Program Associate Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:
Participate in an approximately 18-month rotational development program designed to provide broad, hands-on experience in multiple aspects of heavy and highway construction. Rotations may include Field Operations, Project Superintendent, Project Management, and Estimating, with individual assignments generally lasting three to six months based on business needs, individual development, and interest. Work alongside experienced construction professionals to develop an understanding of construction means and methods, field operations, project planning and execution, estimating, cost management, scheduling, safety, quality, and project administration. The rotational program is designed to prepare the employee for potential placement in a regular full-time position upon completion of the program, based on individual performance, interests and strengths, available opportunities, and Company needs. If you are placed in a regular full-time position following rotational program, your job will be subject to the job description of that position. During the rotational program, your employment is at-will and your performance will be evaluated regularly through each phase of the program, similar to a probation or introductory period of employment. This salaried, nonexempt position will work with direct supervision.
Essential Functions:
Field Operations Rotation
*Work in a Laborer capacity as part of an assigned field crew to develop hands-on knowledge of construction means and methods, materials, tools, equipment, production, safety, and quality.
*Perform a variety of manual construction tasks as assigned, including handling and placing construction materials and safely using hand and power tools.
*Assist with activities applicable to the assigned operation, which may include paving, milling, utilities, site development, concrete, bridge, PennDOT, or other heavy/highway construction work.
*Maintain a safe and organized jobsite and work safely around construction equipment, traffic, trenches, confined spaces, and other jobsite hazards as applicable to the assignment.
*May operate or be trained to operate construction equipment as appropriate to the assigned operation and applicable qualifications and training.
Project Superintendent Rotation
*Assist with planning, scheduling, and executing day-to-day project operations to promote safety, quality, productivity, and efficient use of resources.
*Develop and maintain an understanding of project plans, specifications, safety requirements, production expectations, and construction schedules.
*Assist with short- and long-term scheduling and coordination of crews, equipment, materials, suppliers, subcontractors, and supporting operations.
*Monitor field activities to develop an understanding of productivity, quality, project sequencing, and efficient utilization of personnel, equipment, and materials.
*Assist with required project documentation and reports and communicate with internal departments, customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and other project participants.
Project Management Rotation
*Assist with the technical and administrative management of construction projects from award through completion.
*Participate in project scheduling, project administration, job cost review, project meetings, change orders, billings, collections, and project closeout.
*Assist with monitoring construction activities to develop an understanding of how design, budget, schedule, and field execution affect overall project performance.
*Establish and maintain communication with field personnel, owners, engineers, suppliers, subcontractors, and others involved in assigned projects.
*Develop an understanding of contract administration, cost controls, financial performance, project documentation, and other administrative aspects of construction project management.
Estimating Rotation
*Assist with gathering, calculating, and compiling information used in preparing bid proposal estimates for civil and heavy/highway construction projects.
*Perform quantity takeoffs and obtain information from plans, proposals, cross sections, field measurements, and other bid documents.
*Research material pricing, purchase information, quotations, subcontractor information, historical data, and productivity information used in developing estimates.
*Assist with preparation of project update documents, bid packages, and related estimating documentation.
*Develop an understanding of estimating techniques, cost components, production assumptions, and the relationship between estimating and actual project performance.
General - All Rotations
*Learn and utilize applicable Company construction, estimating, scheduling, project management, and related software systems.
*Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees throughout the Company and with external project partners.
*Learn and follow Company policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
*Exercise proper care and maintenance of Company tools and equipment.
*Work hours and schedules appropriate to the assigned rotation, including more than 40 hours per week and non-traditional hours, including night shift, Saturdays, and occasionally Sundays, as required.
*Travel to and arrive for starting time at various jobsites and Company locations as required.
*Perform additional assignments per supervisor's direction.
Knowledge of:
*Heavy and highway construction practices and techniques.
*Civil engineering and construction principles.
*Construction means and methods.
*Construction equipment, materials, tools, and their applications.
*Construction plans, specifications, and related documents.
*Project scheduling and coordination.
*Estimating techniques, cost control, and material pricing.
*Project management principles, practices, and methods.
*Contract administration and project cost controls.
*Construction safety regulations and procedures.
*Quality assurance and construction inspection practices.
*Common construction, estimating, scheduling, and project management software
Ability to:
*Learn, follow, and apply Company policies and procedures.
*Learn and apply construction practices across a variety of assignments and work environments.
*Perform manual construction work safely and effectively during the Field Operations rotation.
*Read and interpret plans, specifications, drawings, and other construction documents.
*Perform mathematical calculations and analyze construction-related information.
*Prepare reports, business correspondence, and other project documentation.
*Organize work and manage multiple priorities.
*Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
*Work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization and with external project partners.
*Use computers and related office and construction technology.
*Work independently and as part of a team.
*Adapt to changing assignments, responsibilities, work environments, and schedules.
Qualifications:
*Valid driver's license for the state in which the employee resides with an acceptable driving record per Company minimum standards for drivers.
*Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
*Strong organizational and analytical skills.
*Demonstrated initiative and willingness to learn multiple aspects of the construction business.
*Ability and willingness to work in both field and office environments.
*Must obtain and maintain all mandatory training applicable to assigned rotations.
Education:
*High school diploma or equivalent required.
*Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering, or a closely related field preferre
Experience:
*Previous construction-related work or internship experience preferred but not required.
Required Training:
*Complete training required for the assigned rotation, which may include PennDOT Flagger Training, Heavy Job Management/Field, OSHA training, First Aid/CPR, construction math/plan reading, and other Company-required training.
Physical Requirements*:
Occasionally (0-33%)
*Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
*Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and perform other physical movements associated with manual construction work.
Frequently (34-66%)
*Ability to walk and work on uneven terrain.
*Ability to work in outdoor and field environments with exposure to dust, noise, inclement weather conditions, extreme heat and cold, vibrations, petroleum products, and active construction operations.
*Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
*Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
*Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, and telephones.
*Ability to sit in and operate a vehicle for sustained periods of time.
Required Training:
Complete training required for the assigned rotation, which may include PennDOT Flagger Training, Heavy Job Management/Field, OSHA training, First Aid/CPR, construction math/plan reading, and other Company-required training.
Physical Requirements*:
*Occasionally (0-33%)
*Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
*Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and perform other physical movements associated with manual construction work.
Frequently (34-66%)
*Ability to walk and work on uneven terrain.
*Ability to work in outdoor and field environments with exposure to dust, noise, inclement weather conditions, extreme heat and cold, vibrations, petroleum products, and active construction operations.
*Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
*Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
*Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, and telephones.
*Ability to sit in and operate a vehicle for sustained periods of time.
Constantly (67-100%)
*Ability to communicate verbally and hear sufficiently to engage in conversations and exchange information in office and field environments.
*Ability to use hands and fingers for handling, grasping, typing, writing, and operating tools, equipment, or electronic devices.
*Ability to see sufficiently to read plans, documents, and electronic displays and to safely perform work in office, field, and construction environments.
*Physical demands will vary by rotational assignment. During the Field Operations rotation, certain field-related physical activities may occur at a higher frequency than reflected above.
This is a safety-sensitive position.
The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully.