Construction Intern

Company: CSI Construction
Location: California
Pay Range: $24.00–$27.00 per hour
Employment Type: Internship / Temporary
Department: Construction Operations / Project Management
Reports To: Project Manager, Superintendent, or Regional Leadership

Position Summary

CSI Construction is seeking a motivated and career-focused Construction Intern to gain hands-on experience in the construction industry while supporting our California project teams in both the field and office.

This internship is designed to provide meaningful exposure to construction operations, including project management, field operations, estimating, scheduling, safety, subcontractor coordination, quality control, and project documentation.

The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree or career in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Architecture, Building Science, or a related field and is eager to learn from experienced construction professionals.

This is an opportunity to gain real-world construction experience, develop professional skills, and learn how projects progress from preconstruction and estimating through field execution and completion.

Essential Responsibilities

Field Operations

• Assist Project Managers and Superintendents with daily construction activities.

• Participate in jobsite walks and document project progress.

• Observe construction activities and develop an understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, and best practices.

• Assist with quality-control inspections and documentation.

• Help monitor jobsite conditions, materials, deliveries, and subcontractor activities.

• Assist with maintaining organized project documentation.

• Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and training.

• Support CSI Construction's commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant California jobsite.

• Assist with punch-list activities and project closeout as needed.

Project Management

• Assist Project Managers with project documentation and administrative responsibilities.

• Review construction plans, specifications, drawings, and project documents.

• Assist with RFIs, submittals, change orders, meeting minutes, and other project correspondence.

• Assist with project schedules and tracking project milestones.

• Participate in project meetings with subcontractors, vendors, owners, architects, and internal team members.

• Learn how project budgets, costs, schedules, and performance are monitored.

• Assist with tracking materials, equipment, and subcontractor commitments.

• Gain exposure to California construction requirements, project documentation, and contract administration.

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Assist the estimating team with quantity takeoffs and scope reviews.

• Review construction drawings and specifications.

• Assist with subcontractor and vendor solicitation.

• Learn the fundamentals of construction estimating and bid preparation.

• Gain exposure to project budgeting, pricing, and value engineering.

• Participate in preconstruction meetings and bid reviews when appropriate.

• Gain exposure to the unique requirements associated with California construction projects.

Safety & Compliance

• Participate in required safety meetings and jobsite orientations.

• Follow CSI Construction safety policies and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

• Develop an understanding of Cal/OSHA requirements and construction-site safety practices.

• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Report unsafe conditions and safety concerns to appropriate CSI Construction personnel.

• Support a culture of safety, accountability, and quality throughout the project.

Professional Development

• Work alongside experienced CSI Construction professionals to develop practical construction knowledge.

• Learn how Project Management, Estimating, Operations, Safety, and other departments work together.

• Develop an understanding of construction terminology, processes, documentation, and project controls.

• Build relationships with Project Managers, Superintendents, subcontractors, vendors, and other industry professionals.

• Participate in professional development and educational opportunities.

• Take on additional responsibilities as knowledge and experience increase.

What We're Looking For

CSI Construction is looking for an intern who is curious, dependable, hardworking, and willing to learn.

The ideal candidate:

• Demonstrates a genuine interest in pursuing a career in construction.

• Is comfortable working both in an office and on an active construction site.

• Takes initiative and asks questions.

• Demonstrates strong communication and organizational skills.

• Is dependable and able to manage assigned responsibilities.

• Works well independently and as part of a team.

• Maintains a professional attitude and appearance.

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail.

• Understands the importance of safety, quality, teamwork, and accountability.

• Is interested in developing a long-term career in the construction industry.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a college or university program in:

  • Construction Management

  • Civil Engineering

  • Construction Engineering

  • Architecture

  • Building Science

  • Or a related field

• Ability to work effectively in both office and construction-site environments.

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.

• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and project partners.

• Reliable transportation to assigned project locations, as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous construction, engineering, architecture, or skilled-trades experience.

• Previous internship or co-op experience.

• Familiarity with construction plans and specifications.

• Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, or similar construction software.

• OSHA-10 certification or willingness to obtain certification.

• Familiarity with Cal/OSHA construction safety requirements.

• Previous experience working on a construction site.

• Exposure to public works, prevailing-wage, or other California-regulated construction projects.

• Strong interest in pursuing a long-term career with CSI Construction.

Physical & Work Environment

This position will involve time in both office and active construction-site environments throughout Northern California.

The intern may be required to:

• Walk active construction sites.

• Navigate uneven surfaces, stairs, ladders, and partially completed structures.

• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Stand and walk for extended periods.

• Bend, stoop, climb, and move throughout jobsites.

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Occasionally lift or carry materials or equipment consistent with the requirements of the position.

All jobsite activities must be performed in accordance with CSI Construction safety policies and applicable OSHA and Cal/OSHA requirements.

Internship Experience

At CSI Construction, our goal is to provide interns with meaningful hands-on experience rather than simply administrative work.

Interns will have the opportunity to:

• Work directly with experienced construction professionals.

• Gain exposure to California construction projects.

• Spend time in both field and office environments.

• Visit active construction projects.

• Participate in project and subcontractor meetings.

• Learn about estimating, scheduling, safety, quality control, and project management.

• Gain exposure to California construction practices and regulatory requirements.

• Develop professional relationships within the construction industry.

• Build practical experience that can be applied after graduation.

• Explore potential long-term career opportunities with CSI Construction.

Potential Career Path

Successful interns may be considered for future opportunities with CSI Construction, including entry-level positions such as:

• Assistant Project Manager

• Project Engineer

• Field Engineer

• Assistant Superintendent

• Estimator

• Construction Coordinator

CSI Construction values the opportunity to develop future construction professionals. Interns who demonstrate strong performance, initiative, teamwork, and a commitment to the construction industry may be considered for future career opportunities with the company.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CSI Construction is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. Responsibilities and qualifications may be adjusted based on project requirements and business needs.