Post Frame Construction Summer Internship

Summit Contracting; Platte (SD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Summit Contracting is seeking a Post Frame Construction Carpenter Intern to gain hands-on experience by working alongside seasoned carpenters and the construction team. You will learn skills, techniques, and processes involved in building high-quality agricultural structures.

This learning-focused internship involves assisting with site prep, material handling, and tool use while developing practical carpentry and industry experience in a supportive team setting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in high school or a technical program is preferred.
• Interest in construction, agriculture, carpentry, or related field encouraged.
• Previous construction experience is helpful but not required.
• No prior certifications or industry experience required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing construction sites, materials, and tools.
• Help load, unload, and organize construction materials, tools, and equipment.
• Learn post-frame construction techniques by working with experienced carpenters.
• Use hand and power tools under supervision.
• Read and interpret construction plans and blueprints.
• Learn construction methods, equipment operation, and safety practices.
• Assist with assembling and installing structural components of post-frame buildings.
• Keep the job site clean, organized, and safe.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and take direction.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Positive attitude

Team player

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Weather adaptability

Interest in construction

Travel to job sites

Work at heights

Education

High school or equivalent enrolled

Interest in construction/carpentry

No prior certifications required

Job description

Post Frame Construction Carpenter Intern

Summit Contracting is the premier builder of agricultural structures in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. Everything we build, we build with excellence and pride. We want to show the world that no one builds better than Summit.

At Summit Contracting, our core values are integral to who we are. That's why we look for individuals who share our principles and want to be part of our professional family.

Job Summary

A Post Frame Construction Carpenter Intern will gain hands-on experience in the post-frame construction industry by working alongside experienced carpenters and construction team members. This position provides an opportunity to learn the skills, techniques, and processes involved in building high-quality agricultural structures.

The intern will assist with various construction tasks, job site preparation, material handling, and the use of tools and equipment while developing practical skills and gaining valuable industry experience. This is a learning-focused position designed to introduce individuals to the construction trade and provide exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of a Post Frame Construction Carpenter.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with preparing construction sites, materials, and tools.
• Help load, unload, and organize construction materials, tools, and equipment.
• Work alongside experienced carpenters to learn post-frame construction techniques and processes.
• Assist with the use of various hand and power tools under appropriate supervision.
• Gain experience reading and interpreting construction plans and blueprints.
• Learn proper construction methods, equipment operation, and job site safety practices.
• Assist with assembling and installing structural components of post-frame buildings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn, ask questions, and take direction.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Ability to understand directions and follow instructions.
• Works well as part of a team.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and elements.
• Interest in construction, carpentry, or the skilled trades preferred.
• Ability to travel to job sites as needed.
• Ability to work at heights when properly trained and authorized.

Education/Experience:

• Currently enrolled in high school, vocational school, technical college, or a college/university program preferred.
• Interest in construction, agriculture, carpentry, or a related field preferred.
• Previous construction experience is helpful but not required.
• No prior certifications or industry experience required.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and elements.
• Must have manual dexterity, a good sense of balance, and excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Must be able to wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and any other required safety equipment.
• Must be able to perform physical tasks associated with construction site activities.
• Ability to work at heights of up to 30’

What You'll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in the post-frame construction industry.
• Opportunity to learn directly from experienced carpenters.
• Exposure to real-world construction projects and job site operations.
• Development of practical carpentry and construction skills.
• Experience using construction tools, equipment, and materials.
• Knowledge of construction safety practices and procedures.
• Opportunity to explore a future career in the construction industry.

Our Core Values:

Do It Right. Do It Safe.

Safety isn't a checklist— it's the standard. No shortcuts. We speak up, pay attention, and understand the risks around us. Safety isn't someone else's job— it's on each of us. Nothing we build matters more than the people building it. At the end of the day, we all go home the same way we showed up.

We've Got Each Other's Backs

First and foremost, we are a team. That means when someone is having a hard time, we step up and help each other out, whether it's part of our day-to-day job or not. We've got each other's backs. No questions asked.

Own Up

No one is perfect. We get that. If you make a mistake, own up to it, help to fix it, learn from it, and move on.

It's Not Always Sunny

Ag construction is a vital part of our rural economy, but it's hard work. Whether it's 75 and sunny or 15 and snowy, we work in the elements, day in and day out. Because of that, positive attitudes are a must. We're all in this together in every situation to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

No Jerks Allowed

It doesn't matter if we're talking to a customer or a colleague, treating each other with respect, having a good attitude, and taking responsibility for our work is of the utmost importance. Whatever job we're on, we give 100% at all times, doing everything to the very best of our ability. We take pride in what we do, and how we treat one another is no exception.

Go to www.buildsummit.com to check out more information on our careers page!

EOE Statement:

Summit Contracting is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

FEDERAL LAW OBLIGATES US TO PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION TO THE KNOWN DISABILITIES OF APPLICANTS AND EMPLOYEES, UNLESS TO DO SO WOULD IMPOSE AN UNDUE HARDSHIP. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED AN ACCOMMODATION TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS OR TO PERFORM ANY ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE POSITION SOUGHT.

Applications are considered for all positions, and employees are treated during employment, without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other prohibited basis for discrimination, as provided under applicable state and federal law.