Project Neutral® Associate

PROJECT ASSOCIATE: MAJOR WATER PROJECTSPart-time project associate position supporting a public works infrastructure consulting engagement. This role provides administrative and project management support, working on-site two days per week (16 hours/week) at our offices in Sacramento.Key ResponsibilitiesProject Administration: Maintain scheduling, reporting, and invoicing systems for ongoing engagementSpreadsheet & Data Management: Create and maintain complex Excel-based project tracking tools, budgets, and reports with proper functions, formulas and internal dependenciesDocument Preparation: Prepare professional deliverables including reports, presentations, and client-facing materialsCoordination Support: Support a project manager with task tracking, deadline management, and team coordinationQuality Control: Review materials for accuracy and consistency before client submissionRequired QualificationsTechnical Skills:Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (functions, formulas, data validation, lookups)Strong knowledge of Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Drive)Experience with project management tools and systemsBackground Requirements (per State of California requirements):Eligible for employment under state and federal lawContinuous employment history for past 5 yearsAbility to work on premises without escortProfessional Competencies:Business or technical background preferredStrong attention to detail and organizational skillsAbility to work independently with minimal supervisionProfessional communication skillsCommunication Skills:This role serves as a frequent point of contact with client staff and requires exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities:Client Interface Excellence: Ability to represent the company professionally as one of the first faces clients encounter, maintaining composure and professionalism in all interactionsClarifying Communication: Skilled at asking probing questions to extract clear requirements from clients who may struggle to articulate their needs, translating ambiguous requests into actionable project specificationsActive Listening & Patience: Capacity to listen carefully, remain patient when information is unclear or incomplete, and guide conversations toward productive outcomes without frustrationDiplomatic Problem-Solving: Ability to handle challenging situations where clients question deliverables or express concerns, responding with professionalism and solution-oriented dialogue rather than defensivenessProfessional Composure: Maintains calm, respectful demeanor even when receiving critical feedback or conflicting information, viewing disagreements as opportunities for clarification rather than conflictWritten & Verbal Proficiency: Clear, concise communication in both written deliverables and verbal exchanges, with ability to adapt communication style to different audiences and technical levelsConflict Navigation: Demonstrates emotional intelligence when managing misunderstandings or discrepancies, focusing on resolution and maintaining positive client relationshipsPosition DetailsSchedule: Two days per week, 16 hours/week (approximately 32-48 hours/month)Location: On-site at offices in Downtown Sacramento - work directly alongside Program ManagerCompensation: $40/hour ($1,500-2,000/month depending on hours and rate)Duration: 6-month initial term with potential for multi-year extension based on performanceBenefits: California state-mandated 401(k) accessIdeal CandidateWe're seeking someone who needs flexible part-time work - whether a graduate student, parent managing family responsibilities, someone with another part-time position, or a professional seeking supplemental work. This role offers the opportunity to gain consulting experience while working on significant California infrastructure projects.Equal OpportunityThis position adheres to State of California employment standards, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and respectful workplace. Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.