and project management to support professional growth and prepare for increased responsibility.
Essential Skills
- Field experience in heavy civil and underground utilities construction, typically 2-4 years.
- Experience working with RFIs, submittals, and change orders on construction projects.
- Strong communication skills, including experience interfacing with clients and project stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ambition and desire to grow into a project management role.
- Experience in project management and project coordination within the construction industry.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Project for scheduling and project planning.
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
- Ability to support multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced project environment.
- Commitment to safety and adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in heavy highway construction projects.
- Hands-on experience in field operations for underground utilities and heavy civil work.
- Familiarity with construction management software such as Procore.
- Experience with HCSS software.
- Knowledge of construction documentation processes, including RFIs, submittals, and change order workflows.
- Interest in learning construction estimating and developing skills in cost analysis and bid preparation.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with field personnel, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines.
Work Environment
This position operates in a mixed office and field environment, with approximately 70% of the time spent in the office and 30% in the field. In the office, the Assistant Project Manager works with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, HCSS, and construction management platforms like Procore to support scheduling, documentation, and coordination activities. Field work takes place on active heavy civil and underground utilities construction sites, where the role involves close collaboration with field crews, subcontractors, and suppliers. The environment combines structured office-based planning and reporting with hands-on exposure to site conditions, providing a strong platform for professional growth into a project management role. Mileage reimbursement is available when traveling to and from project sites, and the organization emphasizes learning and development, including opportunities to gain experience in estimating.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hackensack, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $36.05 - $43.26/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Hackensack,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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.
