Universal Engineering Sciences

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

We are seeking an experienced Virtual Design Consulting (VDC) Assistant Project Manager to lead and manage VDC projects while supporting and promoting VDC operations and also assisting other departments in their operations. This position will include training in multiple departments to support Geotechnical, Environmental and Construction Services, while also providing support work for private utility locates required by internal departments and external clients.

The Assistant Project Manager is responsible for working on planning, coordinating, and executing engineering and testing projects that support sustainable infrastructure and environmental solutions. This role ensures that all project activities are completed on time, within scope, and aligned with client and regulatory expectations.

The Assistant Project Manager works closely with the Department Manager, other technical staff, field personnel, and clients to deliver high-quality results, manage budgets, and support operational excellence across geotechnical, environmental, and construction materials testing projects.

Responsibilities

• Market, sell and speak on geophysical capabilities, limitations, and advise clients on the current methodology to proceed with for field investigations.
• Coordinate with clients and colleagues to manage and execute private utility locates, concrete scanning, geophysical investigations, laser scans and other similar services.
• Coordinate and manage both above and below ground projects involving geophysics, surveying, 3D laser scanning, structures evaluation and more.
• Develop and manage client and contractor relationships for assigned projects.
• Map and model subsurface and building information.
• Conduct Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) tasks.
• Provide project assistance, support and execution of construction, geotechnical and environmental services as needed to include, but not limited to: boring layout, utility clearing, soil classification, hand augers, bedrock analyses and drilling.
• Assist with marketing and business development functions for the VDC group including, but not limited to lead generation, proposal preparation and pricing.
• Communicate daily with site contractors, other industry professionals, and project managers verbally and electronically.
• Assist with developing project estimates, proposals, invoices and scopes of work in collaboration for assigned projects.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with clients to manage expectations, address issues, and ensure satisfaction.
• Review reports and client documentation; ensure timely submission of project deliverables.
• Ensure all activities adhere to company safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in cross-functional collaboration with engineering, laboratory, safety, and operational teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• 4-year degree in Geology, Geophysics, Engineering, or similar degree from an accredited university is preferred.
• At least 1 – 2 years of private utility locating utilizing radio detection, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and other geophysical tools.
• Experience with utilizing CAD, GIS, and other mapping software.
• Prior experience in geology field work, geophysics, or civil engineering with knowledge in construction, geotechnical and/or environmental services Strong knowledge of construction materials testing standards (ASTM, AASHTO, etc.) and ability to interpret technical specifications is required.
• Experience with utilizing CAD, GIS, and other mapping software.
• Preferred National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA) Accreditation, knowledge of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), ASCE 38-02, ASCE 38-22 experience with utilizing survey equipment, Laser Scanner, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Total Station.
• Previous experience in a project management role is preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and industry-specific platforms (e.g., project management, data reporting systems).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, proposal writing, and presentations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents and maps.
• Ability to accurately complete field-testing paperwork and detailed figures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients, contractors, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills with the ability to work proactively and independently.
• Willingness to travel to job sites and work in diverse environmental conditions.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Days and hours for this position are typically Monday-Friday.
• Some weekend, overtime work and/or overnight work and travel may be required.
• Job site locations may require up to 50-60% overnight and out-of-town travel; you may be required to drive hundreds of miles per day within the Mid-Atlantic region.
• This position spends approximately 20% of time in an office/remote environment and 80% in the field, depending on workload and projects.
• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a professional office and work site setting.
• On-Site Office Requirements:
  • Work is performed at a desk for extended periods using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment in a climate-controlled office environment.
  • Regular in-person communication with team members and clients is required.
  • Physical demands may include sitting for long durations, occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of materials.
• Field Environment:
  • Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions such as wet and/or humid environments, extreme cold and/or heat, dusty and noisy work environments.
  • Field work on outside construction sites involving long-term standing, sitting and repetitive motions.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift and carry between up to 80 lbs. of equipment.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during fieldwork.
  • Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception, depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes

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Who We Are

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement here