Underground Utilities Intern

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. (ESS); Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. (ESS) is seeking a Field Intern/Laborer to gain hands-on experience on active construction sites.

This role blends physical labor with structured learning to expose students and early-career individuals to construction operations while supporting day-to-day project work. You will collaborate with seasoned professionals, observe project activities, and build a solid foundation for your future in the construction industry.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a relevant degree program or technical school or high school diploma/equivalent with construction experience
• Strong academic performance and/or a strong work ethic with a passion for construction
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting 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 is a plus but not mandatory
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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
• 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

Skills

Physical strength

Basic math

Communication

Education

High school diploma

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/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)