Assistant Project Manager / Estimator

Location: Houston, TX

Assistant Project Manager / Estimator – Underground Division

Job Title: Assistant Project Manager / Estimator – Underground Division

Department: Underground Division

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly organized and driven Assistant Project Manager / Estimator to support underground utility projects from preconstruction through closeout. This role bridges estimating, project administration, cost control, and field coordination.

The ideal candidate understands underground construction (duct banks, manholes, vaults, trenching, conduit systems) and is capable of assisting with bid preparation, change order pricing, cost tracking, and daily project execution support. This position is critical to maintaining budget integrity, schedule compliance, and field-office alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction Support

• Perform quantity takeoffs for underground electrical and utility systems.

• Analyze civil drawings, underground electrical plans, and specifications.

• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.

• Assist in developing bid proposals, scope clarifications, and exclusions.

• Support transition from awarded work to operations team.

• Assist in building labor, equipment, and production rate assumptions.

Project Management Support

• Assist Project Manager with budgeting, scheduling, and forecasting.

• Track job cost reports and compare estimated vs. actual performance.

• Monitor labor productivity and equipment utilization.

• Help prepare monthly cost projections and financial reports.

• Review field daily reports and identify risk or scope gaps.

• Support procurement of materials and equipment.

Change Orders & Documentation

• Price change orders and extra work tickets.

• Assist with RFIs, submittals, and document control.

• Maintain accurate change order logs.

• Ensure documentation is complete for billing and closeout.

• Support ROCIP/OOCIP documentation and compliance tracking when required.

Field Coordination

• Work closely with General Superintendent, Foremen, and Leadmen.

• Visit job sites regularly to verify progress and quantities.

• Help resolve scope conflicts and unforeseen conditions.

• Support schedule updates and two-week look-aheads.

• Ensure underground installations align with drawings and contract documents.

Financial & Administrative Controls

• Assist in reviewing vendor invoices and subcontractor pay applications.

• Track committed costs and pending exposure.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.

• Maintain organized job files and digital records.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in underground construction, estimating, or project coordination.

• Strong understanding of:

  • Trenching & excavation

  • Duct banks & conduit systems

  • Vaults & manholes

  • Underground electrical infrastructure

• Proficient in reading underground electrical drawings and civil site plans.

• Experience with takeoff software and Bluebeam preferred.

• Strong Excel skills (cost tracking, bid tabulation, projections).

• Familiarity with Procore, MS Project, or similar software is a plus.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 30

• Trenching & Excavation Safety Competent Person Certification

• Confined Space Awareness

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to travel to job sites regularly.

• Capable of walking job sites, including trenches and uneven terrain.

• Ability to work in both office and field environments.