Assistant Construction Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company History

Tri-State Energy (TSE) is a 40-year client-focused energy solutions provider committed to delivering engineering-driven strategies that improve facility performance, reduce operational and maintenance costs, and provide long-term reliable solutions by seamlessly combining technical engineering with project implementation. We focus on providing energy engineering and MEP contracting support for facility optimization and decarbonization initiatives. 

About the Position

The Assistant NJ Project Manager is a key support role, aiding the Senior Project Managers in all phases of commercial and industrial HVAC and lighting projects. A motivated self-starter with excellent communication skills and the ability to drive projects in a fast paced, client-focused environment. Your ability to manage construction projects through both internal teams and subcontractors is key to the satisfaction of our customers and the growth of the company.  This is an onsite position and not a remote role.

This position will focus on the tactical execution of project tasks, ensuring seamless communication, accurate data management, and proper documentation from start to finish. The role demands knowledge of HVAC and lighting systems, safety rules, and best practices for construction projects. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem solver with a proven track record of aligning execution with business objectives, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with clients, executives, project development teams and contractors.

Essential Job Functions

• Project Coordination: Facilitate effective communication (written & verbal) between the Senior Project Manager, clients, subcontractors, and other TSE team members. Coordinate with all trades as needed to ensure proper support for mechanical contractors and TSE lighting teams.
• Data and Program Management: Collect, organize, and enter mechanical and lighting data from project sites and our HVAC partners into utility program software and other internal tools. Ensure data is comprehensive and accurate to facilitate a smooth project flow.
• Documentation: Assist in the management of project documentation, including gathering all necessary closeout documents and ensuring they are submitted for a quick closeout process.
• Quality and Compliance: Perform site inspections to ensure quality control standards are met, both pre- and post-installation. Help ensure contractors adhere to all safety protocols.
• Project Support: Issue purchase orders (POs) for projects as directed. Assist in implementing change orders and managing scope changes.
• Project Scheduling: Help create, update, and maintain detailed project timelines (e.g., Gantt charts, milestone tracking) to ensure mechanical/lighting installations meet deadlines.
• Troubleshooting: Proactively work to resolve minor issues and conflicts that may arise during a project, elevating significant problems to the Senior Project Manager as needed.
• New Business & Partnerships: Assist in the research and procurement of new contractors to increase our capacity for installations.
• Compliance and Tracking: Monitor projects for compliance with specific utility program requirements, rules, and documentation standards (e.g., energy efficiency rebates, incentive applications).
• Application Management: Assist in preparing, submitting, and tracking utility incentive applications to secure funding for qualifying projects.
• Data Entry & Analysis: Manage program data, ensuring accuracy and completeness in project tracking systems and databases.
• Auditing Support: Prepare necessary documentation and reports to support internal and external program audits.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Communicate with utility representatives and internal staff to resolve application issues and streamline the incentive process.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in project coordination or project management.
• Strong client relationship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter who can work independently or within a team environment.
• Exceptional organizational, time-management, and planning skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Interest and experience in energy conservation and engineering a plus.
• Understanding of job safety requirements.
• OSHA 10/30 Construction Certificate preferred (or required within 90 days of hire).
• Manage multiple commercial and industrial projects concurrently.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Bachelor's degree, professional license, or equivalent experience is required
• Basic ability to read and interpret mechanical, HVAC, lighting layout, or electrical schematics/drawings is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software, project management software, etc. 
• Ability to maintain and operate personal and/or company vehicles with a valid clean driver’s license. Must be willing and able to travel within the tri-state area for frequent job site visits and quality inspections.
• Foundational knowledge of commercial HVAC equipment, lighting/controls and energy efficiency with additional expertise in design-build and audit processes is highly advantageous.
• Being open to feedback and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands of the Job

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; sit, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, grasp, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; push or pull; talk and hear; use repetitive motions.
• The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The employee must have visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading and visual inspections of site plans.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to the following work environment:

• The employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
• The employee is subject to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, mechanical and electrical rooms, rooftop, moving vehicles, and electrical current.

Diversity

TSE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. TSE prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, age, marital status, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. TSE makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. 

TSE is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. TSE is a drug-free workplace.

Screening

TSE makes offers of employment contingent upon (1) successful completion of a routine background investigation and reference check, (2) drug testing, and (3) Act 34 Child Abuse clearance.

Why work for us?

• Medical, vision, dental insurance and more
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-provided life insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Education reimbursement program with management approval. 
• Annual paid time off
• Observance of 8 Federal Holidays

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though supervisory work will often occur on 2nd shift
• 40-hour work week
• Occasional weekends
• On-call requirement