Pre-Construction Project Lead

Job title: Pre-Construction Project Lead

Pre-Construction Project Lead

Construction Project Manager / Safety Advisor

Location: Northern Virginia | On-Site

Schedule: Full-Time, 40+ hours/week with occasional overtime and weekend work

Pay Rate Range: $75-$90/hr* based on qualifications and experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Project Lead to support a large-scale data center development project in Northern Virginia. This is a highly visible, field-based role combining construction project management, environmental compliance, and construction safety oversight.

The Project Lead will oversee day-to-day field activities associated with early works and site development, including the relocation of an existing groundwater treatment facility and related infrastructure. This individual will work closely with general contractors, environmental consultants, design teams, regulatory stakeholders, and project leadership to ensure work is completed safely, compliantly, and according to schedule.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with complex capital construction projects, civil/site work, environmental compliance, and EHS/safety management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day on-site construction management and project oversight.

• Monitor project scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and critical milestones.

• Coordinate activities between general contractors, environmental consultants, vendors, design teams, and other project stakeholders.

• Confirm construction details, permitting requirements, and project requirements are understood and followed.

• Coordinate sequencing between trades and monitor material approvals, fabrication, and site deliveries.

• Track project progress and identify potential schedule, safety, or execution risks.

• Serve as a key on-site point of contact for project delivery.

• Monitor contractor implementation of Site-Specific Safety Plans and applicable EHS requirements.

• Conduct field safety observations and independent EHS/high-risk activity audits.

• Participate in construction planning, coordination, safety, and High-Risk Activity meetings.

• Review safe work plans, lifting plans, and other required construction safety documentation.

• Monitor high-risk activities including excavation, heavy equipment, vehicle traffic, lifting and rigging, electrical work, material handling, and working at heights.

• Support incident and near-miss reviews, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Collaborate with project stakeholders to promote a strong and proactive safety culture.

• Support environmental and regulatory compliance activities throughout project execution.

• Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

• 5+ years of progressive experience supporting complex capital construction projects or programs.

• 5+ years of construction and environmental compliance experience in the United States.

• Strong construction Health & Safety / EHS experience.

• OSHA 30 certification required at time of start

• Working knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, and field operations.

• Experience coordinating across multiple construction disciplines, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to effectively manage priorities in a fast-paced, field-based construction environment.

• Ability to stand and walk active construction sites for extended periods.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

• Ability to work on-site at least 40 hours per week, with flexibility for overtime and occasional weekend work.

• Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification.

• Experience with civil construction, site development, earthwork, utilities, groundwater remediation, or environmental construction.

• Experience working on projects with significant environmental or regulatory compliance requirements.

• Experience managing or monitoring High-Risk Activities (HRA).

• Strong understanding of construction safety programs, audits, incident prevention, and corrective actions.

• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex field challenges and keep projects moving toward critical milestones.

• Technical Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including:

• Excel

• Project

• PowerPoint

• Word

• Outlook

• Ideal Candidate

• The ideal candidate is a hands-on construction professional who is comfortable spending significant time in the field and can operate across project management, civil/site construction, environmental compliance, and EHS.

• This role is especially well suited for someone with experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, data center, industrial, environmental remediation, utility, or heavy civil construction projects.

• EEO Employer

• The company is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable law.

Benefits

• Overview: Offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. A 401K program with company match after a period of tenure is offered. A Health Savings Account option, an Employee Assistance Program with counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars after a period of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations. A dedicated customer service team can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. A full list of benefits, programs, support teams and resources can be provided.

• This section includes a standard equal opportunity statement. The employer will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

• If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act