Construction Project Manager in Training

High Light Electric • Colton, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

High-Light Electric (HLE) is seeking an experienced professional to develop into a Construction Project Manager. This is a development opportunity—not an entry-level position—for candidates with a foundation in construction operations, project coordination, or project management. Working alongside experienced Project Managers and construction leadership, the Construction Project Manager in Training (PMNT) will gain hands-on experience in project planning, financial management, field operations, compliance, and project execution. HLE provides guidance, mentoring, practical experience, training, and ongoing feedback as the employee builds toward greater project ownership.

The role is primarily office-based at HLE’s Colton office, with regular travel to active construction sites throughout Central and Southern California. Site work may involve roadway and infrastructure environments, nighttime operations, live traffic, outdoor conditions, and construction equipment. The employee must be available to support nighttime field operations and critical project needs when required, and must be able to safely perform essential site-related duties, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

The development pathway is toward independent management of public works and civil infrastructure projects. Responsibilities will increase as the employee demonstrates readiness and consistent performance. Advancement depends on demonstrated competency, performance, and organizational needs; it is not automatic or guaranteed within a specific timeframe.

High-Light Electric is a California-based electrical infrastructure contractor specializing in public works and complex civil and electrical construction projects. Founded in 1996, it is part of Mendoza Companies and is guided by Mission 2040. HLE describes its culture as performance-driven and built on professionalism, respect, service, integrity, and accountability. Competitive compensation and benefits are available to eligible employees, subject to applicable plan terms. The posted hourly range reflects expected base pay upon hire, excluding additional benefits; actual compensation depends on job-related experience, skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.

Requirements

• Typically 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in construction field leadership, construction project support, or project management in another industry.
• Demonstrated leadership, accountability, sound judgment, and consistent follow-through.
• Experience with scheduling, budgeting, cost tracking, project documentation, operational reporting, or comparable project controls.
• Understanding of construction operations and project lifecycles, or strong transferable project management experience.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with project data, documentation, digital tools, and cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to receive coaching, apply feedback, learn new systems, and take increasing responsibility.
• Valid California driver's license and eligibility to drive under HLE's insurance carrier requirements.
• Ability to drive to active project sites as required for business operations.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification, or willingness to obtain it within HLE's established timeframe.
• Ability to work on-site at the Colton office and travel to construction sites throughout Central and Southern California.
• Availability to support nighttime field operations and critical project needs when required.
• Ability to safely perform essential site-related duties, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in civil construction, electrical infrastructure, or public works.
• Familiarity with Procore, Viewpoint Vista, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of prevailing wage, certified payroll, DIR requirements, or union labor environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• PMP, CCM, Lean Construction, or related professional certifications.
• Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills.
• Equivalent qualifications gained through practical experience, apprenticeships, specialized training, or education will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Support projects from preconstruction through closeout, including scheduling, resource coordination, procurement, and operational readiness.
• Develop proficiency in project budgets, cost tracking, forecasting, labor performance, and identification of financial risks.
• Prepare and maintain RFIs, submittals, change orders, contracts, meeting records, and other essential project documentation.
• Coordinate with Superintendents, Foremen, field crews, Project Accounting, Estimating, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
• Learn and apply public works requirements, prevailing wage, certified payroll, union labor agreements, safety standards, and contractual obligations.
• Participate in project meetings, communicate progress, address challenges, and develop sound project decision-making judgment.
• Participate in mentoring, training, performance discussions, and ongoing development aligned with The Mendoza Way and the BUILD talent management program.
• Travel to active construction sites as required and support nighttime field operations and critical project needs when required.

Benefits

• Medical coverage for eligible employees, subject to applicable plan terms.
• Dental coverage for eligible employees, subject to applicable plan terms.
• Vision coverage for eligible employees, subject to applicable plan terms.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Employee appreciation programs.
• Competitive compensation and benefits for eligible employees, subject to applicable plan terms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed