Construction Project Manager Co-Op (2027)

ARCO Design/Build; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Medical insurance

Company lunches

Stocked kitchen

ESOP

Job summary

ARCO Design/Build is offering a Construction Design/Build Project Manager (DBM) Intern/Co‑op position. You will gain exposure to the full lifecycle of a project, from concept to final delivery, while working with experienced professionals dedicated to your growth.

You’ll participate in estimating, scheduling, design meetings, reporting, and shop drawing reviews. This internship emphasizes learning, mentorship, and potential path toward full-time opportunities within ARCO’s nationwide platform.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited Civil, Mechanical, Architectural, Construction Management, Building Science, or Construction Engineering undergraduate or graduate program.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Gain exposure to the full lifecycle of a project from concept to delivery.
• Learn to describe project proposals and assign accurate dollar values.
• Assist in creating timelines for subcontractors/trades activities.
• Attend design meetings with owner and design team including engineers and architects.
• Prepare weekly reports, document progress, and track action items.
• Shadow project calls and site meetings to observe leadership.
• Send bid instructions, schedules, and drawings to subcontractors and assist with awarding subcontracts.
• Complete and submit permit applications with required documents and fees.
• Receive and route submittals to DBMs and communicate approvals to subcontractors.
• Learn about subcontracts, change orders, pay requests, and pay applications.
• Visit job sites with DBMs to monitor progress.
• Attend offsite trainings and biweekly learning sessions.
• Gain exposure to business development strategies and client relationships.

Skills

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Strong work ethic

Education

Civil/Mechanical/Architectural/Construction Management/Building Science/Construction Engineering program

Job description

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.

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

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 accredited Civil, Mechanical, Architectural, Construction Management, Building Science, or Construction Engineering undergraduate 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

MAKE YOUR MOVE

With 38 offices nationwide, ARCO Design/Build is one of the fastest‑growing construction firms in the country — and we’re just getting started. Ranked #3 on ENR’s Top 100 Design‑Build Firms, we specialize in delivering high‑quality industrial and commercial projects through a fully integrated approach.

We’re proud to be 100% associate‑owned, offering every full‑time team member a stake in our success through our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).

Whether you're looking to gain experience, find mentorship, or launch your career, you’ll find more than just an internship here — you’ll find opportunity, impact, and a team that values your growth. From day one, the opportunity for success at ARCO is limitless.

ARCO does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third‑party recruiting agencies without pre‑approval from our Human Resources team. ARCO will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes or candidates sent directly to our hiring managers.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

EOE, including disability/vets