Safety Intern

Donaldson; Nicholasville (KY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Donaldson is seeking an Environmental, Health and Safety Intern to support our manufacturing operations in Nicholasville, KY. You will work with the EHS team to promote a safe workplace, perform inspections, recordkeeping, and help implement corrective actions.

You will gain hands‑on experience through real‑world projects, mentorship, and exposure to regulatory compliance within a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred.
• Familiarity with workplace safety principles and OSHA basics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in routine safety inspections and departmental safety walks.
• Help identify unsafe conditions, behaviors, and opportunities for improvement.
• Document inspection findings and assist with tracking corrective actions.
• Support incident and near‑miss investigations, including gathering information.
• Assist with updating safety procedures, forms, and training materials.
• Coordinate and document employee safety training and maintain EHS records.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Independent yet collaborative

Floor/workplace safety mindset

Education

Pursuing degree in OSH/EHS/Industrial Hygiene/Environmental Science/Engineering

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Outlook

Job description

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.

The Donaldson internship program provides innovative students with meaningful, hands‑on experience in a collaborative industry environment. Through real‑world projects, mentorship, and development opportunities, we aim to support career growth and build a talent pipeline aligned with our values and goals. Qualified candidates for this internship must be able to work an on‑site schedule at our Nicholasville, KY manufacturing location.

The Safety Intern will support the Environmental, Health and Safety department in promoting a safe and compliant workplace. This position provides hands‑on experience with safety inspections, employee training, incident prevention, regulatory compliance, recordkeeping, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

The intern will work closely with the EHS Manager, supervisors, and employees to identify workplace hazards and help implement practical corrective actions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in routine safety inspections and departmental safety walks.
• Help identify unsafe conditions, behaviors, and opportunities for improvement.
• Document inspection findings and assist with tracking corrective actions through completion.
• Support incident and near‑miss investigations, including gathering information and documenting findings.
• Assist with reviewing and updating safety procedures, policies, forms, and training materials.
• Help coordinate and document employee safety training.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper EHS records.
• Assist with audits of PPE, emergency equipment, first‑aid supplies, eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, and spill‑response materials.
• Support programs related to hazard communication, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, powered industrial trucks, ergonomics, hearing conservation, respiratory protection, and emergency preparedness.
• Assist with safety communication materials, including safety stand‑downs, daily start‑ups, and awareness campaigns.
• Enter and analyze safety data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Attend safety committee meetings and assist with meeting documentation and follow‑up items.
• Observe manufacturing operations to gain an understanding of workplace hazards and controls.
• Support environmental and hazardous‑waste activities as assigned.
• Participate in continuous‑improvement projects that reduce workplace risk.
• Perform other EHS‑related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled undergraduate sophomore/2nd year (rising junior).
• Basic knowledge of workplace safety principles and OSHA regulations preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with employees at all levels.
• Willingness to spend time on the manufacturing floor and learn about industrial processes.
• Must demonstrate a positive attitude and a genuine interest in employee safety.
• Minimum 3.0 out of 4.0 cumulative GPA.

Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:

Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).

Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.

Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.