Co-op Experience - 2026

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S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc.

Posted 4 months ago

Internship

Gray, Maine

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The co-op student will collect and test construction materials and assist with geotechnical field work and subsurface investigations. They will also support construction phase observations and work alongside technicians and engineers on active sites.

Qualifications

You are a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as construction management or civil engineering. You have strong math skills, attention to detail, and are comfortable working outdoors and performing physical tasks. You are eager to gain hands-on experience in construction materials testing and field operations.

Must Have Skills for ATS

soil testing

concrete testing

asphalt testing

masonry testing

grout testing

aggregate testing

geotechnical field work

construction plans

construction specifications

drilling operations

Job Description

S.W. Cole Engineering is seeking a Construction Services Co‑op student to join our Gray, Maine office. This paid co‑op opportunity is designed for current undergraduate students and offers hands‑on experience on active construction projects across southern and central Maine. The co-op will run from June or August through December 2026. We will work with your college to provide any required documentation for co‑op or internship credit.

What You’ll Do

As a Construction Services Co‑op student, you’ll gain real‑world experience through a mix of field and laboratory work, including:

  • Collecting and testing construction materials such as soil, concrete, asphalt, masonry, grout, and aggregate
  • Visiting a wide variety of construction sites
  • Learning to read construction plans and specifications
  • Assisting with geotechnical field work, including subsurface investigations and drilling operations
  • Supporting construction phase observations
  • Working alongside experienced technicians, engineers, and our Health & Safety team
  • Opportunities to pursue entry‑level certifications in concrete or soil testing

This position typically involves up to 40 hours per week, with some flexibility depending on project needs.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for motivated students who are eager to learn in a hands‑on environment. Preferred qualifications include:

  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Comfort using computers and learning new software
  • Willingness to work both indoors and outdoors
  • Interest in construction, engineering, or materials testing (prior experience is helpful but not required)
  • Strong communication skills and attention to detail
  • Basic math skills for recording and calculating test data

Work Environment & Physical Expectations

This role includes active field and lab work. Candidates should be able to:

  • Lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to approximately 60 lbs
  • Stand for extended periods and move between standing, kneeling, crouching, and bending
  • Work safely on uneven ground and active construction sites
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind

Proper training and safety equipment are provided.

Transportation Requirements

Travel is primarily within southern and central Maine with the following requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Reliable transportation
  • Active automobile insurance
  • Acceptable driving record

Education Requirement

Current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in construction management, construction technology, building construction, geotechnical, civil, or structural engineering, or a related field

How to Apply

Please complete the application and submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and how it aligns with your academic goals.

S.W. Cole Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc.

S. W. Cole Engineering, Inc. (S.W.COLE) is a multi-disciplinary New England based consulting firm. Established by Stephen Cole in 1979 to provide geotechnical engineering services, the firm soon expanded its expertise to include construction materials testing. Our passionate and talented staff includes geotechnical engineers and construction professionals - construction services technicians, special inspectors, construction inspectors, and construction services coordinators. We currently have offices throughout New England: three in Maine (Bangor, Gray and Sidney), two in Massachusetts (Boylston and Easton), two in New Hampshire (Londonderry and Somersworth), one in Rhode Island (Riverside/East Providence), and one in Vermont (White River Junction). Our services include geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing and special inspections. In 2015, we started a wholly-owned subsidiary, Seaboard Drilling, LLC, so that we could better service our clients by performing our own test boring explorations. We currently operate drilling rigs based at offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Because the work we do is often required on projects in many different market sectors, S.W.COLE works with clients of all types in all of New England. Our clients have included healthcare, retail, energy and wind, educational, aviation and commercial clients as well as municipal, state and federal agencies. We work often with small and large architectural firms, civil engineering firms and general contractors.
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