Construction apprentice Jobs in Oakland, CA

As a Preconstruction Manager within Global Engineering Services (GES) North America Design & Construction, you are Amazon's owner's representative during the preconstruction phase — responsible for independently managing difficult, cross-functional industrial building projects from site selection through design completion, permitting, and contract execution across your assigned region. Preconstruction services refers to the planning of a construction project before actual construction begins.

You will partner with internal and external stakeholders to ensure scope, budget, and schedule definition are established, including timely receipt of building and site permits. You are responsible as the project manager to lead planning, design, and preconstruction projects — including new built-to-suit industrial buildings, tenant improvements, extensions of existing facilities, and renovation projects — supporting Amazon's logistics network infrastructure.

You work independently within your assigned region, using your knowledge of construction and project management concepts to decide which actions to take to complete projects, and seeking guidance as needed on strategic components. You are tactical with some strategic components, utilizing well-defined processes and best practices to facilitate delivery of high-quality results. You make trade-offs between time, quality, and resources to keep projects on track.

Key competencies of this position include ensuring that contracted resources deliver work product in support of project durations, permitting,and quality documentation; managing project teams (developers, design engineers, professional consultants); influencing internal teams (Design Engineering, entittlment); contract management governance; conceptual estimating and budget oversight; and managing multiple large industrial projects in various locations simultaneously. Translating technical documents and information into clear, concise narratives with detailed risk analysis for leaders and customers is essential.

This opportunity combines construction engineering, planning, project management, real estate development, design validation, site visits, understanding of local building and fire code issues, utilities, sustainability, multi-disciplinary design management, and contract management. The Preconstruction Manager is responsible for the planning and design of scope, budget, and schedule prior to handing off to the Construction Manager — focusing on taking ownership to resolve upstream issues and supporting the construction team throughout the process.

This role requires approximately 60% regional travel within North America, with potential travel to all North America locations based on business needs.

Key job responsibilities
Interface and coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure regulatory compliance, smooth permitting execution, and timely approvals

Review noise, traffic, and environmental studies; understand zoning, planning, fire code, and building code requirements for assigned projects

Independently manage difficult, cross-functional industrial preconstruction projects from site selection through design completion, permitting, and contract execution

Lead site selection and validation, scope development, and design management — coordinating with design teams to develop site plans and composite floor plans in compliance with Amazon's design standards and operational requirements

Manage multiple concurrent large industrial projects across various locations simultaneously

Keep scope under control and accelerate progress by driving crisp, timely decisions, identifying and clearing blockers, and escalating appropriately

Identify and resolve upstream issues proactively to support a clean handoff to the Construction Manager; remain a key support resource for the construction team throughout the project lifecycle

Assess project performance through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for safety, quality, cost, schedule, and sustainability

Minimize disruptions and proactively mitigate risks; plan ahead to prevent problems before they happen

Develop and manage project budgets and costs; own comprehensive schedule management and cashflow forecasting across assigned preconstruction projects

Perform conceptual estimating and pricing reviews for scope inclusions and exclusions; negotiate the cost of work with developers, general contractors, and design consultants

Contribute to the selection of external vendor partners and manage vendor procurement; oversee professional service providers to ensure their skills and competencies meet project requirements

Review and analyze design and construction contracts, related exhibits, and lease agreements; provide detailed analysis of technical matters and site-specific deal structures and terms

Partner with the Transaction team and developers to optimize schedule and strategy for entitlements and long-lead procurement

Identify and solve factors that may impede a successful permitted project handover to Amazon stakeholders; make trade-offs between time, quality, and resources

A day in the life
Each day, you represent GES NA Design & Construction as Amazon's owner during the preconstruction phase — navigating uncertainty, proactively unblocking project barriers, and influencing the best project decisions. You are tactical with some strategic components, working independently and interacting with leadership to resolve issues. Your day may include:

· Coordinating with architects, engineers, and design consultants on design document development, scope changes, and project status

· Reviewing site plans, composite floor plans, and design documents for compliance with Amazon's standards and operational requirements

· Negotiating contract terms with developers, contractors, and consultants while driving adherence to schedules and budgets

· Coordinating with AHJ on permitting status, zoning, fire code, and building code requirements

· Preparing and presenting project status and risk reports for leadership

· Partnering with Real Estate and Transaction teams on entitlement strategy and long-lead procurement

· Providing estimating support, interpreting drawings, contributing to budgets, and reviewing lease exhibits

· Updating Amazon's project management systems with current budget, schedule, and status information

· Supporting the Construction Manager on active construction projects with preconstruction expertise

About the team
At Amazon, the GES North America Design & Construction team is a diverse group of engineers, construction managers, and preconstruction professionals who deliver the physical infrastructure behind Amazon's logistics network. We are employee owners who take pride in delivering high-quality, innovative facilities — on time and on budget — for our internal customers and the communities we serve. We are committed to being Earth's best employer and to building a more sustainable future through every project we deliver.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management or an equivalent engineering science
- Experience as an Architect, Engineer, Construction Manager, Development Manager, Owner's project management representative or in other Commercial Development and Construction related disciplines
- 5+ years of project management (including scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk and critical path management) experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Advanced degree or certification in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or Business Administration
- Experience operating across at least two disciplines within the construction industry (e.g., General Contracting, Owner's Representation, Commercial Development, Engineering & Design, or Owner's Project Management)
- Demonstrated capability in planning, design review, implementation, and project management/control of new structures and enhancement of existing facilities
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary design incorporating industrial automation, robotics, or similar
- Strong influencing and negotiating skills.
- Demonstrated success communicating project requirements to diverse audiences (e.g., senior management, peers, fire marshals, utility providers, public officials, vendors)
- Knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- CMIT/CMAA or PMP certification or equivalent

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers.