January 4, 2024 A Day in the Life: Project Manager, Alex Doss
Alex Doss’ enthusiasm for his job and team has brought him from field engineer to project manager in under two years. He now executes his passion for teamwork and leadership as a PM for L.E. Myers, where he’s worked since 2019. Playing a crucial role in the estimation and management of civil, substation, and transmission line projects, he utilizes adaptability and problem-solving skills to meet daily adversity and help support his team.
We heard from Alex about his favorite aspects of his position, how he balances leading and supporting others, what he believes it takes to be a successful project manager, and more. Read on to learn from Alex’s insight into the world of project management.
Q: Describe your career and what brought you to the position you’re currently in at MYR Group.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in construction management, I started my career as a field engineer for a utility contractor. As a young and hungry graduate, I worked hard to learn everything I could about utility work. I spent two years working for the contractor and was quickly promoted to Project Manager. In 2019, an opportunity at MYR was presented to me and I accepted. For the last 4 years, I have worked for L.E. Myers and MYR Group estimating and managing Civil, Substation and Transmission line projects.
Q: What is a Project Manager, and why is it important to your department?
My primary responsibilities are overseeing the estimating and management of all projects that come through my team. This includes reviewing bids, supporting, and managing estimators, and managing material and equipment vendors and subcontractors. I am also responsible for managing all project costs and schedules.
A project manager is important for our department because this position is responsible for not only ensuring the district estimates are accurate, but also managing and executing all project costs and performance. This is critical in achieving the financial goals for the district.
Q: What does a typical day on the job look like for you?
My typical day is spent working with my team. I oversee and support my estimator and I am also in constant contact with the field working through day-to-day issues that arise on the job. When I am not helping others, I try to spend my time planning out my projects to effectively stay on schedule and budget.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
I really enjoy coming to work every day and working with a talented team. Our District’s work environment and culture are great and promote cohesive and support-based teamwork. MYR Group is such a diverse company, and our endless capabilities bring a new set of challenges to me each day. I enjoy the challenge of problem-solving and using my skill set to overcome the daily adversity that my job presents.
Q: How is a Project Manager essential to the day-to-day operations of the company?
Project managers are essential to the day-to-day operations of the company because our business relies on people to execute and manage the cost, schedule, and scope of various projects. A project manager brings planning, vision, and foresight to the team and helps provide critical insight to the project team to help guide a project in the right direction. The position requires project managers to demonstrate a strong attention to detail, vision, forethought, planning, discipline, effective communication, and strong interpersonal skills.
Q: What makes our company’s culture special?
MYR group’s culture focuses on investing in employees both professionally and personally. This type of culture is what makes our company strong and steadfast. Our company’s culture and core values foster an environment for people to work safely and effectively.
Q: What are some things you love about your team and work environment?
What I love most about my team and work environment is our ability to work together with respect and integrity. We have a diverse group of people that all bring essential skills to our team. This creates a well-rounded operation that is enjoyable to be a part of and help facilitate.