1

Construction Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Construction Project Engineer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will really stand out if you have construction internship experience and up to 3 or 4 years of construction management experience. Eligibility: Position requires verification of employment to ...

Distribution Internship

Shelby, IA ยท On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

The Management Internship is a 12-week PAID hands on training experience at our Shelby Distribution ... Construction Management * Business Administration * Retail Management * Hotel/Restaurant Management

next page

Showing results 1-20

Construction Internship information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do construction internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for construction internship in Iowa is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a construction intern?

To thrive as a Construction Intern, you generally need a foundational understanding of construction principles, safety protocols, and enrollment in or completion of a relevant academic program such as civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with construction management software (like Procore or AutoCAD), Microsoft Office, and basic measurement tools is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make candidates stand out in this hands-on environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing effectively to projects, ensuring safety, and supporting the successful delivery of construction tasks.

What is a construction internship?

A construction internship is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the construction industry. Interns typically work alongside experienced professionals on job sites or in offices, assisting with tasks such as project management, site supervision, safety checks, and documentation. The internship provides valuable insight into how construction projects are planned, managed, and executed, helping interns build practical skills and industry knowledge. It also offers networking opportunities and can often lead to full-time employment after graduation.

What is the difference between Construction Internship vs Construction Assistant?

AspectConstruction InternshipConstruction Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; may require coursework in construction or engineeringUsually entry-level; may require some experience or certifications like OSHA
Work EnvironmentOn-site, supervised, learning-focusedOn-site, assisting with daily tasks, more hands-on
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by construction firms, contractors, or engineering companiesEntry-level support roles in construction projects

Construction internships are primarily educational opportunities for students or recent graduates to gain industry experience, while construction assistants are entry-level roles supporting ongoing projects. Internships focus on learning, whereas assistants perform practical tasks to support project operations.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect during a construction internship?

As a construction intern, you can expect to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of project management and site operations. Typical responsibilities include assisting with project documentation, shadowing site supervisors, helping with quality control checks, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Interns often collaborate with engineers, architects, and skilled tradespeople, providing a well-rounded exposure to the construction process. This experience helps build valuable industry knowledge, practical skills, and professional relationships that can support your future career growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Construction jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Construction jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Construction Internship jobs in Iowa? For Construction Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Construction Internship jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Construction Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Construction Internship job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,809 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Senior Construction Project Engineer

Ryan Companies

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Ryan Companies has an immediate need for a Senior Construction Project Engineer for its Des Moines OR Cedar Rapids, Iowa office. Recent college graduates with a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or an engineering discipline with a strong interest in a career in construction management are invited to apply.

With more than 80 years in business and 15 offices (and growing!), Ryan offers comprehensive commercial real estate solutions to customers across the US. We bring a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to delivering spaces where people thrive and businesses succeed. Join a company with an outstanding culture and competitive benefits. At Ryan, we don't just build buildings - we build stories.

Some things you can expect to do:

  • Work with preconstruction team and project managers to develop conceptual and detailed estimates

  • Perform quantity take-offs of all construction systems

  • Create project estimates individually and with a team

  • Solicit subcontractor pricing for budgeting and bid proposals

  • Scope and select subcontractors based on best value and project requirements

  • Record final estimates and maintain cost history

  • Create, track, and manage project scope

  • Participate and review buyout and GMP estimates

  • Create preconstruction schedules with project management and field personal

  • Support development, architectural and construction teams with preconstruction expertise including value design, cost validation, project scheduling, procurement and project pursuits

  • Consistently achieves appropriate project estimates

  • Review and provide feedback on project estimates created by the project managers

  • Provide direction for understanding project scope, market pricing and available resources

  • Assist clients and developers with conceptual budgets of various types of projects

  • Capable of cost modeling using Uniformat II system costs

  • Learn CSI and Uniformat II

Some things we would like you to have:

  • 4-year construction engineering or construction management degree

  • Knowledge of construction means and methods, building types and procurement methods

  • Ability to read and understand project plans and details

  • Ability to perform thoughtful and accurate quantity take offs, and summarize data in a meaningful way

  • Positive and effective communication abilities

  • Ability to teach skills and knowledge to others

  • Ability to listen, prioritize and value the opinions of others

  • Prior construction experience in the field or office is a PLUS.

  • An interest in learning Destini Estimating platform, OST, Bluebeam, BuildingConnected, JOIN, VICO, Navisworks, and Revit.

  • Recent college graduates WILL be considered.

  • You will really stand out if you have construction internship experience and up to 3 or 4 years of construction management experience.

Eligibility:

Position requires verification of employment to work in the U.S.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

  • Retirement and Savings Benefits

  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

  • Life Insurance

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

  • Educational Assistance

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs

  • Parenting Benefits

  • Employee Discount Programs

  • Pet insurance

  • Ryan Foundation - charitable matching funds

  • Paid Time for Volunteer Events

Disclaimer: Eligibility may vary based on factors such as role, hours worked, employment status, length of service, location, and other considerations. Detailed information will be shared with eligible candidates during the hiring process, and the official terms and conditions will be outlined in each individual offer document.

Ryan Companies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


Notice to Candidates:

Please be advised that initial outreach regarding employment at Ryan Companies will only occur via email from the domain @ryancompanies.com email address. If you recieve communication from someone you believe is impersonating Ryan Companies, please report it to us at humanresources@ryancompanies.com

Non-Solicitation Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Ryan Companies kindly requests that recruitment agencies and third-party recruiters do not submit unsolicited resumes or candidate information to any Ryan Companies employee or office. Ryan Companies will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited submissions. If recruitment services are required, we will reach out directly to agencies on our approved vendor list. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.