Project Assistant

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award-winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry-leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Project Assistant in Federal Way, WA to support project teams and keep them on track and on budget.

This is an opportunity to step into a support role where you are accountable for overseeing project setup, managing financial tracking, and liaising with both internal and external stakeholders.

You’ll play a key role in the success of engineering projects by identifying and solving issues to keep projects on track.

What You’ll Do

As a Project Assistant, you’ll contribute across key focus areas, such as project management, financial tracking, and internal and external communication.

• Budget Monitoring: Assist with tracking budgets and controlling project costs.
• Billing and Invoicing: Support billing, calculate applicable taxes, review invoices, and manage A/R and WIP reserves.
• Contract Review: Work with General Counsel to review client contracts and related agreements, ensuring proper contract/insurance documentation.
• Project Setup: Enter and maintain project data in BST and Project Setup Portal, including staffing, rate changes, and amendments.
• Communication: Act as a central point of contact for project updates and correspondence, both internally and externally.
• Meeting Coordination: Schedule and confirm meetings with clients, subconsultants, and vendors; prepare and distribute meeting documentation.
• Project Management Support: Assist in maintaining project management plans, conduct weekly project reviews, and ensure action items are followed up.
• Subcontractor Coordination: Prepare subconsultant agreements and track insurance certificates and payment statuses.
• Reporting: Prepare reports, charts, and spreadsheets as needed, and assist with the preparation of write-off and variance memos.
• Webinars & Presentations: Set up and manage webinars, as well as presentation software for client meetings.
• General Office Support: Assist with local office support activities and other duties as assigned.

What Makes This Role Different

• Wearer of Many Hats: You are responsible for managing competing priorities and timelines.
• Client Liaison: You act as the connector between internal and external project teams.
• Organizer Extraordinaire: You are responsible for keeping the project on schedule and within budget.

What You Bring

• Relevant experience: Experience in a similar role, preferably in the AEC industry.
• Functional expertise: Familiarity with project management processes and tools.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication and the ability to interact professionally at all levels.
• Work Style: You are able to work independently and as part of a team, collaborating with Project Managers, Finance, and other departments.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project assistance, accounting, contract administration, or executive support within an engineering or professional services firm.
• Areas of Knowledge: Project management tools (e.g., Excel, PlanTrax) is a plus. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, accounting software (BST preferred), MS Project, and Crystal Reports

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work

Salary range for this position is anticipated to be hourly at $30 to $40 per hour, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure, certifications, and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

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Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.