Construction Project Manager Co-Op (2027)

ARCO Companies; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Housing stipend (based on need)

Intern/Co-op insurance

Company lunches and networking events

Job summary

ARCO Design/Build in Charleston, SC seeks a Construction Design/Build Project Manager (DBM) Intern/Co-op to learn the full lifecycle of a project from concept to final delivery.

You will shadow experienced professionals in estimating, scheduling, design meetings, permitting, and field visits, gaining hands-on experience while developing essential construction management skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited civil, mechanical, architectural, construction management, building science, or construction engineering program (undergrad or grad).
• GPA 3.0+ preferred, but not required. Excellent communication and strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Gain exposure to the full lifecycle of a project from concept through delivery.
• Attend design meetings with owner and design team including engineers and architects.
• Shadow DBMs on scheduling, permitting, buyout, and site visits to learn how projects are led.

Skills

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Work ethic

Education

Civil/Mechanical/Architectural/Construction Management undergraduate/graduate

Job description

Charleston, SC, US

About You:

Are you a passionate problem-solver who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment? Do you take pride in doing the right thing and delivering quality work with integrity? Are you excited to learn how construction projects come to life — from the first idea to the final walkthrough?

If you answered “Yes!” —this opportunity was built for you.

At ARCO Design/Build, we’re not just building structures — we’re building the next generation of industry leaders. Join us and discover what it means to be part of one of the nation’s top design/build construction firms.

A Day in the Life:

As a Construction Design/Build Project Manager (DBM) Intern/Co‑op, every day brings a new lesson. You’ll gain exposure to the full lifecycle of a project while working alongside experienced professionals who are invested in your growth.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Concept to Completion Approach– Gain how ARCO manages projects from the initial concept through final delivery.
• Estimating and Takeoffs– Learn to describe project proposals and assign accurate dollar values.
• Scheduling– Assist in creating timelines for subcontractors/trades activities.
• Design Meetings– Attend meetings with the owner and design team, including structural engineers and architects.
• Reporting– Prepare weekly reports, document progress, and track meeting action items.
• Shadowing– Join project calls and site meetings to observe how our Design/Build Managers lead.
• Buyout– Send bid instructions, schedules, and drawings to subcontractors. Evaluate proposals and assist with awarding subcontracts.
• Permitting– Complete and submit permit applications with necessary documents and fees to city/county/fire authorities.
• Shop Drawing & Submittal Review– Receive and route submittals to DBMs and communicate approvals to subcontractors.
• Billing– Learn about subcontracts, change orders, pay requests, and pay applications.
• Job Site Visits– Visit job sites with DBMs to monitor project progress.
• Training & Learning– Attend offsite trainings and biweekly learning sessions provided by the Learning and Development team.
• Business Development– Gain exposure to how we build client relationships and implement industry-wide business development strategies.

No matter where you’re starting from, you’ll leave this experience with valuable industry knowledge and a strong foundation for a future in construction.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Enrolled in an accreditedCivil, Mechanical, Architectural, Construction Management, Building Science, or Construction Engineeringundergraduate or graduate program(other related engineering majors will be considered)
• Excellent verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic
• Previous Co‑op or Intern experience in construction preferred, but not required
• GPA 3.0 or higher preferred, but not required

What We Can Offer You:

We are committed to the well‑being of our associates and proud to be consistently recognized as a Best Place to Work.

• Competitive hourly rate (with overtime possible)
• Housing stipend (based on need)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for Interns/Co‑ops working at least 3 months
• Company‑sponsored lunches, happy hours, and networking events
• Stocked kitchen with a variety of beverages and snacks
• A welcoming, inclusive work culture - each office has an entertainment area
• Four core values that guide every decision:
• Treat people fairly and do the right thing
• Understand our customers' business and solve their problems
• Be positive, upbeat, and have fun
• Create opportunities for individual financial success based on merit

At ARCO, our first core value is to treat people fairly and do the right thing. We are committed to building and sustaining a culture that supports diversity and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

From recruitment and hiring to selecting subcontractors, we understand that diversity strengthens our ability to deliver the best solutions. We hire the best and brightest from across the country—building a team of experts in architecture, design, engineering, project management, and business services.

MAKE YOUR MOVE

We are proud to be one of the fastest‑growing, privately‑owned companies in America, celebrating over 30 years of experience as design‑build experts. We have completed over 7,500 design‑build projects nationwide. We ranked #9 on ENR’s Design-Build Firms list and #34 on ENR's Top 400 Contractors list of 2026. Most importantly, our clients like us, trust us, and want to do business with us. We are looking for people with the same enthusiasm, passion, and respect for the hard work that brought us to where we are today. Are you a person who can make a difference at ARCO? If the answer is “Yes!” we look forward to meeting you.