Project Engineer / Assistant Project Manager

Project Engineer / Assistant Project Manager - Heavy Civil Water Infrastructure

We are seeking an experienced Project Engineer / Assistant Project Manager to support a major $38 million water infrastructure project in Sutter County, California. This is a long-term, two- to three-year construction opportunity where the Project Engineer will work closely with the Project Manager and Superintendent to coordinate project documentation, subcontractors, engineering teams, scheduling, cost tracking, and field operations.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a construction professional looking to develop the experience and leadership skills needed to progress into a Project Manager position.

The project involves construction of a major river diversion and pumping facility, including a screened intake structure, fish screens, temporary cofferdam, debris deflector, large-diameter pipeline, reinforced-concrete pump station, vertical pumps, levee gate structure, access platform, control building, and electrical, instrumentation, and SCADA systems.

Additional work includes a downstream relift pumping facility and several miles of concrete-lined canal modifications, including new lining, check structures, turnouts, and siphons. The project also involves demolition and abandonment of existing river diversion facilities and must comply with seasonal environmental restrictions related to river and levee construction.

Manage the project submittal process from package preparation through review, approval, and closeout.

Maintain submittal logs and coordinate approvals to keep procurement and field activities on schedule.

Prepare, log, track, and close RFIs, coordinating questions between field personnel, engineers, designers, and the owner.

Support change management by preparing PCO documentation, tracking cost and schedule impacts, and maintaining change-order logs.

Assist with monthly pay estimates, schedule of values, quantity tracking, and project cost documentation.

Coordinate with subcontractors and vendors regarding shop drawings, deliveries, insurance, compliance documentation, and long-lead equipment.

Maintain accurate project records, including daily reports, meeting minutes, as-builts, permits, and compliance documentation.

Support project schedule updates, three-week look-ahead schedules, progress tracking, and reporting.

Assist with environmental and regulatory compliance requirements, including SWPPP, biological conditions, permits, and in-water work restrictions.

Review plans, specifications, shop drawings, and contract documents to identify project requirements and outstanding items.

Work closely with the Project Manager and Superintendent to resolve issues and maintain project progress.

Spend significant time in the field to understand construction progress, coordinate activities, and support project execution.

3-7 years of construction project administration experience in a Project Engineer, Assistant Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Field Engineer, or similar role.

Experience with pump station, water/wastewater, water treatment, lift station, or similar water infrastructure construction strongly preferred.

Heavy civil, water/wastewater, marine, underground utility, or related construction experience will also be considered.

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on construction experience.

Strong ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, shop drawings, and submittal requirements.

Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.

Hands-on experience with Procore, Microsoft Project, HCSS HeavyJob, or comparable construction management platforms.

Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally with owners, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel.

Ability and willingness to work on-site daily and spend substantial time in the field.

Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Experience with public works or agency-funded construction projects.

Familiarity with federal/state compliance, certified payroll, prevailing wage, and BABA/Buy America requirements.

Direct pump station experience, including wet wells, sumps, vertical pump installation, pump/motor alignment, discharge piping, valves, startup, and commissioning.

Experience with structural concrete, sheet pile cofferdams, dewatering, or pile driving.

Exposure to electrical, instrumentation, SCADA, and controls systems and submittals.

Experience working on environmentally regulated water or river infrastructure projects.

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Vehicle or vehicle allowance

Continuing education and professional development support

Location: Sutter County, California (Sacramento Valley)

This is a full-time, on-site position requiring regular field involvement throughout the construction lifecycle. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a complex water infrastructure project from construction through commissioning while developing the skills and experience necessary for future Project Manager responsibilities.