Industrial Engineering Intern

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Description

The Industrial Engineering Internship at TRDI offers hands-on experience in improving processes across grounds maintenance, landscaping/tree care, custodial services, food services, and minor construction projects. This internship provides hands on exposure to operational analysis, quality control, and compliance in a multi site service environment. Interns will assist with data collection, workflow documentation, and improvement initiatives under the guidance of experienced engineers and project managers.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Collection & Analysis
• Conduct time studies and collect productivity data for grounds, custodial, and food service tasks.
• Assist in route optimization and crew balancing exercises using provided templates.
• Process Documentation
• Help create standard work instructions, visual job aids, and checklists for recurring tasks.
• Update asset logs and preventive maintenance records in TRDI’s CMMS system.
• Quality & Compliance Support
• Participate in site inspections and audits; record findings and assist with corrective action tracking.
• Verify documentation for safety protocols, PPE usage, and chemical handling compliance.
• Continuous Improvement Projects
• Support kaizen events and brainstorming sessions for efficiency improvements.
• Prepare simple KPI dashboards and weekly summary reports for supervisors.
• Cross‑Contract Process Optimization
• Perform field studies (time‑motion, crew balance, route and layout analysis) to standardize tasks and set takt/beat rates for recurring activities (e.g., mowing, edging, pruning, floor care turns, dining hall flows).
• Create Standard Work with visual work instructions, checklists, and job aids; establish daily/weekly work plans aligned to each contract’s PWS and service level standards.
• Facilitate kaizen/rapid improvement events to remove bottlenecks, reduce travel and idle time, and improve equipment utilization.
• Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping
• Translate PWS service levels (e.g., mowing frequency and height limits; edging/trimming cadence; aeration, de‑thatching, fertilization schedules) into executable work standards and inspection criteria.
• Optimize mowing routes using crew/equipment capacity, acreage mix, and terrain; set productivity baselines and trigger thresholds for corrective action.
• Arboriculture & Vegetation Control
• Ensure tree pruning and ornamental tree maintenance is performed by certified arborists and that all arboricultural operations follow OSHA and ANSI Z133 safe‑work practices.
• Verify that pesticide/herbicide applicators possess the State of Texas certifications required by contract; maintain licensing records and training logs.
• Develop task plans (e.g., crown raising, structural pruning, hazard limb removal) with risk controls, equipment lists, and debris handling workflows.
• Custodial/Housekeeping Operations
• Align custodial processes and audits to industry frameworks (e.g., ISSA CIMS), customer scorecards, and internal QC plans; build sampling plans and control charts for key areas (restrooms, floors, touch points).
• Standardize floor care cycles (strip, scrub, burnish), PDPs, and inspection routes; reduce rework through root‑cause analysis and targeted training.
• Food Services Support
• Map service flows (receiving, prep, line service, sanitation, waste streams); set labor standards per meal period; optimize back‑of‑house layouts for safety and efficiency.
• Implement temperature‑control checks, cleaning schedules, and HACCP‑aligned routines as contract requirements dictate.
• Safety & Compliance
• Partner with Safety to develop Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs) and pre‑task plans; ensure PPE, equipment guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures are implemented where applicable.
• Conduct field audits for arboriculture, pesticide application, equipment operation, and custodial chemical handling, close compliance gaps with training and procedural updates.
• Subcontractor & Workforce Optimization
• Define subcontractor scopes and measurable deliverables (e.g., tree service, berm maintenance) aligned to PWS; support RFQ development and technical reviews.
• Model staffing levels, shift patterns, and crew mixes; establish productivity baselines and incentives; assist HR/PMs with onboarding and cross‑training plans.
• Asset, Fleet & Equipment Efficiency
• Use TRDI’s asset templates/CMMS to capture equipment data (utilization, PM adherence, downtime) and drive repair‑vs‑replace decisions.
• Coordinate with Fleet/Telematics providers to reduce idle time, optimize dispatch, and improve safety and compliance (e.g., driver behavior, geofencing).
• Data, Reporting & Communication
• Build weekly KPI packs for PMs and the Director of Operations: service‑level compliance, quality scores, safety indicators, productivity, cost variances, and equipment uptime.
• Maintain risk logs, issue lists, and change trackers; lead performance reviews with customer reps and internal stakeholders.
• Training & Continuous Improvement
• Develop site training modules (standard work, safety, equipment operation, inspection methods); deliver toolbox talks and skill refreshers.
• Support readiness for audits (customer, internal QC, standards) with current documentation, evidence trails, and improvement backlogs.
  
  

Learning Objectives

• Gain practical experience applying Lean/Six Sigma principles in real-world service operations.
• Understand Performance Work Statement (PWS) requirements and compliance frameworks (e.g., ISSA CIMS, OSHA, ANSI Z133).
• Develop skills in data analysis, process mapping, and quality management.
  
  

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Basic knowledge of process improvement tools and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to work in both office and field environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with diverse teams.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma concepts (Green Belt coursework a plus).
• Interest in facilities management, grounds maintenance, or custodial operations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
  
  

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to work outdoors during site visits; walk/stand for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs; PPE provided for field activities.
  
  

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to travel to job-sites in nine states, Must be centrally located near the following cities:
• Corpus Christi, TX
• Killen, Tx
• Rio Grande Valley, TX
• San Antonio, TX
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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