Safety & Process Improvement Intern

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world. We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Come grow with us!

This role is not a remote opportunity.  

Scope:

Heartland Food Products Group is looking for a highly motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented Safety and Process Improvement Intern to support our Safety team within our food manufacturing facilities. The unique cross-functional internship will provide hands-on learning opportunity supporting both Environmental, Heath, & Safety (EHS) initiatives and Engineering projects. The intern will gain practical safety and engineering experience by assisting in projects which will reduce or eliminate identified hazards within the workplace therefore reducing the overall risk levels associated with such hazards. 

This role is ideal for a student who is passionate about workplace safety and working to achieve a safer work environment primarily through engineered solutions. 

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

General Responsibilities: 

• Follow and utilize occupational and food safety regulations and security guidelines while also adhering to current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) in the execution and delivery of assigned internship projects, tasks, and duties. 
• Being able to fulfill internship assignments with high level of independence utilizing EHS management for guidance, training and directive. 
• Utilize multi-departmental and cross-functional collaborative efforts as needed to ensure completion of assignments. 
• All other duties as assigned. 

Safety Responsibilities may Include: 

• Assist with the development, implementation, and review of EHS policies, procedures, and programs in alignment with regulation. 
• Assist with the identification of safety hazards, inspections and audits to identify potential hazards or non-compliance. 
• Participate in incident investigations and root cause analysis; track and follow up on corrective actions. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, production, quality, maintenance, training, etc.) to promote a safety-first culture. 
• Support safety training initiatives by developing toolbox talks, safety alert materials, etc. 
• All other safety duties as assigned. 

Engineering Responsibilities may Include: 

• Assisting engineers with the inclusion of regulatory and company standard safety components within capital projects, equipment upgrades and modifications, preventive maintenance programs, etc. 
• Aiding in the awareness of the need for engineered solutions through completion of hazard assessments such as JHAs and risk assessments, ergonomics evaluations, machine guarding reviews, etc. 
• All other safety-related engineering duties as assigned. 

What You’ll Gain: 

• Real-world exposure to EHS and Engineering challenges and management practices in a regulated food manufacturing environment. 
• Experience working cross-functionally with EHS, Engineering, Quality, Operations, Maintenance and Training teams. 
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful and impactful projects that support ongoing employee safety. 
• Mentorship, professional development and networking opportunities through interactions with experienced EHS and Engineering professionals. 

Qualifications: 

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• An interest in safety compliance, engineering systems, manufacturing processes and food safety.
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word): AutoCAD or SolidWorks experience is a plus. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently or as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking/problem solving skills. 
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Very task oriented. 
• Self-motivated. 

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to work seated using a computer and phone for long periods of time.
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records
• Continuous walking throughout Heartland facilities and properties, indoors and outdoors and in variable environmental conditions. 
• Must be able to work at heigh and be willing to operate scissor lifts as needed to complete project tasks. 
• Ability to lift 40 pounds