Design-Build Co-op (Summer 2027)

Merus; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Merus is offering a co-op opportunity in Nashville focused on construction management and coordination. You will work with project teams—managers, superintendents, architects, and other design professionals—to assist in coordinating design and construction activities.

You will read drawings, assist in schedules and scopes, perform quantity take-offs, and help generate invoices and progress reports while ensuring clear communication with subcontractors and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Prior experience in Microsoft Project, BlueBeam, Procore, and Timberline is an added bonus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordination of the design and construction of projects with project team members.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, documents, and requests for proposals.
• Aid in creating project schedules and scopes of work; facilitate subcontract buy-out.
• Perform quantity take-offs for estimates/proposals.
• Communicate and coordinate drawings and schedule expectations with subcontractors.
• Maintain updated drawings and log submittals and shop drawings.
• Attend meetings and record minutes; assist in project planning.
• Prepare monthly invoices and change-orders as needed.
• Generate weekly progress reports for owner review.

Skills

Ownership of tasks

Effective communication

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Project

BlueBeam

Procore

Timberline

Job description

Merus brings more than 130 years of commercial real estate experience to the construction, development, ownership, and management of a diverse portfolio of assets across a growing footprint in the eastern U.S.

We’re all owners here. That shared ownership shapes how we work, make decisions, and support one another. Every team member is expected to take responsibility, follow through, and contribute to the success of our projects, partners, and company.

We were named a Deloitte U.S. Best Managed Company, recognizing how private companies are run across strategy, execution, culture, and financial discipline. That same standard shows up in how teams are supported, decisions are made, and the business continues to scale.

As a co‑op at Merus, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the classroom through your teachings and coursework and apply it directly in a work environment. By the end of semester, with the hands‑on experience you’ve acquired, you’ll be able to take those new learnings and harness them back into the classroom. Co‑ops work directly along with the business units to help deliver and execute work results that our organization, clients, investors and fellow colleagues can be proud of.

Essential Job Functions

• Work hand-in-hand with project team, including Project Managers, Superintendents, Architects and other Design Professionals to assist in coordination of the design and construction of our projects
• Read and interpret construction drawings, documents, and requests for proposal(s)
• Aid in creating project schedule(s)
• Create scopes of work, and bid packages for current projects in effort to facilitate in buy‑out of required subcontracts
• Perform quantity take-off of material/items on drawings for use in generating estimates/proposals
• Responsible to communicate and coordinate drawings and schedule expectations directly with subcontractors
• Administer updated drawings, and record drawing log, submittals, and shop drawings
• Generate contracts, and prepare monthly invoices, issue subcontractor/owner change‑orders
• Attend meetings with Superintendent/Project Manager and record meeting minutes, and participate in project planning
• Opportunities present themselves for daily on‑site reporting and recording of site operations/progress
• Formulate weekly progress reports on projects, for owner review
• Vehicle access/means required to deliver miscellaneous packages, including permits, submittals, and items of the like

Position Requirements

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering from an accredited College or University
• Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Prior experience in Microsoft Project, BlueBeam, Procore, and Timberline software is an added bonus

What traits are we looking for in our co‑ops? Students who are:

• Eager to apply knowledge and teachings learned in the classroom and employ it to a working environment
• Able to maintain ownership on various tasks and responsibilities
• Enthusiastic to dig the details
• Capable of cultivating positive working relationships through trust and integrity
• Able to uphold and provide superior service to both teammates and customers
• Resilient work ethic, but with an ability to stop and celebrate the wins
• Effective communicators and listeners
• Capable of prioritizing tasks and responsibilities to successfully deliver results in a timely manner
• Able to operate and flourish in a fast‑paced environment

Safety Hazard of the Job

Normal safety hazards associated with office work, and with occasional observational visits to construction sites.

Physical Demands

The moderate physical effort required to sit, bend, stoop, lift, walk and climb. Maximum unassisted lift is 70 lbs. Average lift is less than 10 lbs. Requires ability to use a keyboard and monitor. Also requires the ability to communicate verbally, both in person and on the telephone. May require some travel by car/truck.

Moderate to extreme outdoor conditions. Above average noise levels. Protective equipment is required. Average inside office environment. Average office noise levels.

No personal protective equipment is required. Ambient temperature is between 68F and 76F.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required. This job description is not a contract or offer for employment, and either you or Merus may terminate employment at any time for any reason.