Safety Intern Summer 2027

People • Customers • Trust

At Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), we think of ourselves as more than a box manufacturer. We are an ideas and solutions company. We seek to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. It just happens to be that corrugated products are our area of expertise.

At PCA, you’ll find the best people in the industry operating in a “golden rule” culture. We actively promote mutually rewarding relationships with each other and our customers by advocating respect for every individual, ethical and fair practices, and the highest standards in what we say and do. PCA is proud to have a highly skilled and experienced team leading the way.

As one of the largest producers of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the U.S., PCA offers customers broad expertise and economies of scale, while our multiple plant locations let us rapidly meet the local needs of our customers.

Counce, TN Mill Intern Occupational Health and Safety

This position is for a summer intern starting May 2027 with the understanding that you sign up through the co-op program at your university.

The purpose of this position is to develop and implement programs for accident prevention: conduct site safety audits; make recommendations for compliance with regulations pertaining to occupational and environmental safety, health and fire prevention; and work with employees to implement accident prevention measures.

Responsibilities include:

As a safety intern you will work to evaluate, anticipate and implement controls and processes for risk reduction and accident prevention. Under the direction of a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Health and Safety team you will conduct site safety audits; make recommendations for compliance with regulations pertaining to occupational and environmental safety, health and fire prevention; and work with employees to implement control measures. You will have an opportunity to work with noise and air monitoring equipment, auditing tools and become familiar with permitting processes such as confined space and hot work activities. You will interface with the entire mill and be asked to communicate with all levels within the organization, from engineers to operators working with the equipment to gain a better understanding of work practices and analyze specific situations. You will be able to work with others to generate presentations or presentable information for specific audiences.

The co-op will work at the Counce, TN mill with the Mill Health & Safety group.

Safety auditing and inspections

Special projects

Working around the PSM areas

Learn and improve safety systems in place

Noise and air monitoring

Create and present on safety topics

Basic Qualifications:

Must have completed 2 years of course work with a 3.0 GPA towards a BA/BS degree majoring in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field with a 3.0 minimum GPA and must be a permanent U.S. resident.  

Preferred: Students that sign up for interviews through University during the Career Fairs and On-Campus Interview days will be given first consideration.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories