Research Virtual Assistant

We are looking for a detail-oriented and resourceful Research Virtual Assistant to join our team. This role will be responsible for gathering and maintaining subcontractor data from permit records, municipal websites, and other sources, focusing exclusively on commercial construction projects. The researcher will play a key role in supporting our preconstruction efforts by building a reliable subcontractor database, tracking competitors, and conducting permit research across various markets, beginning in Texas.

When MEC expands into new markets, the VA will quickly research permit data to extract information on subcontractors to support the preconstruction team. Additionally, they will track competitors' subcontractors and conduct targeted permit research, verifying data accuracy while ensuring only commercial projects are included. Commercial projects shall include “ground up” renovations, Tenant Improvements (TI), and buildouts.

Knowledge or Skills Needed

Critical Thinking & Resourcefulness (Non-Negotiable)

• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.
• Resourcefulness in finding subcontractor data through multiple research methods.
• Ability to work independently while ensuring research aligns with company objectives.
• Fast learner and adaptable, able to quickly adjust research strategies as needed.
• Proactive mindset, taking initiative in optimizing research processes and improving database accuracy.

Subcontractor Research & Data Management

• Ability to research and extract subcontractor details from permit records, municipal websites, and industry sources.
• Experience compiling and maintaining databases in spreadsheets.
• Strong attention to detail to verify and filter relevant commercial project data.

Market Research & Competitor Tracking

• Ability to identify subcontractors used by competitors and maintain an updated reference list.
• Knowledge of commercial construction trends and key players in different regions.
• Skilled in analyzing and prioritizing expansion market research.

Permit Data Extraction & Verification

• Familiarity with searching for and requesting permit information from municipal offices.
• Ability to verify and cross-check permit data for accuracy and relevance.
• Proficient in using email and phone inquiries to gather additional permit details when needed.

Communication & Organization

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for contacting municipal offices and compiling reports.
• Ability to manage and categorize subcontractor data systematically.
• Efficient in handling multiple research requests while ensuring timely updates to the database.

Subcontractor Database Management

• Research and compile subcontractor details (company names, contact information, qualifier and license number, etc.) from permit records, municipal websites, and other sources.
• Extract key data such as permit numbers, contractor names, project names, and subcontractor details.
• Maintain and update an organized subcontractor database in a spreadsheet, categorized by geographic region.
• When MEC receives a client request for a project in a new market (e.g., Georgia), conduct targeted research to identify subcontractors in that area to support the bidding process.
• Focus exclusively on commercial construction projects—no residential subcontractors.

Competitor Analysis

• Identify and track subcontractors used by competitors.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of competitor subcontractors for reference.

Research & Data Mining

• Prioritize searches based on expansion markets, starting with Dallas-Fort Worth.
• Conduct targeted research based on client requests, particularly when bidding in new locations and for specific brands.
• Extract permit data from municipal websites or contact municipal offices via email or phone to obtain the data if necessary.
• Request and verify permit information to ensure relevance, filter out residential projects and focus solely on commercial construction.