Estimating Intern

Purpose

The Summer Intern will support the estimating and preconstruction team by assisting with cost analysis, bid preparation, and project coordination. This role is designed to provide hands-on exposure to the estimating process and a foundational understanding of how projects are scoped, priced, and prepared before construction begins.

Key Responsibilities 

Estimating

• Assist in building estimates and bid packages for HVAC and mechanical projects 
• Review drawings and project specs to understand project scope 
• Help with quantity take-offs and basic cost analysis (materials, labor, etc.) 
• Gather and organize pricing from vendors and subcontractors 

Support Preconstruction & Field Work

• Shadow and support the team during job walks, client meetings, and GC interactions 
• Assist in collecting field information for design-build proposals, conceptual estimates, and feasibility studies 
• Review plans and help identify scope items under guidance 
• Document and organize project photos, notes, and field data into structured formats  
• Help prepare simple spreadsheets, checklists, and summaries of field findings 

Learn the Full Project Lifecycle

• Observe project management processes such as buyout, submittals, and coordination 
• Participate in internal meetings related to active projects and new pursuits 
• Visit job sites (as appropriate) to connect preconstruction work to field execution 

Support Team & Business Development Efforts

• Assist with tracking bids, timelines, and project details 
• Support sales and business development efforts, including contact research, lead tracking, and CRM updates 
• Help prepare proposals and scope summaries 
• Complete weekly tasks or mini-projects designed to reinforce learning and development

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the student will:

• Exposure to real-world estimating and preconstruction processes, including how projects are evaluated, priced, and pursued within a mechanical contracting environment. 
• Hands-on experience with construction documents, bidding, project setup, and preconstruction workflows such as plans, specifications, takeoffs, and scope development. 
• Practical experience in cost analysis and project coordination, along with an understanding of how field data informs estimating and design-build decisions. 
• Increased technical knowledge of HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, and how projects move from concept through construction. 
• Opportunity to build industry awareness, develop professional connections, and gain insight into day-to-day operations. 
• Strengthened communication, critical thinking, and overall jobsite and professional skills

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Pursuing a degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Strong interest in estimating, mechanical systems, construction, or design-build work.
• Reliable, organized, and self-motivated.
• Comfortable visiting active construction sites.
• Ability to communicate professionally with project stakeholders.
• Must be available 1 consistent day per week.

Additional Details

• Paid internship (rate based on experience and education level).
• All safety training and PPE provided as required.
• Flexible work aligned with school schedules.
• Strong mentorship directly from company leadership.
• Exposure to real mechanical contracting projects, clients, and industry partners.

ESSENTIAL  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions required by this job classification.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with qualified disabilities to perform the functions of this job classification, on a case-by-case basis.

Frequent: Job site visits that may require work boots and hard hats, sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers, and office equipment, standing, bending and stooping, twisting of waist side-to-side, turning and flexion of the neck, lifting and carrying objects weighing up to xx pounds; normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus and vision to normal range.

Working Conditions: Work is in an office environment with associated noise, space, and computer screen exposure and attend meetings as required.

SPECIAL NOTES, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• License: A valid class C driver’s license, which must be maintained throughout employment in this job classification, is required at the time of appointment.  Employees in this job classification may be required to use their own vehicle.   
• Language: English communication skills are required of this position.   
• Office hours: 7 am to 4 pm 

Job Description Acknowledgement

I have received, reviewed and fully understand this Job Description. I further understand that I am responsible for the satisfactory execution of the essential functions described therein, under any and all conditions as described. The list of duties and responsibilities above (“Essential Functions”) is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary. The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Couts Heating & Cooling provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other protected characteristic.

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