Safety Intern

Interstates Companies; Sioux Center (IA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from safety professionals

Career coaching

Hands-on safety experience

National opportunities

Per diem and travel pay

Company discount program

Team celebrations

Post-graduation opportunities

Job summary

Interstates is offering a Safety Intern position designed to expose you to hands-on construction and manufacturing safety. You’ll work with Safety Managers, Technicians, and field crews, applying safety principles in real projects and logging outcomes for continuous improvement.

You’ll learn hazard recognition, job hazard analyses, pre-task planning, and incident documentation while developing your network and practical field skills in a summer internship that could lead to future opportunities

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Safety, or a related field.
• Interest in construction, manufacturing, electrical, or industrial safety.
• OSHA 10 certification preferred; may be obtained during internship.

Responsibilities

• Spend 80-90% of time at active construction sites or manufacturing locations assisting safety processes.
• Conduct safety observations, inspections, site audits, and hazard assessments.
• Review pre-job assessments and equipment inspections.
• Assist with toolbox talks, foreman meetings, onboarding, and safety training.
• Identify hazards and reinforce PPE and safe work practices.
• Support incident and near-miss investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Maintain safety documentation including JHAs, permits, inspections, and reports.
• Collaborate with field teams to strengthen Interstates' safety culture.
• Assist with first-aid training and site first-aid activities as trained.
• Complete a safety-related project adding value to the team.

Skills

Strong communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

Occupational Safety / Industrial Safety (degree pursuit)

Job description

At Interstates, we don't just show up to work, we show up for each other. From our headquarters in Iowa to job sites across the country, we're doing award-winning electrical, controls, automation, and OT work that powers industrial facilities for clients here in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you're bending conduit, wiring panels, writing code, supporting projects, or helping things run behind the scenes, you'll be part of a crew that works hard, shares laughs, and takes pride in doing quality work. We believe in building strong teams, doing the right thing, and making a difference in the communities where we live. If you want to grow and do meaningful work, you'll feel at home here.

Help Build a Safer Future-Starting with Your Career

At Interstates, safety is more than a checklist-it is how we care for our people, serve our clients, and pursue a better way to work.

As a Safety Intern, you'll gain hands-on experience in construction and manufacturing safety while working alongside experienced Safety Managers, Safety Technicians, supervisors, and craft professionals. You'll spend most of your time in the field, applying what you've learned in the classroom, building your professional network, and helping ensure everyone returns home safely.

What You'll Do

• Spend approximately 80-90% of your time supporting active construction sites or manufacturing locations.
• Conduct safety observations, inspections, site audits, and hazard assessments.
• Review pre-job assessments and equipment inspections.
• Assist with toolbox talks, foreman meetings, onboarding, and safety training.
• Identify hazards and reinforce PPE, safe work practices, and site requirements.
• Support incident and near-miss investigations and participate in root-cause analysis.
• Maintain accurate safety documentation, including JHAs, permits, inspections, and reports.
• Collaborate with field teams to strengthen Interstates' safety culture.
• Assist with first-aid training and site first-aid activities, as appropriately trained and authorized.
• Complete a safety-related project or learning objective that adds value to the team.

What You'll Learn

This internship will help you develop practical experience in:

• Construction and manufacturing safety processes
• Hazard recognition and risk assessment
• Job Hazard Analyses and pre-task planning
• Safety observations and site inspections
• Incident and near-miss documentation
• Root-cause analysis
• Safety training and employee engagement
• Communication with field leaders, crews, and clients

What We're Looking For

• Currently pursuing a degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Safety, or a related field.
• Interest in construction, manufacturing, electrical, or industrial safety.
• Basic understanding of safety principles through coursework or previous experience.
• Strong communication, organization, and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, accept feedback, and speak up about safety concerns.
• Ability to work effectively with employees at all levels.
• Willingness to work occasional weekends, as project schedules require.
• OSHA 10 certification preferred; it may be obtained during the internship.

Previous construction or manufacturing experience is helpful but not required. We're looking for students who are curious, dependable, collaborative, and committed to helping others work safely.

Travel: Approximately 80-90%; interns are typically assigned to one U.S. location for the summer

Opportunities: National Construction and Manufacturing

Why Intern at Interstates?

At Interstates, you'll be treated as a team member-not just an intern. You'll receive:

• Mentorship from experienced safety professionals
• Career coaching and professional development
• Hands-on experience on real projects
• Opportunities in national construction and manufacturing
• Per diem and travel pay, as applicable
• Company discount program
• Team celebrations and community outreach opportunities
• Potential opportunities to continue your career with Interstates after graduation

A Safety Culture with Proven Results

Interstates is committed to a Zero Injury culture, where every employee plays a role in creating a safe workplace. Our safety performance has earned recognition including ABC National Safety Excellence Awards, ABC STEP Diamond Awards, CURT Construction Industry Safety Excellence Awards, and NSC Safest Companies with Distinction awards.

In 2024, Interstances reported an EMR of 0.54, TRIR of 0.79, and DART of 0.37-results made possible by the daily commitment of our field leaders, craft professionals, safety teams, and support staff.

What You Should Know Before You Apply

Interstates may collect personal information as part of your job application, such as your contact details, work history, education, and any information you provide. This information is used only for recruitment, to evaluate your candidacy, and to meet legal requirements. For details about our privacy practices and your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please see ourPrivacy Policy. By applying, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this notice.

Interstates is an EEO provider and offers a drug‑free workplace. Employment at Interstates is at‑will and may be terminated at any time with or without notice or cause, except as otherwise provided by law.