Preconstruction Project Intern

ABOUT US: We are a nationally ranked, safety-focused, and talent-driven organization focused on delivering project management services through tailored delivery models. Our strength is our ability to match a delivery model to specific project needs, making the construction process feel easy.

Our foundation is built on our people, culture, and values. Our teammates come first. We support each other through successes and failures and respect each other's ideas and opinions. We are a people-first company. We know there is always a way to do it better, so we seek and nurture curious minds with a desire to solve problems and move forward by being creative and curious together. We celebrate each other's successes and acknowledge hard work because we know our people are the backbone of our success. #StrongerTogether!

Leading with safety is our No. 1 priority. We believe it is a fundamental human right to have a safe workplace, so we dedicate ourselves to creating safe environments for our people and everyone we do business with.

In addition to a positive atmosphere, a happy, healthy, and supportive work environment is especially important. Upon joining CSM Group, we will provide you with a robust onboarding program to expose you to broad aspects of the organization by meeting with operations, business leaders, and peers to better understand how we operate.

SUMMARY: CSM Group is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Preconstruction Intern to support our Preconstruction team. This internship provides valuable hands-on experience in estimating, budgeting, scheduling, value analysis, subcontractor coordination, and project planning. The intern will work alongside experienced estimators and project professionals to gain exposure to the full preconstruction process and contribute to meaningful project pursuits.

This position is ideal for students interested in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related fields who are eager to build a foundation for a career in the construction industry.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Estimating & Cost Analysis

• Assist with quantity takeoffs using plans, specifications, and digital estimating tools.
• Support the preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed construction estimates.
• Help gather pricing information from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
• Participate in bid analysis and cost comparison exercises.
• Assist in maintaining historical cost databases and estimating records.

Project Planning & Preconstruction Support

• Review drawings, specifications, and project documents for completeness and constructability.
• Support the development of project budgets and cost models.
• Assist with value engineering evaluations and cost-saving recommendations.
• Participate in project planning meetings and preconstruction team discussions.

Scheduling & Logistics

• Support the development and updating of preliminary project schedules.
• Assist with project phasing, site logistics, and sequencing reviews.
• Help identify potential risks and opportunities during project planning.

Proposal & Presentation Support

• Assist in preparing client presentations, proposals, and project pursuit materials.
• Compile project information, project narratives, and supporting documentation.
• Support the preparation of preconstruction reports and meeting materials.

Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with estimators, project managers, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
• Participate in subcontractor outreach and bid solicitation activities.
• Attend project meetings and document meeting notes and action items.
• Assist with maintaining project files and ensuring document accuracy.

Special Projects

• Conduct market research on construction materials, labor trends, and industry best practices.
• Support process improvement initiatives within the Preconstruction department.
• Assist with data analysis and reporting related to project costs and performance metrics.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Engineering Technology, Building Science, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications (preferred).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred but not required:

• Prior internship, co-op, construction experience, or related coursework.
• Familiarity with estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Sage Estimating, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
• Interest in commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, or advanced manufacturing construction projects.

Physical Demands & Work Environment – Jobsite The physical demands & work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Please reach out to People Operations should you require such accommodation(s). While performing this job, the employee may be regularly required to drive to and from the jobsites/assigned locations, sit, walk, stand, talk, hear, and smell. A major portion of the employees’ tasks require extensive walking around the jobsite, including active construction areas. The employee is required to traverse uneven terrain and work from ladders, scaffolds, and other structures, as well as work at variable heights. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle tools, controls, and for fine motor coordination like computer work. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. The employee must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. For Field positions, while performing this job, the employee must frequently inspect the project site and may be exposed to ongoing construction activities, vibrations, noise, and various outside weather conditions (in all seasons). Work environment involves moderate risks which may require safety precautions. The noise level in the work environment may range from quiet to loud. The proper use of Personnel Protective Equipment (including but not limited to safety boots, hardhat, and protective eyewear) is required on the jobsite. This Position Description reflects the position’s essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. CSM Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and invite all qualified applicants to apply without fear of judgement and pledge to not discriminate against individuals because of their race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender or gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, veteran status, age, or any other status protected under applicable laws.