Assistant Project Manager

ABOUT CJW CONTRACTORS, INC.  

CJW Contractors, Inc. is a seasoned federal construction prime contractor headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, founded in 1999. We hold active MACC/IDIQ and task-order positions across NAVFAC, USACE, U.S. Air Force, NIH, NIST, GSA, and FBI programs, and we perform as both prime contractor and joint-venture partner. Our team of 40+ professionals delivers renovations, repairs, MEP upgrades, Design-Build (DB), and Design-Bid-Build (DBB) projects on active federal installations and facilities across Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana, and Washington State. 

Our reputation is built on delivering high-quality construction at fair prices, earning repeat and referral business through client satisfaction, and upholding professionalism, integrity, honesty, and fairness in every relationship. We measure ourselves by our CPARS ratings, and we hire people who take the same pride in earning EXCELLENT and VERY GOOD evaluations. 

POSITION OVERVIEW  

CJW is seeking an organized, driven Assistant Project Manager to support our Project Managers in delivering federal construction projects from award through closeout. The APM is the engine of project administration: you keep submittals, RFIs, subcontractor paperwork, pay applications, change-order backup, and closeout documentation accurate, on time, and audit-ready, so that the Project Manager can focus on client, cost, and schedule. 

This is a true development role. You will work on live NAVFAC, USACE, Air Force, GSA, NIH, NIST, and FBI projects under Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build delivery, learn CJW's documented project management procedures, and be mentored toward a Project Manager position as you take on greater responsibility, typically over three to five years. 

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

1. Pre-Construction & Division 1 Support  

• Assist the PM in organizing the bid package, creating the project folder structure, and building the project record after award. 
• Draft and assemble Division 1 submittals under PM direction: Submittal Register (UFGS 01 33 00), List of Contact Personnel, Site Plan, Waste Management Plan, Environmental Protection Plan, Schedule of Values, and transmittals, tracked to the Day 30 post-NTP deadline. 
• Support the CQC Plan and Accident Prevention Plan submittals by coordinating inputs from the QC Manager, SSHO, and Superintendent. 
• Prepare personnel letters, SECNAV 5512 / HSPD-12 access packages, and installation-access lists for staff and subcontractors. 
• Track bond and insurance submission status with the Contract Manager against the 10-day deadline. 

2. Submittal, RFI & Document Control  

• Build and maintain the submittal register and log; track every subcontractor and vendor submittal from request through government approval in RMS, eCMS, Kahua, PIEE, or Procore. 
• Follow up with subcontractors to enforce submittal deadlines and flag long-lead items to the PM early. 
• Prepare, log, and track RFIs and responses; keep RFI logs current and escalate critical-path items. 
• Maintain organized project records: correspondence, meeting minutes, daily reports, inspection records, and CMMC Level 1-compliant document storage. 
• For Design-Build projects, track design milestone submissions (35/65/95/100%) and Designer of Record review comments. 

3. Subcontractor & Procurement Support  

• Prepare subcontract and purchase-order packages for PM review, and route them for execution through CJW's standard contract tools. 
• Collect and verify subcontractor insurance certificates, safety documents, AHAs, and wage/payroll information. 
• Process subcontractor and vendor invoices against verified progress and hand off to the PM and Accounting for approval. 
• Track subcontract commitments, scope changes, and open items in the project cost report. 

4. Schedule, Billing & Cost Support  

• Prepare the monthly pay application "pencil copy" and gather supporting documentation and agency-required backup for PM review. 
• Collect weekly certified payroll from subcontractors and coordinate with the Contract Manager on Davis-Bacon compliance. 
• Assist the PM and P6 Scheduler with monthly schedule update inputs, three-week lookahead review, and variance narratives. 
• Maintain the job cost tracker, change-order log, and contract-value reconciliation; flag budget variances to the PM. 

5. Change Management Support  

• Document potential changes and differing site conditions with photos, daily-log entries, and correspondence. 
• Collect and compare subcontractor change proposals; prepare change-order and REA packages and backup for PM review and negotiation. 
• Track change orders and contract modifications through government execution. 

6. Field Coordination, Quality & Safety  

• Visit project sites regularly to observe progress, verify quantities for pay applications, and confirm submittal-to-installation compliance. 
• Support weekly progress and OAC meetings: prepare agendas, record and distribute minutes, and track action items to closure. 
• Work with the QC Manager and SSHO to support the three-phase control process, AHAs, and EM 385-1-1 and OSHA compliance. 

7. Closeout Support  

• Begin compiling O&M manuals as systems are completed (at approximately 80% completion), rather than waiting for final completion. 
• Track red-line/as-built drawings, warranties, punch list items, and releases of claims to zero open items. 
• Support final billing, subcontractor closeout, and CPARS-focused performance tracking. 

8. Professional Development  

• Learn and apply the CJW Project Manager's Operation Manual and DB/DBB Execution procedures. 
• Pursue CQM-C, OSHA 30, EM 385-1-1, and PMP training with company support. 
• Progressively take ownership of smaller projects or defined project phases under PM guidance as you demonstrate readiness. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil or Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (equivalent experience considered). 
• 2–5 years of experience in construction project management, project engineering, or contract administration. 
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage many documents and deadlines at once. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• U.S. citizenship; ability to pass a background check and drug test and obtain SECNAV 5512 NAC / HSPD-12 and federal installation access. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Prior federal construction experience (NAVFAC, USACE, GSA, USAF, NIH, NIST, FBI) and familiarity with UFGS and Division 1 requirements. 
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction; EM 385-1-1 training; CQM-C certification (or willingness to obtain). 
• Knowledge of the Davis-Bacon Act and certified payroll. 
• Experience with Procore, Kahua, RMS/eCMS, PIEE, or Primavera P6. 
• EIT, PMP-CAPM, or similar credential. 
• Exposure to Design-Build delivery and MEP scopes. 

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES  

• Organization keeps complex logs, registers, and deadlines accurate and current. 
• Follow-through chases subcontractors and government reviewers until items close. 
• Communication professional and clear with subcontractors, designers, and government personnel. 
• Learning agility absorbs regulations and procedures quickly and applies them consistently. 
• Teamwork collaborates with field, quality, safety, and accounting staff. 
• Initiative anticipates the PM's needs and raises issues early with a proposed solution. 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS  

The Assistant Project Manager reports to the Project Manager and works daily with the Superintendent, QC Manager, SSHO, P6 Scheduler, Contract Manager, and Accounting. Externally, the role interfaces with subcontractors, suppliers, designers, and government representatives, including CORs and ROICC staff. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT  

Professional office and jobsite-office setting, with regular site visits to active federal installations and construction sites. Site work requires appropriate PPE and may occur indoors and outdoors in varied conditions. Occasional extended hours may be needed around submittal and pay-application deadlines. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

Benefits include: 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance 
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match 
• Paid time off and federal holidays 
• Professional development support, including OSHA, EM 385-1-1, CQM-C, PMP, and agency-specific training 
• Vehicle allowance or mileage/travel reimbursement for project travel (project-dependent) 
• Per diem and lodging reimbursement for extended out-of-area assignments 

HOW TO APPLY  

Submit the following to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line "Assistant Project Manager Application — [Your Name]": 

• Current resume highlighting construction project experience, agencies or clients, and project values. 
• A brief cover note on why you want a federal construction career path with CJW. 
• Copies of relevant certifications (OSHA 30, CQM-C, EIT, etc.). 
• Two or three professional references. 

CJW Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Veterans are encouraged to apply.