2025 Summer Intern - Construction Management (Rail)
Illinois - Downers Grove
Rail – Track & Yard /
Internship /
On-site
*Due to the nature of projected responsibilities associated with this opportunity, which may require the operation of a motorized vehicle to conduct business on behalf of TKDA, candidates must be at least 21 years of age as of May 30, 2025 to be selected for further consideration.
Do you prefer working from a construction site instead of a cubicle? Do you enjoy watching stuff get built? Do you enjoy new and interesting challenges every day? If you are an undergraduate pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction management or construction engineering, then we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team this upcoming summer in Downers Grove, IL as a Construction Management Intern!
As a member of our team, you will assist in overseeing the construction operations of various projects to ensure day-to-day activities are consistent with the plans and specifications. You will collaborate with contractors to review and provide input on construction issues and inspect activities in accordance with quality standards and code requirements to ensure projects come in on time and under budget with minimal change orders.
While on-site, you will assist with the construction process by attending pre-construction and progress meetings, preparing and presenting status reports, negotiating change orders, identifying issues and providing assistance in resolving construction and design-related challenges, determining desired/required material specifications and coordinating material testing, conducting surveys, measuring quantities for payment, logging and photographing observation and construction activities, and assisting or providing guidance to construction inspectors. While in the office, you will assist with the development of proposals, estimate project budgets and schedules, and conduct constructability reviews of project plans.
The ideal candidate would be available to work 40 hours per week with occasional overtime throughout the summer of 2025 from mid-May through mid-August. This position would primarily work from an assigned project site or from our office in Downers Grove, IL.
*Out-of-state students are encouraged to apply and may be eligible for housing assistance.*
Note: To be considered for this opportunity and to perform the assigned responsibilities, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to complete and pass any background, security, and drug test requests required by TKDA, clients, and state and/or federal agencies.
Required Qualifications
- Undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.
- Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills; Ability to ask questions, engage in discussions with team members, and assist with technical report and specification preparation.
- Working knowledge of MS Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to travel up to 75% to perform site inspections/observations; Overnight travel may be required.
- Must be at least 21 years of age by May 2025.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
- Ability to carry up to 50 pounds across rough terrain and stand for extended periods of time to perform observation and inspection responsibilities.
Advantageous Qualifications
- Basic working knowledge of AutoCAD or Civil 3D.
- General understanding of drafting techniques and construction plan development practices.
- Previous experience with construction administration tasks including staking, surveying, inspections, or observations.
2025 Internship Program
TKDA's internship program is dedicated to the learning and networking experience for interns, with the hope that we can build a professional relationship that will last. We are committed to fostering a learning environment where you can apply your classroom knowledge in real ways. This program is a structured summer experience including formal software trainings, networking opportunities, mentorship relationships, social events, learning seminars, and much more!
Click here to learn more about the TKDA Internship Experience!
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Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.