Assistant Project Manager

JCM Associates, Inc. is a family-owned commercial mechanical and plumbing contractor with 38 years of history in the DC Metro region. We specialize in delivering technically complex, high-value projects for top owners, developers, and general contractors—including data centers, hospitals, federal facilities, high-rise residential, college campuses, and trophy office buildings—with project values ranging from $15M to $200M+.

Our culture is close-knit, collaborative, and team-first, shaped by 38 years as a family-owned business. We operate from a brand-new, state-of-the-art office and fabrication facility in Upper Marlboro, MD, just 20 minutes from Washington, DC.

About the role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Project Manager (APM) to support the delivery of commercial mechanical and plumbing construction projects across MD, VA, and DC. This hands-on role involves working directly alongside a Project Manager and field Foreman, owning real deliverables, and being on job sites regularly. The APM role is the direct entry point to Project Manager at JCM, with a clear path for growth.

Projects You’ll Support

• Data centers and mission-critical facilities
• Hospitals, medical labs, and healthcare campuses
• Federal and government facilities
• High-rise residential and mixed-use developments
• College and university buildings
• Trophy office and corporate headquarters projects

Responsibilities

• Submittals, RFIs & Document Control
  • Create, review, track, and manage submittals for mechanical and plumbing equipment, materials, and systems.
  • Confirm compliance with plans and specifications before forwarding.
  • Prepare and maintain project documentation including design changes, RFIs, change orders, meeting minutes, IOM manuals, and project reports.
  • Serve as the point person for document management applications and ensure all logs are current and accurate.
• Equipment Tracking & Procurement
  • Build and manage the JCM Equipment Tracking Log.
  • Coordinate with the PM to ensure major equipment is released on schedule and deliveries align with the project timeline.
  • Conduct off-site storage visits to verify stored materials for billing, review equipment against approved submittals, and confirm final orientations.
  • Assist the PM with purchasing activities including scoping, take-offs, change order proposals, and soliciting pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Project Coordination & Scheduling
  • Assist the PM and Foreman in planning, executing, and closing projects including scheduling, resource allocation, materials procurement, and commissioning.
  • Help maintain project schedules and subcontractor detail schedules. Communicate impacts and delays to the PM proactively.
  • Assist the PM with cost forecasts, budget and estimate tracking, purchase orders, and project accounting.
• BIM & Prefabrication
  • Support the BIM coordination process by attending clash meetings, reviewing models for system layout conflicts, and ensuring alignment with project specifications.
  • Assist the PM with maintaining fabrication schedules, coordinating spool drawing reviews, and tracking the fabrication log.
• Field Presence & Subcontractor Coordination
  • Conduct regular site visits to monitor project progress, assist with field coordination, manage punch lists, support rigging logistics, and handle material management.
  • Communicate with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
  • Work closely with GC and subcontractor project teams, field leaders, foremen, and site supervisors to maintain alignment and resolve issues efficiently.
• Closeout & Quality
  • Assist with project closeout including assembling IOM manuals, startup and commissioning documentation, subcontractor punch lists, warranties, and final payment documents.
  • Coordinate equipment training schedules with vendors and the GC. Assist with final inspections and authority sign-offs.
  • Support implementation of JCM’s Quality Assurance Program and site safety protocols.

Requirements

• Experience
  • 3–5 years of experience in mechanical and plumbing project management, project engineering, or a directly related construction role.
  • Experience with a mechanical contractor, general contractor, or MEP subcontractor is preferred.
  • Field or trade background is a significant advantage—plumber, pipefitter, HVAC mechanic, or any hands-on mechanical/plumbing installation experience. Candidates who came up through the trades and want to move into project management are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Technical Knowledge
  • Strong working knowledge of mechanical and plumbing systems in commercial or industrial construction, including the ability to read and interpret MEP drawings and specifications.
  • Familiarity with mechanical and plumbing equipment—AHUs, pumps, chillers, VAVs, hydronic systems, domestic water, sanitary, and related systems.
  • Experience managing submittals, coordinating RFIs, and producing closeout documentation including IOM manuals.
  • Ability to read and understand electrical and controls design documents when coordinating final equipment connections with other trades.
• Software & Tools
  • Procore: Required for submittal management, RFI tracking, document control, and daily logs. Training is available for the right candidate.
  • Bluebeam Revu: Required for markup, drawing review, and document collaboration. Proficiency expected.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Excel (equipment logs, cost tracking, procurement logs), Word (letters, reports), Outlook and Teams (daily communication with GC, vendors, subs). Proficiency required.
  • BIM / Coordination Tools: Experience attending BIM coordination meetings and reviewing models (Navisworks, Revit, or similar) is a plus.
  • Scheduling Software: Familiarity with Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar is a plus.
• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred but not required. Equivalent field experience, trade background, or vocational training will be given equal consideration.

What We’re Really Looking For

The right APM has either come up through the field and is ready to grow into project management, or has been working in a PM-adjacent role and is prepared to take on more ownership. This is a role for someone who is energized by being on a job site, takes pride in keeping their logs and submittals sharp, and wants to be the person their PM and field team can count on.

Benefits

• Annual bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid holidays and paid vacation
• On-site fitness facility at our brand-new, state-of-the-art Upper Marlboro headquarters
• Company outings, team events, and a close-knit culture built around people who enjoy working together
• Clear path to Project Manager for the right candidate

Pay

Salary Range: $80,000–$105,000 per year

Work Environment

This is an active, hands-on role. You will spend meaningful time on commercial construction sites—attending field coordination meetings, conducting site visits, and staying directly connected to project progress. Office time is based at our brand-new, state-of-the-art Upper Marlboro headquarters, approximately 20 minutes from Washington, DC.