Construction Intern Summer 2027 Des Moines

Turner Construction; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Turner Construction is seeking a construction intern/Co-Op to work on an active project site in West Des Moines, IA. You will assist with day-to-day activities, support the project team, and gain knowledge in construction management, safety protocols, and subcontractor coordination.

The position is on-site only, seasonal, and designed to provide practical experience and educational credit where applicable. Ideal for students pursuing Engineering, Construction Management, or related fields.

Qualifications

• Enrolled and actively pursuing a college/university degree, or in a Co-op program.
• Minimum 1 year completed education or equivalent.
• Interest in construction management and related fields.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day supervised activities on active construction projects.
• Support project team with meeting coordination, material tracking, and document control.
• Prepare progress reports and learn project lifecycle processes.

Skills

Meeting coordination

Documentation control

Learning mindset

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Education

Enrolled in college/university program

Co-op program participation

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Division: Des Moines Main Project Location(s): West Des Moines, IA 50266 USA Minimum Years Experience:Travel Involved:Job Type: Seasonal Job Classification: Intern Education:Job Family: Construction Compensation: Intern Non-Exempt

If you picture yourself doing great things that make a difference in the lives of others, Turner is the place to be. Turner Construction is an industry leading commercial construction general contractor with a 120-year history spanning iconic projects around the globe, including 10 of the world's 100 tallest buildings.

Turner's rich Iowa history began with the construction of the iconic Hazen Water Tower in 1930 located at 48th and Hickman in Des Moines and continues today as Iowa's leading General Contractor. Turner's Des Moines office portfolio includes everything from healthcare, higher education, aviation, municipalities, commercial, sports, critical facilities, office buildings, and renovations.

Turner is committed to sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone feels connected, sees themselves represented at all levels of the company, and feels supported to reach their ultimate potential. Turner builds some of the most ambitious projects in the world. The technical expertise of our people makes us a recognized leader in many markets. Our projects are well known. Our people set us apart. We inspire greatness. Can you picture yourself at Turner?

This is not a remote/hybrid position and will be based in a Turner office or project location.

Position Description: Assist in day-to-day supervised activities related to the development of a construction project to build foundational knowledge in construction management, business and project financial management, project safety protocols, subcontractor relationships, quality control, and project coordination and lifecycle. Where applicable, your assignment will support learning that applies to earning educational credits.

Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities: Depending on business need and location, the Intern/Co-Op will be supervised and assigned to work at an active construction project site, in a department located at a main office working in one of our many construction specialties.

• Support project team with meeting coordination, material tracking, file management, document control, and progress reporting.
• Comprehend and follow project site signage and supervisor instructions as directed.
• Provide progress reports to supervisor and be receptive to learning about construction management.
• Relate and apply knowledge acquired in the academic setting to work activities.
• Maintain professional relationships with employees, customers, clients, and subcontractors.
• Participate in training, meetings, and orientation.
• Comply with safety protocols, follow safety expectations, and wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).
• Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned. Based on the assignment, the following activities may be performed (longer-term assignments may gain more in-depth experience and exposure):
  • Assist with project start-up activities and provide support to Project Engineer, Project Superintendent, and/or Project Manager.
  • Assist with collection and review of information and approvals for processing shop drawings, submittals, and Requests for Information (RFIs).
  • Assist with preparation and distribution of information for contract requirements to appropriate parties.
  • Assist with preparation of estimates for changes in work from subcontractors.
  • Attend project site visits to observe and document construction field activities.
  • Assist with preparation of and conduct correspondence and communication as directed to Architects, Engineers, vendors, and subcontractors in connection with performing their assigned trades.
  • Assist with communication to Trades and subcontractors to understand and track job schedules.
  • Assist with monitoring contractor compliance with Turner's safety program, as directed.
  • Assist with preparation of quantity take-offs and studies for project items using either traditional or computer-aided programs, learning and discussing details necessary to complete project.
  • Request and distribute subcontractor proposals relative to their scope of work to assemble proposals for delivery system.
  • Assist with project close out preparations.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled and actively pursuing college or university accredited degree program or enrolled in a Co-op program, recommended majors include and not limited to Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or other related field of study, and at minimum 1 year of completed education, and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Must be 18 years of age, to work at a construction project site
• Desire to work in construction management and to learn about construction industry
• Commitment to work standard business hours and overtime as determined by assignment
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills including student leadership, volunteerism, or other community involvement
• Professional and clear verbal and written communication skills, in English language required
• Ability to read and comprehend written information
• Assume personal and professional accountability for own actions and activities
• Proactive, curious, and eager to learn and participate
• Able to work independently, with direction and supervision, and in team environment
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to be mobile. Performance of the required duties may require physical ability to climb permanent and temporary stairs, passenger use of construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders, and negotiate work areas under construction. The employee frequently views a computer monitor and frequently uses a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally travel both short and long distances via a variety of conveyances and may perform work at on-site construction work sites and/or office locations. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly work in an office setting. The noise in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally work at construction work site where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is required to work in compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

Turner is an Equal Opportunity Employer - race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.