Job Posting: Assistant Project Manager - Overhead Utility Construction
Location:South Plainfield, NJPosition Type: Full-Time (On-Site)
Position OverviewCARIAN is seeking a field-focused
Assistant Project Manager / Staff Engineer to support the delivery of overhead utility construction projects for a major electric utility client in New Jersey. This role is ideal for candidates with field or construction experience who are highly organized, safety-focused, and ready to support the successful execution of Outside Plant (OSP) work.
You'll work closely with utility planners, engineers, contractors, and GIS teams to ensure projects are well-planned, properly coordinated, and completed on schedule. An engineering degree is not required - this role is about strong field coordination, project awareness, and communication.
Responsibilities- Support planning and execution of overhead electric distribution construction projects
- Coordinate with contractors on project scope, schedule, materials, and readiness
- Conduct pre-construction site walkdowns and field reviews
- Ensure construction work aligns with utility safety practices, operational requirements, and reliability goals
- Collaborate with client teams to update GIS data and field prints (including redlines)
- Assist with outage coordination and contingency planning
- Track field progress, flag issues, and support resolution
- Participate in design reviews and cross-functional planning meetings
- Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives
- Provide limited after-hours/on-call support as needed during emergencies
Qualifications- Minimum 1 year of experience in utility construction, operations, engineering, or field project management
- Strong understanding of overhead electric distribution work
- Able to coordinate field activity across multiple job sites and teams
- Clear communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and general project tracking tools
- Valid U.S. driver's license and reliable transportation to field locations
Preferred (Not Required)- Familiarity with utility GIS systems and redlining practices
- Experience with pole installation and reading electric one-line diagrams
- Prior work with electric distribution field assets or substations
- Utility project management or outage planning experience
- Prior working knowledge of SAP and Ariba.
CompensationThe base salary range for this role is $85,000 - $110,000 annually. This range represents a good-faith estimate at the time of posting; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base salary, the role includes eligibility for bonus incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company 401(k) match.
Employment is contingent upon the candidate having and maintaining valid authorization to work in the United States. The Company does not sponsor, and will not sponsor, employment-based visas or provide immigration support for this position.
