Construction Management Co-Op: Field & Office Experience

Albert M. Higley Co.; Erie (Erie County); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Colonial Group is seeking an Operations Co-Op for Summer 2027 in Erie, PA. The role introduces college students to both office and field experiences within the commercial construction sector, exposing them to management, project managers, field crews, clients, and related trades to understand how a project idea becomes a construction reality.

The Co-Op may be assigned to an active project site or a specialized department in Erie, PA, providing hands-on learning and professional growth during the

Qualifications

• Pursuing a college degree in civil engineering, construction management or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for business interactions.
• Willingness to learn and apply construction software as part of daily tasks.

Responsibilities

• Learn and interpret project drawings and specs to gather essential information.
• Document site progress through photos and daily reports.
• Support submittal processes and maintain RFI logs.
• Assist in preparing weekly meeting minutes for project teams.
• Contribute to safety meetings, toolbox talks, and site walkthroughs.
• Support project controls through data entry and documentation.
• Collaborate with PMs and Superintendents to track project activities.

Skills

Public speaking

Business writing

Team leadership

Education

Pursuing civil engineering or construction management degree

Tools

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

PlanGrid

Jonas Premier

HammerTech

Oracle P6

Onscreen-Takeoff

Job description

Position Overview:

The Operations Co-Op is designed to introduce college students to office and field experiences in the commercial construction profession. The Co-Op rotation exposes the student to a wide array of professional interactions among management, project managers, field workers, consulting professionals, clients, and related trades, exploring the role of each within a project. The Co-Op will work under corporate managers, project managers, or field superintendents on a variety of construction tasks.Ultimately, this program intends to enhance the Co-Op’s individual abilities by gaining on-site knowledge of how a project idea becomes a construction reality.

The Co-Op will either be assigned to an active construction project site and/or a construction specialized department located Erie, Pennsylvania for the Summer of 2027.

Responsibilities:

• Learn and understand project design drawings and specifications to accurately interpret and gather necessary information.
• Capture and document project site photographs to record construction progress and existing conditions before starting work in new areas.
• Acquire knowledge of the submittal process for obtaining approval of building materials.
• Prepare and effectively maintain a submittal log.
• Assist the Superintendent and Project Manager in preparing and processing along with maintaining Request for Information (RFI) logs for tracking purposes.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager and Superintendent to prepare weekly meeting minutes for subcontractor and Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings.
• Prepare daily reports summarizing project activities.
• Attend safety meetings, walkthroughs, and weekly toolbox talks.
• Review weekly safety audits with the Superintendent to ensure compliance and address any issues.
• Participate in quality meetings and quality walkthroughs to ensure project standards are met.
• Adhere strictly to safety procedures, includes personal protection apparel and equipment.
• Software’s Utilized: Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, Flashtract, Plangrid, Microsoft SharePoint, Jonas Premier, HammerTech (Safety/Quality), Oracle P6 (Project Controls), Onscreen-Takeoff (Preconstruction).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Abilities:

• Strong competency in business writing and public presentation skills, with a drive to become a compelling presenter, motivator, and team leader.
• Demonstrates exceptional personal work habits and a forward-thinking approach.
• Proficient in, or eager to learn, various construction software applications.
• Exhibits proactive, curious, and innovative thinking, with a strong desire to learn and contribute.
• Ability to work independently, with direction and supervision, and in a team environment.
• Excellent mathematical, problem-solving, and relationship management skills.
• Skilled in assessing and solving problems with a strategic mindset.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled and actively pursuing a college or university accredited degree program in civil engineering, construction management, or a related architectural/engineering field.
• Desire to work in construction management and to learn about the construction industry.