Assistant Project Manager / Estimator

Hays Electrical Services•Houston, TX

23h

About The Position

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 has hands-on knowledge of underground construction including duct banks, manholes, vaults, trenching, and conduit systems, and is capable of assisting with bid preparation, change order pricing, cost tracking, and daily project execution support. This position plays a critical role in maintaining budget integrity, schedule compliance, and strong alignment between field and office operations.

Requirements

2–5 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; Bluebeam preferred.
Strong Excel skills (cost tracking, bid tabulation, projections).
Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Procore, MS Project, or similar construction management software is a plus.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
OSHA 30
Trenching & Excavation Safety
Competent Person Certification
Confined Space Awareness

Responsibilities

Perform quantity takeoffs for underground electrical and utility systems.
Analyze civil drawings, underground electrical plans, and project specifications.
Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
Assist in developing bid proposals, scope clarifications, and exclusions.
Support smooth transition from awarded projects to the operations team.
Assist in building labor, equipment, and production rate assumptions.
Assist Project Manager with budgeting, scheduling, and forecasting.
Track job cost reports and analyze estimated vs. actual performance.
Monitor labor productivity and equipment utilization.
Prepare monthly cost projections and financial reports.
Review daily field reports and identify risks or scope gaps.
Support procurement of materials and equipment.
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 project closeout.
Support ROCIP / OOCIP documentation and compliance tracking when required.
Work closely with General Superintendent, Foremen, and Leadmen.
Visit job sites regularly to verify progress and quantities installed.
Help resolve scope conflicts and unforeseen site conditions.
Assist with schedule updates and two-week look-ahead planning.
Ensure underground installations align with drawings and contract documents.
Review vendor invoices and subcontractor pay applications.
Track committed costs and pending cost exposure.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.
Maintain organized job files and digital project records.