Assistant Project Manager - Dewatering

Introduction & Key Role Objectives

WJ Groundwater is the leading construction dewatering and groundwater specialist in the UK with operations in Canada, the Middle East, Poland & the Philippines. We have specialized plant and equipment that allows us to install custom dewatering systems in various environments including from within tunnels and shafts and from the surface.

WJ Groundwater strives to exceed client expectations for dewatering system performance by delivering projects safely, on time and within budget. The Assistant Project Manager plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal, with a focus on project documentation, safety compliance, scheduling and budget control. This role is also responsible for coordinating on-site activities and liaising with clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure projects are executed efficiently, operate safely and meet the highest standards of quality.

We are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our employees. We provide extensive internal and external training programs, continuous learning opportunities, and clear career advancement paths to help our team members achieve their full potential. By promoting a supportive and dynamic environment, we ensure our employees thrive and contribute to our company's ongoing success and innovation.

Reports to Dewatering Division Manager

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Prepare project schedules, method statements, layout drawings, cross-sections, and work procedures for dewatering system installations.
• Conduct site visits to assess conditions and identify factors affecting dewatering, drilling, and installation works.
• Participate in pre-project meetings with clients, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Review project contracts and support delivery of contractual obligations under the direction of the Division Manager.
• Supervise site activities and coordinate with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal field teams.
• Act as the main on-site point of contact, ensuring dewatering systems are installed, maintained, and operating as designed.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and operational records, including submission of monthly payment applications and support of the A/R process.
• Take responsibility for own health and safety and that of reporting and site staff.
• Conduct HSE site inspections, assist in preparing Safe Work Procedures and Risk Assessments, and ensure compliance with company HSE policies and regulations.
• Audit site staff to ensure safe working practices are consistently followed.
• Manage the delivery of projects that meet high standards for safety, quality, schedule and financial performance.
• Consistently deliver on each project to achieve top-tier industry benchmarks for quality, overall project delivery and project financials.
• Oversee multiple projects as required.

The above is not exhaustive and you will be expected to undertake any other duties that may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and competence.

Qualifications & Experience

• A motivated and hardworking individual with good written and communication skills is essential
  
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, Environmental) or a related field
• Minimum 2 years’ experience within the construction industry managing projects and site staff in a similar environment.
• Strong leadership, team management, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proven project management and organizational abilities, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Technical knowledge of water management, hydrogeology, engineering geology and/or civil engineering, with experience in geotechnical activities, water well drilling, development, rehabilitation and dewatering across varied ground and groundwater conditions.
• Experience in contract administration, client relations, construction field supervision and construction industry contracts and claims.
• Ability to interpret, analyze and modify technical drawings and plans.
• Resourcefulness, initiative and the ability to work independently, plan and prioritize workloads, and lead site teams in challenging site conditions.
• Strong commercial awareness and proficiency in Microsoft and Autodesk software suites.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills in English, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to multidisciplinary teams. French language skills are an asset.

Working Conditions

This role is primarily based at our head office in Toronto but requires site visits for client meetings, site inspections, inductions, and project briefings, with occasional full-day work on client worksites. The role involves installing dewatering systems in various environments, including both outdoor and indoor settings, such as tunnels, adits, and shafts, which are classified as low to medium risk confined spaces. Comfort with working in all weather conditions, on heavy industrial construction sites, and within confined spaces is essential.

Standard working hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility needed. Occasional flexibility in working hours may be required.

Accessibility & Accommodation

WJ Groundwater is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.

This is an existing position and all applications are reviewed by our hiring team. AI is not used in the screening or selection process.