Associate Project Manager
The Pizzo Group · St. Charles, IL
Start free. No credit card.
About the Job
Associate Project Manager - Ecological Restoration
About the Role
Support Project Managers and Superintendents in planning, coordinating, and delivering habitat restoration and natural-areas projects. You will help ensure work meets client expectations, company standards, schedules, and budgets while coordinating field teams, managing resources, and maintaining clear communication with clients and internal stakeholders. This is a hands-on associate-level role with a mix of office coordination and regular field presence.
Key Responsibilities
- Assign new projects to teams and clearly communicate goals, priorities, specifications,
and any restrictions.
- Develop and maintain project schedules; coordinate equipment and material needs
(reserving at least 10 days in advance) and keep Division Managers, Superintendents,
Sales Territory Managers, and clients informed of changes.
- Track budgets weekly, flag variances early, prepare cost estimates for out-of-scope or
warranty work, and support bi-weekly invoicing.
- Partner with our inventory specialist, schedule deliveries, inspect quality, process
purchase orders and receipts, and maintain accurate stock levels.
- Ensure contract compliance, including bonds, submittals, required meetings and
inspections, change documentation, DBE goals, as-built drawings, and project close-out.
- Serve as a primary client contact for assigned projects-handle kickoff meetings, regular
updates, and pre-/post-work notifications-while keeping Sales Territory Managers informed.
- Solicit, contract, schedule, and quality-check subcontractors; approve invoices and
address performance issues as needed.
- Support team leadership by reinforcing company values and safety standards, assisting
with training and conflict resolution, reviewing payroll, interviewing, hiring, and participating in performance discussions.
- Conduct periodic site visits to check safety, quality, and efficiency; contribute to burn
planning, GPS data collection, and other technical needs as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, environmental science, business, or a
related field (or equivalent experience).
- 2-4+ years of project coordination, supervisory, or construction/restoration experience.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, and multi-stakeholder projects.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word,
Excel, Outlook). Familiarity with QuickBooks and basic accounting practices preferred.
- Functional Spanish language skills a plus.
- Valid Illinois driver's license and clean driving record.
- Illinois Pesticide Operator License, First Aid/CPR, OSHA 30, S-100/S-130/S-190,
Physical & Work Environment
Combination of office and field work. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally, work outdoors in varied weather conditions, and consistently follow safety protocols. Light to moderate travel within the Midwest; occasional overnight stays required.
Safety
Safety is always Pizzo's number one goal. As an employee, you have a legal right to a safe and healthy workplace. At Pizzo, you may be asked to read the workplace safety and health posters and comply with all applicable OSHA and Illinois safety standards. Employees follow all lawful employer safety and health rules and regulations, and wear/use the required protective equipment while working. Employees are to report hazardous conditions, any job-related injury or illness, and any near misses to the employer. You may be asked to join our health and safety committee, provide guidance on site from a health and safety perspective, or render first aid. Each one of us shares the responsibility of making sure everyone goes home to their families safely every day.