Assistant Project Manager - Construction

At JH Kelly, we’re seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Assistant Project Manager to join our Structures team and drive success on high-impact construction projects. If you’re energized by coordinating complex projects, building strong relationships, and thriving in a fast-paced environment, this is your opportunity to make a mark with a legacy construction leader.

About Us
Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse known for tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award-winning team committed to safety, quality, and a dynamic, tight-knit culture. Learn more about our story at www.jhkelly.com

Who We’re Looking For
We’re searching for a self-starter who dives into challenges, anticipates needs, and delivers results with precision. You’re organized, communicative, and adept at juggling multiple projects while maintaining strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and team members. If you can manage schedules, budgets, and documentation with a proactive mindset and a passion for construction, you’re the kind of force multiplier we need to elevate our projects. This role is based in Longview, WA, with travel to various construction sites as needed.

What You’ll Do
As an Assistant Project Manager, you’ll support the Project Manager in executing construction projects valued between $12M and $20M annually. You’ll manage 2-3 projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion, adherence to budgets, and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Pay Range: $28–$35 per hour (DOE), FLSA non-exempt (overtime eligible).

Here’s a deeper dive into your responsibilities:

• Project Coordination & Execution
  • Assist in developing and updating project schedules, including co-creating three-week look-ahead plans with the Project Manager.
  • Manage project documentation (RFIs, change orders, submittals) via weekly spreadsheets, ensuring alignment with specifications.
  • Coordinate, review, and approve shop drawings and submittals with support from Project Support or Field Engineers.
  • Oversee construction activities at assigned job sites, ensuring timely completion and adherence to safety standards.
  • Lead project kick-off meetings, pre-fab page turns, closeouts, and manage certificates of occupancy and O&M documentation.
• Relationship Management
  • Serve as the front-line liaison with owner representatives, running weekly owner meetings for projects over $1M.
  • Build and maintain proactive, positive relationships with customer representatives, vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams (safety, CAD/BIM, accounting, IT).
  • Work with supervisors to ensure productivity, union harmony, and high morale among jobsite personnel and craft workers.

• Financial & Administrative Oversight
  • Aggressively manage change orders in collaboration with the Project Manager.
  • Monitor weekly cost reports and forecast monthly with the Project Manager.
  • Assist with monthly invoice updates
  • Provide permit procurement assistance and maintain as-built documents.

• Safety & Quality Leadership
  • Learn, follow, and promote JH Kelly’s safety and quality protocols.
  • Coordinate with designers to provide constructability advice, ensuring practical and efficient designs.

• Additional Responsibilities
  • Assist with estimating takeoffs and managing purchase orders, subcontracts, and RFIs.
  • Perform additional tasks as assigned to support project success.

What You Bring

• Experience: Minimum of 1 year in the construction industry; civil/structural experience preferred.
• Education: Degree in Construction Management, Mechanical, Industrial, or Civil Engineering, or equivalent experience/education.
• Skills:
  • Strong oral and written communication, with the ability to read and understand construction drawings and isometrics.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam, with intermediate Excel skills.
  • Scheduling experience or education.
  • Job turnover experience is a plus.
• Mindset: Organized, proactive, and able to adapt under pressure. A self-starter who builds relationships and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Requirements: Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to various construction sites as needed.

Physical Requirements
This role requires transitioning between office and construction field settings. In the office, you’ll sit for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks like typing and communicating by phone. In the field, you’ll stand and walk on uneven terrain, climb stairs, kneel, crouch, crawl to inspect tight spaces, and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for reading plans and on-site communication. You’ll work outdoors in various weather conditions, adhere to site-specific dress codes, and wear PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots). Flexibility to travel and work outside regular hours is required. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

Pay Range: $28–$35 per hour (DOE), FLSA non-exempt (overtime eligible).

Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
• 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
• Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
• Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation for the past 10 years.

Why JH Kelly?
Join a family-oriented team with a legacy of excellence and a passion for innovation. You’ll work on high-impact projects across our regions, collaborating with a dynamic team to deliver exceptional results. This role offers growth potential, empowering you to become a key player in our award-winning environment.

How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us how you’ve managed projects, built relationships, and driven results in the past.