Construction Specialist 1 (2026 New Grads!)

Job Description This role is slated for a Fall 2026 Start Date. CDM Smith is looking for an excited candidate to join our team in Austin, TX. This opportunity is perfect for a new graduate looking to jump into the construction industry at a company that hires for careers, not jobs. The dynamic role includes technical, field, and site administration duties based on project type and timeline. During the pursuit phase, the Construction Specialist will assist in reviewing documents, preparing deliverables, participating in pre‑bid site visits, and 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 and write General Conditions based on bidding document requirements, including staff, temporary facilities, security, and safety measures. In the planning and execution phase, the Construction Specialist will collaborate with the project team, subcontractors, client, owners, and all other stakeholders to ensure timely and safe project completion. Responsibilities include ensuring timely arrival and installation of materials and equipment, preparing and reviewing submittals of increasing complexity, issuing construction documents and layouts to field crews, answering questions, and completing requests for information. The Construction Specialist supervises and directs overall project activities of basic to moderate complexity, interprets specifications and drawings for foremen and superintendents, conducts inspections to maintain Quality Control reporting, and works with Health and Safety professionals to evaluate safety performance metrics of subcontractors and vendors as part of the procurement process. During project close‑out, the Construction Specialist will work with the Project Manager to complete contract‑required deliverables, finalize subcontract and purchase orders, develop final record drawings and as‑builts, and ensure all close‑out submittals are documented and approved. They will also assist in final inspections, punch list completion, and client satisfaction. Depending on project needs and after appropriate training, the Construction Specialist may work with the Project Manager and VDC team to develop project capability needs and a VDC plan, facilitating solutions through collaboration with design and project teams via VDC, Building Information Modeling, and traditional collaboration methods. The Construction Specialist will perform other tasks as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline. 0 years of related experience (equivalent directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree). Domestic and/or international travel may be required; frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties and project demands. Driver's License Requirements An appropriate and valid driver's license is required. Amount of Travel Required 20% 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. EEO Statement 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, or genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Background Check and Drug Testing Information CDM Smith reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, credit, and motor vehicle checks (where applicable). Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States and before employment. For positions outside the United States, the timing of background checks will vary based on country statutory law, but in no case will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal history, may be required for employment. Criminal history alone will not automatically disqualify a candidate. During employment, individuals may also be required to complete additional background checks including motor vehicle record and drug testing. #J-18808-Ljbffr CDM Smith