Project Assistant - Residential Construction

Van Acker Construction • Mill Valley, CA

10d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Van Acker Construction (VAC) is seeking an eager, detail-oriented professional to join our Mill Valley office team as a Project Assistant (PA) . This is more than an entry point—it's a launching pad for a meaningful career in high-end residential construction. This office-based administrative role supports field operations and is ideal for someone who excels at organization, communication, and behind-the-scenes coordination that keeps projects running smoothly. If you're 2-4 years out of college and looking for a place where your growth matters, where excellence is the standard, and where you'll be mentored by some of the best in the business, we'd love to meet you. As a Project Assistant , you'll become an integral member of a collaborative project team, supporting two-to-three exceptional residential projects from start to finish. This multi-year role offers in-depth construction administration experience with every phase of the construction process and exposure to the precision that defines our work. We're invested in your development. You'll work directly with experienced Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers who are committed to teaching you the business and helping you build the skills for long-term success in construction management. Since 1983, we've built a reputation as Northern California's premier high-end residential construction firm. Our projects are complex, our standards are exacting, and our commitment to quality is unwavering. But what really sets us apart is our people. We're a team that values collaboration, mentorship, and mutual respect. We believe in developing talent from within, and many of our senior leaders started in roles similar to this one. When you join VAC, you're joining a company that will invest in your growth and support your long-term career aspirations. This is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position based in our Mill Valley office. You’ll occasionally visit job sites for meetings or coordination purposes, but your primary workspace is our office. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in an organized office setting and enjoys being the administrative backbone that supports successful field operations. If you're looking for more than just a job—if you want to build expertise, contribute to exceptional projects, and establish yourself in an industry that rewards dedication and excellence—we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree (accounting, finance, construction management, or related field preferred)
• 2-4 years of professional office experience (construction background is a plus but not required—we'll teach you what you need to know)
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Enjoys working with numbers
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Office, and cloud-based systems (Timberline / Sage 300 experience is a bonus)
• A self-starting attitude and ability to manage competing priorities
• Genuine enthusiasm for learning, growing, and taking on new challenges
• Live in the local area and authorized to work in the U.S.
• Committed to excellence – You take pride in your work and hold yourself to high standards
• A team player – You collaborate well, listen actively, and contribute to a positive work environment
• Adaptable and resilient – You thrive when priorities shift and challenges arise
• Looking for longevity – You want to build a career, not just fill a role
• Ownership-minded – You're invested in the success of your projects, your teammates, and the company

Nice To Haves

• construction background is a plus but not required—we'll teach you what you need to know
• Timberline / Sage 300 experience is a bonus

Responsibilities

• Review and process subcontractor billings, including detailed time and materials verification
• Support monthly client invoicing and budgeting processes
• Manage and track subcontractor insurance certificates and vendor documentation
• Interface with billing spreadsheets, Timberline, and Timberscan systems
• Provide administrative support to Assistant Project Managers in subcontractor management
• Issue, track, and finalize subcontracts, purchase orders, and change orders
• Lead project setup, organization, and close-out processes
• Manage drawings and drawing logs using BlueBeam, PlanGrid, and cloud-based systems
• Coordinate subcontractor bid packages and RFI processes
• Prepare detailed bid comparisons and support budget development

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: Base salary of $85,000-$95,000 (based on previous work experience), plus annual discretionary bonus
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, vision, dental, 401(k) with company contribution, PTO, and paid holidays
• Career development: Mentorship from experienced professionals and opportunities for advancement
• Meaningful work: Hands-on involvement in extraordinary residential projects from the Peninsula to Napa Valley
• Stable, collaborative environment: Work Monday-Friday in our Mill Valley office alongside a team that values your contributions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level