Assistant Project Manager - Utility Solar in Houston, Texas at Hays Electrical Services

Position Summary
The Assistant Project Manager — Utility Solar supports the Project Manager and project team with the administrative, documentation, and tracking tasks that underpin risk management, change management, contract/deliverable management, and reporting on one or more utility-scale solar (and where applicable, BESS) construction projects. This is an entry-to-mid-level project management role focused on building foundational skills in project controls, documentation, and cross-functional coordination, as a development track toward Project Manager.

Key Responsibilities
Risk Management Support

• Assist in maintaining the project risk register by entering, updating, and organizing risk data as directed by the Project Manager.
• Help track status and due dates of risk mitigation action items and follow up with responsible parties.
• Flag potential issues or delays noticed during document review or field coordination to the Project Manager.

Change Management Support

• Assist in preparing change order documentation, including compiling backup (quantities, invoices, field reports, photos) to support pricing and schedule impact.
• Maintain and update the change order log/tracker under the Project Manager's direction.
• Help draft routine correspondence and notices related to changes, for Project Manager review before submission.

Contract & Deliverable Support

• Maintain deliverable logs/trackers (submittals, permits, insurance certificates, closeout documents) and follow up on outstanding items.
• Assist with organizing and filing contract documents, subcontracts, and purchase orders.
• Support subcontractor compliance tracking (insurance certificates, lien waivers, certified payroll where applicable).
• Help prepare submittals and track RFI logs, routing items to the appropriate team members and following up on responses.

Reporting Support

• Assist in compiling data for weekly/monthly project status reports (schedule updates, cost tracking, milestone status).
• Update project management software/trackers with current schedule, cost, and deliverable information.
• Help prepare slides, charts, and summary materials for internal and client/owner reporting, under Project Manager review.

Administration & Coordination

• Coordinate meeting scheduling, agendas, and minutes for project meetings as assigned.
• Serve as a point of contact for routine document requests from field teams, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Support onboarding of new subcontractors/vendors (documentation collection, system setup).
• Perform other project administration tasks as assigned by the Project Manager.

Required Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in project management, project engineering, or construction administration; internship or co-op experience in construction/energy considered.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; willingness to learn project management software (Procore, MS Project, Primavera, or similar).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or internship experience related to utility-scale solar or renewable energy construction.
• Familiarity with construction contract terminology (change orders, submittals, RFIs).
• Exposure to projects using both union and non-union labor.