Environmental, Health & Safety Intern - Summer 2025

POET • Internship • Big Stone City, South Dakota • 1m ago

ABOUT POET

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 years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in biobased products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and perks including;

A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
Safety and cold weather gear, and more!

ABOUT POET BIOPROCESSING

Our 33 bioprocessing facilities produce 3 billion gallons of bioethanol, 14 billion pounds of POET Dried Distillers Grain animal feed and nearly 1 billion pounds of POET Distillers Corn Oil. That’s a lot of product! We also provide plant-based products like CO2 for the food and beverage industry and purified alcohol for use in products ranging from food and beverage ingredients and personal care products to cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and industrial bioethanol. POET also produces JIVE, a product that contributes to more sustainable roadways by using plant-based ingredients to help recycle old asphalt. We also buy over 930 million bushels of corn per year from local producers. It is our role at POET Bioprocessing to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable operations at each facility.

JOB SUMMARY

The Environmental, Health & Safety Intern will assist the POET Bioprocessing supporting the

safe/efficient operation of the bioprocessing facilities while meeting environmental requirements and providing a safe work environment. The Environmental, Health & Safety Intern will be responsible for analyzing data and permits, developing reports, suggesting improvements or modifications, facilitating the implementation of environmental projects, assisting with implementing OSHA safety programs, root cause analyses data reviews, and implementing Process Safety Management. The intern must be able to effectively work in a team environment both on site with the operations team as well as with contacts at the bioprocessing facilities.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY (IF THERE IS ONE)…

Assist with the environmental, health and safety compliance of POET Bioprocessing facilities.
Complete analysis of permit conditions and limitations. Develop tools that summarize the permit conditions and limitations for management use in operations decision making.
Recommend improvements or modifications to Bioprocessing facility permits.
Develop implementation plans for continuous improvement projects.
Develop and prepare procedures for PSM program.
Assist with Health and Safety training.
Assist safety teams with program updates.
Travel to bioprocessing will be required for training, compliance assistance, and meetings.
Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Junior or Senior level student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, environmental or safety program.
Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to embrace change.
You communicate effectively in writing and in person.
You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN POET

At POET we believe in recognizing team member contributions as they add value to the organization. Team member skills and contributions are frequently assessed and recognized through incentives and title progression. New team member titles and pay are determined considering their qualifications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Culture is king at POET. 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.
Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements at all times and in all work environments. This position is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, as well as an office environment. The team member may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals.
Some travel may be required.
Specific physical requirements may include:
- Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds.
- Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.
- Opening valves.
- Occasionally bending, twisting and turning while lifting weight of less than fifty (50) pounds.
- Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.
- Walking up to two (2) or more miles per day.
- Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
- Working at heights, in confined spaces and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
- Standing for extended periods of time.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.