Project Management Intern - Summer 2027

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

The Project Management Internship program is designed to provide interns with a balanced experience of the construction and engineering trades. In this role, the team member will gain exposure to construction and engineering methods and terminology both in the field and in the office. This team member in this position will gain familiarity with the design/build process and participate in a team approach to the design and construction of a project. They will also interact and understand the relationships between various parties of a construction contract including owners, engineers, project managers, subcontractors and suppliers. They will develop an understanding of the responsibilities of a Project Manager and Project Superintendent. This role typically reports to a Project Manager. Works under immediate supervision of the Project Superintendent.

This opportunity is designed for one summer and one semester, depending upon the ability and interest of the intern and his/her performance.
 

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Updating the Project Management and Engineering Staff on the progress of current construction projects through detailed progress reports and staff meetings.

• Monitoring construction activity at the construction site and checking for accuracy according to plans.

• Assisting the Project Manager and Project Superintendent in monitoring site construction safety.

• Monitoring project equipment and materials receiving. Work with the Project Manager, Supply Chain Management, Project Superintendent and Warehouse Manager to increase receiving and dispersal efficiency.

• Participation in project coordination meetings, pre-construction meetings, and other multifaceted personnel interfaces.

• Assisting in project commissioning, working with the internal start-up team, sub-contractors, and vendors.

• Fielding questions and communicating with the Project Managers and Project Superintendents and sub-contractors regarding, but not limited to, the following:

  • Construction sequencing

  • Delivery schedules, replacing lost parts, etc.

  • Drawing clarifications and corrections

  • Coordinating site laydown and work configuration for trades

• Monitoring project punch lists and work with the Project Manager, Project Superintendent and others to complete these tasks.

• Creating documents or tools to assist Project Management processes.

• Fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.

• Maintaining a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.

• At POET, we’re all on the same team.  We all help out with responsibilities that may not be specifically listed here.  

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Junior or Senior-level college student or recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in Engineering or Construction Management.

• Experience in the construction field or related areas of engineering preferred.

• Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the candidate’s particular engineering field.

• Must possess excellent scheduling, organizational, and budget management skills.

• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

• A high level of personal integrity

• Interpersonal skills – the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization

• Time management skills

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• The ability to embrace and promote change

• An innovative mindset

• The ability to think objectively

• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty

• The ability to work in a team environment

• Occasional travel will be required for progress inspections, project review, and site visits.

• The work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and at the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor helping your team members.

• Specific physical requirements may include:

  • Sitting for approximately 90% of the time while working on a personal computer.

  • Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds or less.

  • Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.

  • Occasionally bending, twisting, and turning while lifting weights of less than fifty (50) pounds.

  • Walking two (2) or more miles per day.

  • Working at heights, in confined spaces, and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.

  • Standing for extended periods of time.

  • Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.