Project Engineer

Schellinger Construction; Columbia Falls (MT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Schellinger Construction, based in Columbia Falls, MT, is seeking a Graduate Civil Project and Field Engineer. This entry-level role supports project managers and field crews, blending office-based tasks with hands-on construction experience to develop skills in project delivery.

You will gain exposure to plans, estimates, cost tracking, scheduling, and on-site supervision as you progress toward project management or field leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering or related field preferred.
• Internships or field work experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to read construction plans and specifications.
• Strong communication, organization, math, computer and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors and learn from experienced field employees.
• Ability to travel and work early mornings, extended hours and weekends as project conditions require.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, estimates and contract requirements.
• Track labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor costs, installed quantities and production.
• Assist with project startup, planning, execution and closeout.
• Maintain drawings, submittals, requests for information and other project documentation.
• Support cost reports, projections, forecasting, quantity calculations, owner billings and subcontractor payments.
• Assist with pricing and documentation for potential change orders.
• Coordinate material procurement, purchase orders, deliveries, subcontractors, suppliers and testing agencies.
• Participate in project meetings, learn company systems, and promptly communicate potential cost, schedule, quality or contractual issues.
• Assist with layout, grade checking, quantity measurement and field documentation.
• Work alongside field crews and assist with hands-on construction when required.
• Help prepare daily and weekly work plans and coordinate employees, subcontractors, equipment, materials and deliveries.
• Learn how Superintendents and Foremen plan and execute daily construction activities.
• Participate in pre-task planning, safety meetings and job hazard analyses.
• Track production, complete daily records and compare results with projections and budgets.
• Monitor work for compliance with plans, specifications and quality requirements.

Skills

Reading construction plans

Communication

Organization

Math

Problem-solving

Outdoor work

Travel availability

Valid driver’s license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering or related field

Job description

PROJECT ENGINEER

Company History

For more than 60 years, Schellinger Construction has helped build Montana’s infrastructure. Based in Columbia Falls, our third-generation family business has grown into a leading heavy-highway and private-development contractor serving Northwest Montana.

Our services include earthwork, trucking, crushing, concrete and aggregate supply, culvert and pipe installation, and asphalt paving. We invest in our employees for the long term.

Position Summary

The Graduate Civil Project and Field Engineer is an entry-level development position for recent graduates beginning a career in heavy civil construction. Working with Project Managers, Superintendents, Foremen and experienced team members, the employee gains practical experience in both project management and field operations.

The role combines office-based project support with hands-on field assignments. Its purpose is to develop a well-rounded construction professional who understands the financial, technical and operational sides of project delivery. As experience and capability develop, the employee may progress toward project management or field leadership, depending on demonstrated strengths, interests and company needs.

Project Management Responsibilities

• Review project plans, specifications, estimates and contract requirements.
• Track labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor costs, installed quantities and production.
• Assist with project startup, planning, execution and closeout.
• Maintain drawings, submittals, requests for information and other project documentation.
• Support cost reports, projections, forecasting, quantity calculations, owner billings and subcontractor payments.
• Assist with pricing and documentation for potential change orders.
• Coordinate material procurement, purchase orders, deliveries, subcontractors, suppliers and testing agencies.
• Participate in project meetings, learn company systems, and promptly communicate potential cost, schedule, quality or contractual issues.

Field Responsibilities

• Assist with layout, grade checking, quantity measurement and field documentation.
• Work alongside field crews and assist with hands-on construction when required.
• Help prepare daily and weekly work plans and coordinate employees, subcontractors, equipment, materials and deliveries.
• Learn how Superintendents and Foremen plan and execute daily construction activities.
• Participate in pre-task planning, safety meetings and job hazard analyses.

• Track production, complete daily records and compare results with projections and budgets.
• Monitor work for compliance with plans, specifications and quality requirements.
• Develop knowledge of construction methods, equipment capabilities, project sequencing and crew leadership.
• Take responsibility for small, defined work activities as experience and capability develop.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering or a related field preferred.
• Previous construction experience through internships, seasonal employment or field work preferred but not required.
• Ability to read or learn to read construction plans and specifications.
• Strong communication, organization, math, computer and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors, perform hands‑on construction and learn from experienced field employees.
• Ability to travel and work early mornings, extended hours and occasional weekends as project conditions require.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Physical and Work Requirements

This position includes substantial time on active construction sites and in a project office. The employee must be able to work around moving equipment; walk over uneven terrain; climb slopes or structures; and lift or carry project materials and equipment. Work may occur in heat, cold, rain, snow, dust, mud and elevated noise.

Career Development

The position provides a foundation for advancement along either a project‑management path—Project Engineer, Assistant Project Manager and Project Manager—or a field‑leadership path—Foreman and Superintendent. Advancement is based on performance, capability, interests and company needs.

Travel, Lodging and Vehicle

When work requires travel outside the Flathead Valley, the company will provide or pay for approved lodging. A vehicle will be provided when required for work‑related purposes.

Schellinger Construction Company is a drug‑free workplace and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

tasks as needed.