Internship Ground Control Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Description
The Project Engineer serves as a key support role within project teams, assisting in various aspects of project coordination and execution. This entry-level role is designed to actively impact project performance and field operations, going beyond administrative assistance to contribute to project planning, cost control, and operational excellence. The Project Engineer will work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field teams to ensure successful project execution.
Responsibilities

• Daily Reporting and Analysis: Ensure consistent and accurate project documentation.
  • Organize and transmit tickets and pertinent information to Project Admins.
  • Review and approve daily reports and timecards.
  • Monitor accurate quantity and time tracking against correct phase codes.
  • Correlate phase quantity tracking to contract item/pay item tracking.
  • Review daily labor and equipment productivity and report findings to the project team.
  • Measure quantities, report the results, and track progress.
• Cost Control and Forecasting: Assist in managing project costs and trends.
  • Monitor subcontractors and material cost control through site visits, tickets, and reviewing daily reports.
  • Identify cost trends and communicate them to the Project Manager or Superintendent.
  • Track and forecast potential budget impacts based on field observations.
• Schedule Management: Support and eventually lead schedule tracking.
  • Assist in creating the overall project schedule and the initial 3-week schedule.
  • Maintain and update the 3-week schedules during construction.
  • Attend weekly logistics meetings and raise scheduling concerns to the Superintendent or Project Manager.
• Project Compliance and Coordination: Ensure adherence to regulatory and internal standards.
  • Track permit-related inspections (e.g., building, plumbing, ROW, special access).
  • Monitor apprenticeship and DBE compliance reporting.
  • Manage submittals and RFIs during construction.
  • Assist with coordination of subcontractor and supplier activities, and place necessary orders (e.g., materials, small tools, trucks, equipment).
  • Maintain project documentation and ensure project records are up-to-date.
• Operational Excellence and Field Engagement: Drive continuous improvement on site.
  • Identify waste, inefficiencies, and potential bottlenecks.
  • Perform field site visits to foster crew morale and gather improvement insights.
  • Build strong field relationships based on curiosity and respect.
• Project Start-up and Close-out: Support critical project transitions.
  • Attend bid handoffs and department update meetings.
  • Assist or perform subcontractor and supplier buyouts.
  • Verify scopes, prices, and identify scope gaps between subcontractors.
  • Prepare and finalize quotes and transmit to Project Admin to create work orders and purchase orders.
  • Contribute to creating project schedules and startup checklists.
  • Help with preconstruction meeting preparations and project submittals.
  • Participate in finalizing job cost history, creating project resumes, and recording lessons learned.
• Regulatory and Safety Compliance: Support erosion control and safety documentation.
  • Assist with erosion control compliance documentation.
  • Complete confined space forms and incident reports as needed.
• Uphold Tapani's Purpose document: Demonstrate actions and behaviors that align with Tapani's Purpose and Values (Purpose and Values)

Essential Skills

• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to identify trends and propose practical solutions
• Comfortable with construction technology platforms
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with field and office teams

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Entry-level position; prior internship or field experience in construction preferred

Job Type & Location
This is a full-time position based out of Battle Ground, WA, with travel to job sites across Oregon and Washington as needed.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.23 - $34.84 per hour, depending on experience.
Tapani Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Monthly $75 phone allowance or company phone
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance plans with low to $0 monthly premiums
• Additional voluntary insurance options include: Dental, Vision, and a wide variety of Supplemental insurances.
• Flexible Paid Time Off and Sick Time
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) options with up to 4% employer match
• See the full list of benefits here

About Tapani Inc.
Tapani Inc. is a family-owned and operated construction company serving the Pacific Northwest since 1983. We specialize in site development, transportation, utility, and environmental projects. Our success is built on teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to safety and quality. Tapani's employees take pride in delivering exceptional work while contributing to strong communities.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Tapani Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Disclaimers
Physical ability to perform assigned tasks, lift, push and pull 20 pounds at a time, and ability to sit, stand and work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
This job description does not contain a comprehensive list of all job responsibilities of this position. Tapani reserves the right to modify the duties and responsibilities of the position as it deems necessary.