Construction Project Manager Intern or Co-Op (Summer 2027)

ARCO a Family of Construction Companies; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Medical/dental/vision insurance for co

Professional development

Company-sponsored lunches

Networking events

Fully stocked kitchens

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

ARCO Design/Build is seeking a Construction Design/Build Project Manager (DBM) Intern/Co-op to gain hands‑on experience across the full lifecycle of construction projects. You will work alongside experienced professionals committed to your growth and development in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

You’ll participate in design meetings, take part in bidding and procurement activities, prepare progress reports, and observe job site activities.

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).
• GPA 3.0 or higher preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Gain exposure to the full lifecycle of a project, from concept to delivery.
• Attend design meetings with owners, structural engineers, and architects.
• Prepare weekly reports and track action items.
• Shadow site visits and project calls to observe Design/Build Managers.
• Learn bidding, subcontractor communication, and permit processes.

Education

Civil/Mechanical/Architectural/Construction Management/Building Science or related 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?

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 accredited Civil, Mechanical, Architectural, Construction Management, Building Science, or Construction Engineering undergraduate or graduate program (other related engineering majors will be considered)
• Driver’s License
• 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

Four core values that guide our culture:

• 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

Here’s what you’ll get as part of our internship/co‑op program:

• Competitive hourly pay with overtime opportunities
• Housing stipend available based on need
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for interns working at least 3 months
• Professional development through training and mentorship
• Company-sponsored lunches, happy hours, and networking events
• Fully stocked kitchens with drinks and snacks
• A fun, inclusive work environment

We don’t just invest in projects — we invest in people. From your first day, you’ll be part of a team that values growth, connection, and doing great work.

ARCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members, interns, and co‑ops.

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.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

EOE, including disability/vets