Traveling Field Labor Intern

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. is seeking a Field Labor Intern to gain hands-on experience across field operations, project support, and equipment familiarity on active construction sites.

You will work with project teams and site staff, observe workflows, and develop practical knowledge of plans, safety, and equipment operation. This program emphasizes teamwork and hands-on learning with potential for academic credit and future employment.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a relevant degree program or technical school (construction management, civil engineering, or similar).
• Strong academic performance and a passion for the construction industry.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to a fast-paced construction environment.
• Eagerness to learn and a proactive attitude.
• Interest in heavy equipment operation and construction plan reading.
• MUST BE ABLE TO TRAVEL.
• Duration typically May–August; potential for academic credit.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project teams to assist in planning, execution, and management of construction projects.
• Assist in project documentation, including reports, plans, budgets, and schedules.
• Participate in troubleshooting and finding solutions to construction-related challenges.
• Spend time on construction sites to observe and participate in construction activities.
• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and field staff to meet project goals.
• Observe crew and subcontractor coordination to stay on schedule and within budget.
• Gain exposure to heavy equipment operations under the guidance of experienced operators.
• Learn how equipment is maintained and how basic safety procedures are followed on site.
• Build familiarity with reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications.
• Acquire a deeper understanding of construction methods, materials, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Communicate regularly with crew members, subcontractors, and project staff on schedules and deadlines.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Proactive attitude

Willingness to learn

Construction principles

Heavy equipment interest

Travel readiness

Construction plan reading

Education

Construction management or civil engineering program

Job description

Job Summary We are seeking a Field Labor Intern to gain invaluable real-world experience, work on challenging projects, and collaborate with seasoned professionals. This program is designed to provide students with hands‑on exposure to various aspects of construction - including field operations, project support, and equipment familiarity - helping them build a strong foundation for their future careers.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Support Collaborate with project teams to assist in the planning, execution, and management of construction projects.
• Assist in project documentation, including reports, plans, budgets, and schedules.
• Participate in troubleshooting and finding solutions to construction‑related challenges.
• Field Experience Spend time on construction sites to observe and participate in construction activities, gaining practical knowledge.
• Work closely with project managers, engineers, and field staff to ensure project goals are met.
• Observe crew and subcontractor coordination to understand how work stays on schedule and within budget.
• Equipment Exposure Gain exposure to heavy equipment operations (e.g., bulldozers, excavators, loaders) under the guidance of experienced operators.
• Learn how equipment is maintained and how basic safety and upkeep procedures are followed on site.
• Build familiarity with reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications.
• Technical Learning Acquire a deeper understanding of construction methods, materials, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Team Collaboration Communicate regularly with crew members, subcontractors, and project staff to stay informed on schedules and deadlines.

Qualifications Enrolled in a relevant degree program or Technical School (Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or similar). Strong academic performance and a passion for the construction industry. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage a variety of audiences. Ability to work in a team and adapt to a fast‑paced construction environment. Eagerness to learn and a proactive attitude. Basic understanding of construction principles and practices is a plus but not mandatory. Interest in heavy equipment operation and construction plan reading is a plus. MUST BE ABLE TO TRAVEL Duration Typically May-August. Compensation Competitive compensation package. Potential for academic credit, depending on your institution's policies. Opportunity for future employment within the company based on performance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. (ESS) is all about owning what we do from start to finish. We're a 100% employee‑owned multi‑faceted contractor who thrives on delivering complex heavy civil projects by developing innovative infrastructure solutions. Our growing team of employee‑owners are experts in grading, excavation, underground utilities, bridge construction, asphalt paving, concrete paving, and pavement preservation. Join the ESS team today!