Industrial Engineering Intern

The Industrial Engineering Internship at TRDI

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.

1) CrossContract 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.

2) Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping

• Translate PWS service levels (e.g., mowing frequency and height limits; edging/trimming cadence; aeration, dethatching, 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.

3) 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.

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) 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).

9) 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.

10) 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