Assistant Project Manager – Columbus, IN
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, tracking costs and schedules, and facilitating communication between office and field personnel, with opportunities for growth into a Project Manager position.
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, engineering and sciences services and talent solutions.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This Contract-to-Hire Assistant Project Manager role supports the administrative and technical execution of commercial and heavy-civil construction projects based in Columbus, IN. You'll work closely with project managers, superintendents, subcontractors, suppliers, clients, and safety staff to help deliver projects safely, on time, and on budget. This is an early-career construction management position ideal for candidates with ~2+ years of relevant experience (including internships/co-ops) or recent Construction Management / Civil Engineering graduates who demonstrate practical construction knowledge and strong communication.
- Support project delivery from pre-construction through closeout.
- Maintain and control construction documents (plans, specs, records).
- Prepare, process, and track RFIs to ensure timely answers and issue resolution.
- Coordinate and track submittals, shop drawings, and approvals.
- Assist with change orders, supporting documentation, and cost-impact analysis.
- Support contract administration and compliance tracking.
- Assist with scheduling using Procore or similar tools; monitor timelines and milestones.
- Track costs, quantities, and budget items; flag variances and potential impacts.
- Support bid review, estimating prep, and coordination with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Coordinate purchasing: solicit quotes, issue POs, and confirm delivery schedules.
- Facilitate field-office communication between superintendents, PMs, and trades.
- Assist with project closeout: as-builts, warranties, turnover documentation.
- Maintain document control systems (version control, accessibility).
- Represent the Confidential Client professionally and maintain confidentiality.
- Demonstrate alignment with core values of safety, integrity, collaboration, respect, and innovation.
Essential Qualifications
- ~2+ years of directly relevant construction management experience (internships/co-ops may qualify).
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field — or an Associate degree plus 3+ years of construction experience.
- Experience in commercial, civil, heavy-highway, infrastructure, or design-build environments.
- Hands-on experience with RFIs, submittals, change orders, schedules, cost tracking, and document control.
- Experience with Procore or similar construction/project management software.
- Working knowledge of heavy-highway construction methods, sequencing, scheduling, and estimating.
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Excellent written and verbal communication and strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and collaborate across office and field teams.
Preferred / Additional Skills
- Prior supervisory or managerial exposure in construction.
- Advanced knowledge of construction/project management software.
- Professional demeanor for client/partner interactions.
- Self-motivated team player with high ethics and integrity.
- Desire and potential to advance to a Project Manager role with mentorship.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, primarily onsite position in Columbus, IN (typically Mon–Fri, ~8:00 AM–5:00 PM, ~45 hrs/week). The role is office-based with regular visits to active construction sites. You will use Procore or similar scheduling software and Microsoft Office apps daily. Professional, presentable attire is expected for client-facing interactions.
Compensation & Benefits
- Contract-to-Hire pay range: $32.69–$37.50 per hour. Final compensation depends on experience, skills, and other job-related factors.
- Eligible benefits for this temporary/contract role may include medical, dental & vision, 401(k) retirement plan (pre-tax and Roth options), voluntary life & AD&D, short- and long-term disability, HSA, transportation benefits, employee assistance program, and paid time off — subject to eligibility and plan terms.
Job Type & Location
- Contract to Hire — Full time
- Workplace: Fully onsite in Columbus, IN
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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