Assistant Project Manager - WMATA

PACO Group • Washington, DC

81d • $45 - $60

About The Position

PACO Group, Inc. is seeking motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Project Managers to join our team in support of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the successful delivery of high-profile, complex transit construction projects that enhance mobility, safety, and reliability across the region. As an Assistant Project Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting project leadership throughout all phases of the project lifecycle—from planning and design through execution, monitoring, and close-out. You will serve as a key liaison among WMATA staff, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders to ensure project goals are met on schedule and within budget.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical), Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management, Planning, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in transit/rail, contractor negotiations, or supervision of engineering/trade/technical staff.
• Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Level 2 certification within 6 months of hire.
• Excellent verbal, written, and technical communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, Procore, and financial management software (e.g., PeopleSoft).
• Knowledge of construction project management principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to apply emerging engineering/project management solutions to complex challenges.
• Strong understanding of technical, contractual, and legal documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in project controls, including Primavera P6 CPM scheduling, cost tracking, and budget management.
• Strong skills in contract negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and interagency coordination.
• Proven ability to support capital project delivery in compliance with WMATA, FTA, and local regulations.
• Highly organized with advanced time management and multitasking across large, complex projects.
• Skilled in risk identification, mitigation strategies, and schedule impact analysis.
• Proficient in preparing technical reports, presentations, and documentation for executive and regulatory audiences.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate review of scope of work for consultant-prepared final designs; prepare independent cost estimates and negotiate consultant contracts.
• Direct and manage consultants during design and planning phases, reviewing drawings, specifications, and life-cycle costs; oversee technical reviews of shop and working drawings.
• Confer with contractors, consultants, and WMATA officials regarding plans, specifications, costs, and work coordination.
• Analyze and negotiate design and construction change orders, claims, and supplemental agreements with consultants and contractors.
• Recommend and review adjustments to contractor schedules, ensuring project completion within established timeframes; prepare activity reports documenting project changes.
• Develop and manage engineering and administrative data to support project planning, scheduling, and control; monitor design costs and schedules for assigned sections.
• Obtain WMATA operating department approvals for final designs and construction documents; organize consultant presentations at key submittal stages.
• Conduct field inspections to ensure construction activities comply with plans, specifications, cost, safety, and reliability requirements; implement engineering solutions to address field issues.
• Maintain and review construction records, reports, and staff documentation for effective project control.
• Supervise and mentor staff, including planning, assigning, scheduling, and reviewing work to meet quality standards; develop organizational structures and work plans.
• Lead and participate in construction and project meetings to ensure effective coordination and control.
• Prepare correspondence, staff summaries, and budget information to support procurement and project administration.
• Act as Project Manager as needed, providing leadership and oversight for major capital projects.
• Promote and uphold WMATA’s safety policies and procedures, fostering a positive safety culture and encouraging reporting of safety concerns in alignment with the Agency Safety Plan and Safety Management System.

Benefits

• 401(k) and 401(k) Employer Matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Group Life Insurance, LTD and AD&D
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree