Assistant Project Manager – Columbus, AR
The Assistant Project Manager supports the administrative and technical execution of commercial and heavy-civil construction projects, working closely with project teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget. This early-career role involves managing construction documents, coordinating RFIs and submittals, assisting with scheduling and cost tracking, and facilitating communication between field and office personnel. The position offers hands-on experience and growth potential toward a Project Manager role within a values-driven company culture.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Construction & Engineering Services.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Assistant Project Manager to support commercial and heavy‑civil construction projects based in Columbus, AR. This is an early-career, contract‑to‑hire opportunity for candidates with ~2+ years of relevant construction experience (including internships/co‑ops) or recent graduates in Construction Management or Civil Engineering who demonstrate practical construction knowledge, strong communication, and a professional mindset.
What you’ll do
- Support administrative and technical project execution from pre‑construction through closeout.
- Manage construction documents — organize, distribute, and control plans, specifications, and project records.
- Prepare, process, and track RFIs to drive timely resolution.
- Coordinate and track submittals, shop drawings, and approvals.
- Assist in preparing and processing change orders with supporting documentation and cost impacts.
- Help administer contracts, review documents for compliance, and maintain accurate records.
- Assist with project scheduling using Procore or similar tools and monitor timelines and milestones.
- Track project costs, quantities, budget items and flag variances or potential cost impacts.
- Support bid review and estimating tasks by gathering quantities and coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Coordinate purchasing activities (quotes, POs, delivery schedules).
- Facilitate communication between field and office teams (superintendents, subcontractors, project managers).
- Assist with project closeout: as‑built records, warranties, turnover packages, and final documentation.
- Maintain document control systems with version control and accessibility for stakeholders.
- Promote and model core values: safety, integrity, collaboration, respect, and innovation.
- Maintain confidentiality of customer and company information while representing the organization professionally.
Essential skills & experience
- ~2+ years of directly relevant construction management experience (including internships/co‑ops), or a related degree with applicable experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred; associate degree with 3+ years’ experience considered.
- Experience in commercial, civil, heavy‑highway, infrastructure, or design‑build environments.
- Hands‑on experience with RFIs, submittals, change orders, scheduling, cost tracking, and document control.
- Experience using Procore or similar construction/project management software.
- Entry‑level understanding of heavy‑highway construction methods, materials, costing, scheduling, and estimating.
- Strong computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work across office and field teams.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a project‑driven environment.
Preferred / additional qualifications
- Previous supervisory or managerial experience in construction is a plus.
- Advanced knowledge of construction/project management software beyond basic Procore use.
- Professional demeanor for client and subcontractor interactions.
- Self‑motivated, ethical team player with potential to grow into a Project Manager role through mentorship and experience.
Work environment & schedule
- Contract‑to‑hire position with Confidential Client, primarily office‑based with regular on‑site visits to active construction sites.
- Typical schedule: Monday–Friday, ~8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; average ~45 hours/week.
- Fully onsite in Columbus, AR (travel to job sites as required).
- Professional, presentable attire expected for office and client interactions.
- The organization emphasizes development, paid time off, holidays, and a pathway for advancement.
Compensation & benefits
- Pay range: $32.69 – $37.50 per hour (hourly rate for the contract phase; final compensation depends on experience and qualifications).
- Potential temporary-role benefits (if eligible): medical, dental & vision; 401(k); short/long term disability; life insurance options; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance; PTO and leave programs. Eligibility and benefits depend on classification and length of employment.
Location & job type
- Job Location: Columbus, AR (onsite).
- Employment Type: Contract‑to‑Hire (contract with clear potential to convert to direct hire).
- Anticipated application close date (as posted): Oct 23, 2026.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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