Construction Specialist 1 (2026 New Grads!)

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43255BR

Requisition ID

43255BR

Business Unit

TSU

Job Description

CDM Smith is looking for an excited candidate to join our team in Chicago, IL! This opportunity is perfect for a new graduate looking to jump into the construction industry at a company that hires for careers, not jobs. This is a dynamic role with a variety of duties based on the project type and timeline that provides technical, field, and site administration. During the pursuit phase, the Construction Specialist will assist in reviewing documents, preparing deliverables, and participating in pre-bid site visits. The Construction Specialist will assist in determining total project costs by evaluating complex proposals and researching labor, material, and equipment costs. They will develop a preliminary schedule for engineering and construction. They will develop General Conditions based on requirements specified in the bidding documents including required staff, temporary facilities, security, and safety measures. In the planning and execution phase, the Construction Specialist will work with the project team, subcontractors, client, owners, and all other interested parties to ensure timely and safe project completion. They will ensure the timely arrival and installation of materials and equipment with field personnel and vendors. They will prepare and review submittals of increasing complexity, issue construction documents and layouts to field crews, answer questions, and complete requests for information (RFI). The Construction Specialist supervises and directs overall project activities of basic to moderate complexity and interprets specifications and drawings for foremen and superintendents. They will conduct inspections to maintain Quality Control (QC) reporting for project sites. Finally, they will work with Health and Safety professionals to evaluate the safety performance metrics of potential subcontractors and vendors as part of the procurement process. During project close-out the Construction Specialist will work with the Project Manager to complete all contract-required deliverables and follow company close-out procedures. Close all subcontract and purchase orders. Develop final record drawings and as-builts. Ensure all close-out submittals are documented and approved. Work with the Team to complete final inspections, punch list and ensure client satisfaction. Depending on project needs and after appropriate training, the Construction Specialist works with the project manager and VDC team to develop project capability needs and VDC plan. They will assist in facilitating solutions through collaboration with the design and project teams via VDC, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and traditional collaboration methods. The Construction Specialist will perform other tasks as assigned.

Job Title

Construction Specialist 1 (2026 New Grads!)

Group

PSF

Employment Type

Regular

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline. 0 years. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?:

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (

Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Site Location:

Illinois - Chicago

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Amount Of Travel Required

20%

Assignment Category

Fulltime-Regular

Visa Sponsorship Available

No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Skills And Abilities

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Basic computation skills. Good verbal and written communication skills. Familiarity with technology typically associated with engineering and construction projects. Proficient knowledge of construction terminology. Ability to read and interpret construction documents and drawings. Intermediate level personal computer skills.

Background Check And Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Pay Range Minimum

$66,248

Pay Range Maximum

$109,283

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work Location Options:

Successful candidate will be required to work in office and field locations as needed.

Driver's License Requirements

An appropriate and valid driver's license is required.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you have questions about this posting, please contact [email protected]