Underground Utilities Intern

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Potential for future employment

Academic credit possible

Competitive compensation package

Job summary

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. is seeking a Field Intern/Laborer to gain real-world experience on active construction sites.

This role blends hands-on labor with structured learning, offering students practical exposure to construction operations while supporting day-to-day project work. You will collaborate with seasoned professionals, participate in challenging projects, and build a solid foundation for a future in the construction industry.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a construction-related degree program or equivalent experience.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform outdoor work in all weather.
• Strong academic performance or work ethic with passion for construction.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Provide field and labor support with material handling and tool use.
• Spend time on construction sites to observe and participate.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment following safety protocols.
• Assist planning, execution and management of projects.
• Help with project documentation including reports, plans, budgets, and schedules.

Skills

Physical fitness

Communication skills

Follow directions

Teamwork / independence

Math & measurement

Education

Construction-related degree program

High school diploma with construction experience

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a Field Intern/Laborer to join our team and gain invaluable real‑world experience on active construction sites. This role combines hands‑on labor with structured learning, giving students and early‑career individuals practical exposure to construction operations while directly supporting day‑to‑day project work. You’ll collaborate with seasoned professionals, work on challenging projects, and build a strong foundation for your future in the construction industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Field & Labor Support: Assist with general construction tasks, including loading and unloading materials, digging trenches, and operating hand and power tools.
• Spend time on construction sites to observe and actively participate in construction activities, gaining practical knowledge.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, following all safety protocols and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Project & Technical 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.
• Acquire a deeper understanding of construction methods, materials, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, engineers, site supervisors, and field staff to ensure project goals are met.
• Participate in troubleshooting and finding solutions to construction‑related challenges.
• Support continuous improvement in construction practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a relevant degree program or Technical School (Construction Management, Civil Engineering, etc.), OR high school diploma/equivalent with relevant construction experience
• Strong academic performance and/or a strong work ethic with a passion for the construction industry
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and working in all weather conditions
• Basic math and measurement skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to follow directions and work independently or as part of a team
• Ability to 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
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States

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

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)

About ESS

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. (ESS) is all about owning what we do from start to finish. We’re a 100% employee‑owned multi‑faced 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!