What are the responsibilities and job description for the OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY CO-OP - Spring - Summer 2026 position at Packaging Corporation of America?
As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers - large and small - package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.
People * Customers * Trust
We seek resumes for an Occupational Health & Safety Co-op (Spring & Summer 2026) at the Valdosta, GA. Paper Mill.
Principal Accountabilities:
Develop & implement training and evaluation programs for accident prevention.
Conduct site safety audits.
Make recommendations for compliance with occupational & environmental safety regulations, health, and fire Prevention.
Work with employees to implement accident prevention measures.
Prepare reports to update the Valdosta Mill's Noise Control Plan based on information collected using sound level meters/noise dosimetry instruments.
Complete inventory of emergency response and mitigation systems by applying bar
Code technology for developing an internal inspection program (fire sprinkler system control valves, fire extinguishers, emergency eyewash /showers, etc.
Conduct contractor "work in progress audits."
Conduct monthly inspections of ladders, eyewash/showers, and fire extinguishers.
Position Requirements:
PCA's paper mills operate on a continuous basis - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Candidates for this position must be able to occasionally work long hours and all shifts. During annual outages - typically two (2) times per year for a duration of seven (7) consecutive days - and during unscheduled shutdowns, all employees are scheduled to work 12-hour shifts.
Basic Qualifications:
Must be a student in good standing with the University, currently enrolled majoring in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental or equivalent applicable Safety program.
The student will either have completed the Freshman year or the Freshman year when co-op begins and express interest in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing as a career.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required; you must pass a drug screen and be eligible to work in the US full-time.
Preferred Qualifications:
Pulp & Paper industry or manufacturing experience preferred
Experience in the occupational health & safety field.
The successful candidate must possess the following Knowledge, Skills, and abilities:
Ability to be able to work well under pressure and within time constraints, multi-task, and build sound relationships with both internal and external customers
Ability to exhibit excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and computer skills.
Capable of independently making sound decisions through creative problem-solving, ambiguity, and change
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously
Ability to read and understand technical correspondence, memos, instructions, and reports.
PCA provides a competitive, comprehensive benefits package.
PAY & BENEFITS:
$1000.00 Monthly Housing Stipend (if a student lives more than 50 miles from the facility)
1.5 pay over 40 hours in a week
Reasonable Reimbursement of Relocation to and from the co-op assignment
Educational Assistance Program - Co-op Fees
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Compensation and Benefits
$30.00 hr. Seniors, $29.00 hr. Juniors, $27.00 hr. Sophomores, $25.00 hr. Freshmen
Medical Insurance if eligible
Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer-provided matching contributions.
Paid Holidays
PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.
PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.