Project Assistant

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued. We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Construction Engineering and Inspection

Our Construction Engineering and Inspection team plays a critical role in turning plans into reality; safely, on time, and within budget. We understand that successful construction is a team effort, requiring close coordination between owners, engineers, and contractors. Our experts provide full-service construction administration as well as specialized inspection and testing services for a wide range of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, docks, retaining walls, sign supports, and reservoirs. If you're a detail-oriented professional who thrives in the fast-paced, hands-on environment of construction and takes pride in delivering quality results, we invite you to join a team that’s building with purpose and precision.

Summary 

The Project Assistant provides basic assistance to project managers, office managers, and project staff primarily focused on project-related administrative tasks. Project duties may include preparation of meeting agendas and minutes, set-up and maintenance of electronic project files and documentation, preparation and/or review of written correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, schedules, presentation materials, invoices, emails, and contract documents. The Project Assistant likely also assists with office-related overhead and administrative support functions as assigned. The person in this position is expected to exercise a strong work ethic, demonstrate a desire to learn and grow, and have good organizational and communication skills. A Project Assistant is expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Proficient
• Projectwise, Newforma, Deltek Vison, Bluebeam, UKG - Basic

Technical Expertise

• Shows basic understanding of technical terms and concepts
• Motivated to learn new vocabulary and concepts through self-study and mentoring
• May perform editorial review of reports and other documents
• Transmits technical documents appropriately

Teamwork, Communication, and Leadership

Highly collaborative and proactive team player who functions in a support role on a project team. Listens effectively, takes direction well, retains information provided, and is motivated to grow skills and keep projects on track. Communicates clearly and asks good questions.

Project Schedule and Delivery

Plays a supporting role in the on-time submittal of technical work products and deliverables. Assists with transmitting, receiving, and filing project information according to data management policy. Attends project meetings as requested. Sends reminders about pending deadlines to the project team.

Understanding Scope and Budget

Actively develops a basic understanding of work breakdown structures for multiple client types. Shows eagerness to learn about scope and budgets for several kinds of projects. Conducts basic monitoring of financial performance as directed and shares results with other members of the team.

Business Development, Marketing, and Industry Standards

Occasionally supports business development and marketing efforts by compiling data on past projects, teaming partners, and competitors as requested. May also complete other duties under the supervision of a project manager or marketing staff.

Client Interaction

Infrequent direct client interaction. Reads emails, occasionally attends client meetings, listens, and prepares meeting minutes.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Provides basic levels of project administrative support with guidance from more experienced staff. Operates with minimal autonomy working on discrete tasks while following established procedures. Duties may also include office support functions.

Supervisory Duties

No

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Years of experience required: none
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: none

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Driving is an essential job function or a valid driver’s license is required to support legitimate business purposes.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.