Mission Statement

To enhance students' educational experience with hands-on work experience through educationally related learning opportunities. By combining theory learned in the classroom, with practical application and skill development on the job, we hope to enhance professional skills, and  develop leadership and maturity.

At its completion, it is our hope that the evolving relationship between student and company potentially leads to permanent/full-time working status.

Benefits of Program for Students

• Develop necessary skills and knowledge applicable to students’ interests in the field of construction. 
• Explore, through on-the-job experience, the career options related to their course work as well as verify their interest in this career of choice.
• Skills and working knowledge gained from the Co-Op program will enhance the student’s formal education.
• Build a relationship with the Company in which hard work, dedication, and knowledge potentially leads to a full-time position following college graduation. 

Requirements and Eligibility

• College students must be currently enrolled in a two or four-year university pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• It is strongly encouraged that students looking to Co-Op with Independence Excavating plan to do so for at least two terms. 

Independence Excavating has a GPA requirement of 2.8/4.0 scale. 

• Co-Ops at IX are required to work full-time, 40 + hour weeks, preferably when the student is taking a quarter/semester off of school. 
• Co-Ops are also required to be available for work involving travel outside of the state of Ohio for periods of time stretching from a few weeks to the entire length of their Co-Op with IX.  Any housing expense would be covered in full by the Company.
• The opportunity to be selected for a co-op position is largely determined by the qualifications presented in a resume as well as during an interview. 

Yearly Recruitment & Placement Schedule

Fall Co-Op: August - December

• Interview Phase: February - March 
• Final Selections: Mid-April

Spring Co-Op: January - May

• Interview Phase: September - October
• Final Selections: End of October

Summer Co-Op: May - August

• Interview Phase: October-December 
• Final Selections:  End of December

**Actual term schedules will be coordinated on an individual basis based on the schedule of each co-op and according to the business needs of the Company

Co-Op Positions

Estimating/Project Management Assistant

• Assist in project management and bid preparation
• Prepare RFI's, submittals, payment requisitions, change order requests
• Perform quantity takeoff (material, subs, and self-performed work)
• Solicit quotes from suppliers and subcontractors
• Assist PM in evaluating job costs
• Assist in developing and maintaining critical path schedules

Assistant Superintendent

• One and two-week look ahead schedules to verify all resources are available
• Perform takeoff for ordering materials
• Contact suppliers to schedule deliveries
• Calculate daily costs based on timesheet and work performed
• Compile extra work orders with the necessary backup
• Complete timesheets and daily reports

Surveying Assistant

• Work with AutoCAD to develop coordinates
• Set up GPS
• Perform layout with surveying crew; rodman

Safety

• Complete job site safety/compliance audits
• Assist in document sorting/filing
• Prepare SDS and Safety Manuals
• Assist in training/site orientation
• Provide needed safety items to jobs/crews
• Inventory safety equipment
• Log and track safety equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick the type of position I would fill as a Co-Op with IX?

Although we look for a student to fill the position that works best with their personality and skills, our positions are heavily based on project necessity and often can not be determined until shortly before one starts with IX.

If my first Co-Op is that of assisting in the Survey / GPS / Site — Layout Crew, is it possible that I would fill the same position on a second or third Co-Op with the Company?

Highly unlikely. We work to expose the Co-Op student with as many different roles within the Company in an effort to provide a broad experience. Both IX and the student can then get a better sense of his/her overall strengths and best fit.

In regards to my placement as a Co-Op, is any consideration given to my strengths, goals, or where I see my future in construction?

Yes, we try to place you in a "best fit" for all involved. Not everyone is a "field" or "office" person. Although our program is designed to give a co-op a well-rounded, broad experience with our company, we will strive to place you into a position that best reflects where you will be the most comfortable and productive.

Does the Company provide housing?

Out of town and housing needs are evaluated on an individual basis and are established in the position offer.  Living expenses may include a stipend or other expense reimbursement based on the individual co-op situation and job needs.  Out of town travel expenses are covered in accordance with the Company Handbook.