Project Assistant Jobs in California

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Project Management serves as the operational extension of the Director of Project Management and is responsible for supporting departmental execution, project performance, and team leadership. This role provides guidance and oversight to Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, and Assistant Project Managers while ensuring projects are delivered safely, profitably, and in alignment with Boudreau Pipeline Construction standards and client expectations.

The Assistant Director plays a key role in driving accountability, maintaining operational efficiency, supporting financial performance, and fostering collaboration across departments. This position requires strong leadership, construction expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to influence outcomes across multiple projects and stakeholders.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Team Development

• Serve as the primary leadership resource for Project Management team members by providing guidance, technical support, and project-related decision-making assistance.
• Provide departmental leadership and decision-making support in the absence of the Director of Project Management.
• Conduct regular check-ins with Project Management staff to assess workload, resource needs, project challenges, and development opportunities.
• Assist with staffing plans, project assignments, onboarding, training, and performance development initiatives.
• Mentor and develop team members in accordance with the Boudreau Pipeline Construction Project Management Playbook and company standards.
• Facilitate departmental meetings and ensure alignment on priorities, commitments, and action items.

Operational Management

• Monitor and improve departmental processes, workflows, systems, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance to promote efficiency and consistency.
• Identify and resolve operational obstacles that impact project execution, team productivity, or client satisfaction.
• Attend Job Cost Meetings and Work-In-Progress (WIP) Reviews to ensure project status, financial performance, and required follow-up actions are clearly communicated and addressed.
• Track departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and assist with implementing initiatives designed to achieve performance objectives.
• Maintain visibility into project health, workload distribution, staffing utilization, and operational risks across the project portfolio.
• Oversee compliance with the estimating-to-project management handoff process and project startup procedures.
• Support change order management efforts, including review, negotiation assistance, and follow-up on outstanding approvals.
• Assist with procurement planning, vendor relationships, and material cost control strategies.

Client & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Support project teams with client communication, issue resolution, and escalation management requiring leadership involvement.
• Collaborate with Operations, Estimating, Accounting, Safety, Dispatch, and other departments to improve coordination and project execution.
• Represent the Project Management Department professionally in interactions with clients, vendors, industry partners, and company leadership.
• Build and maintain professional relationships that support company objectives and client satisfaction.

Accountability & Performance

• Anticipate project, operational, and personnel challenges and proactively develop effective solutions.
• Ensure departmental initiatives, assigned responsibilities, and action items are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Exercise sound judgment, ownership, and accountability when addressing issues and making decisions.
• Support a culture of continuous improvement, professionalism, and high performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, and Assistant Project Managers.
• Assist in monitoring employee performance and development.
• Support workforce planning, staffing decisions, and succession planning initiatives within the department.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of construction project management principles, practices, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, including budgeting, cost-to-complete forecasting, WIP reporting, and monthly financial reviews.
• Ability to interpret civil plans, specifications, soils reports, utility plans, and agency requirements.
• Knowledge of wet utility construction methods, underground pipeline installation, and related materials and fittings, including PVC/SDR35, VCP, C-900, HDPE, RCP, and Ductile Iron systems.
• Thorough understanding of open-cut construction methods, shoring systems, large-diameter storm drain installation, crane operations, and detention basin construction.
• Working knowledge of Greenbook and Caltrans standards and specifications.
• Familiarity with prevailing wage projects and labor resource planning requirements.
• Proficiency with COINS, B2W, Planswift, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Excel, and Power BI.
• Strong leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of construction project management experience, with significant experience in wet utility and underground pipeline construction.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring, and developing Project Management personnel.
• Demonstrated success managing or overseeing a portfolio of projects ranging from $5 million to $20 million or greater.
• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related technical field preferred.
• Completion of, or active participation in, a Boudreau-approved or accredited leadership development program preferred.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations

• Valid California Driver License with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and climb for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel to project sites and attend meetings as required.
• Ability to work in both office and active construction site environments.

Leadership Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, urgency, and accountability in all interactions.
• Lead by example and model company values, work ethic, and performance standards.
• Foster positive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Hold team members accountable while maintaining fairness, consistency, and respect.
• Effectively manage conflict and navigate difficult conversations when necessary.
• Promote collaboration, communication, and a solutions-oriented culture throughout the organization.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Requirements:
This position is primarily sedentary to light work in nature. The employee is regularly required to sit for prolonged periods, use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, and office equipment, and occasionally stand, walk, bend, or reach. The employee may occasionally lift or move office materials such as files, binders, laptops, or boxes of supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:
Work is typically performed in a professional office environment, with occasional visits to field or construction sites as required. The noise level in the office is usually moderate. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction noise when visiting job sites. All work must be performed in compliance with Cal/OSHA safety and ergonomic standards, and employees are expected to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering field areas.

Reasonable Accommodations:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Culture Alignment

All employees are expected to uphold Boudreau Pipeline’s values of Communication, Mutual Respect, and Accountability. These principles guide how we lead, collaborate, and perform our work every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity and At-Will Statement

Boudreau Pipeline Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

This job description does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time.