INTERN/CO-OP ENVIRONMENTAL Spring 2027

PCA

Posted 2 months ago

Internship

Filer City, Michigan

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

The intern will assist the environmental department with daily emissions monitoring, sample collection, and chemical analysis to ensure mill compliance. They will also support the maintenance of spill prevention supplies and assist with environmental plan reviews and records management.

Qualifications

This co-op position is for students pursuing a Chemical Engineering or Environmental Sciences degree. Key responsibilities include assisting with environmental compliance, sample collection and analysis, and maintaining environmental records. Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills are required, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Job Description

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

The primary function of the co-op student will be to assist the environmental department in the completion of tasks that contribute to the efficient and cost-effective operation of the paper mill that maintains compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.

Responsibilities include:

  • Review of daily emissions monitoring with Environmental Manager.
  • Monthly collection and shipment of samples throughout the mill for chemical analysis.
  • Sample collection and analysis of mill sewer point discharges.
  • Maintenance and upkeep of mill spill prevention and control supplies.
  • Assistance with treatment plant lab upkeep and standard operating and troubleshooting procedures review.
  • Assistance with reviewing environmental plans and editing when appropriate.
  • Assistance with records retention.

Educational Requirements/Qualifications:

Must be currently enrolled student majoring in Chemical Engineering or Environmental Sciences (e.g. Chemistry, Biology) at Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, or Michigan Tech University and have completed the freshman year but not surpassed senior status.  A minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 is required and you must be eligible to work in the US on a full time basis.  

Abilities/Skills:

Strong written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills are essential. Candidate must display maturity and a high level of professionalism.

Employer Expectations:

The Co-op student must take ownership of his work.  The ability to work with other lab personnel, operators, and supervisors is a requirement.  A positive work attitude is essential.

Housing/Relocation Information for a Co-op Intern:

A housing stipend may be offered up to $1,000 grossed-up per month if necessary.

PCA will reimburse the student for the move to their new housing upon starting the co-op position and return to school. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Starting salary for position: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour.  
  • Paid Holidays.
  • Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
  • 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.
  • Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

PCA

PCA is the third-largest producer of containerboard in the United States and a leading producer of uncoated freesheet in North America. PCA’s net sales for 2025 were $9 billion. The company’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Forest, Illinois. We have approximately 16,800 employees with operations throughout the United States including ten mills and 91 corrugated product plants & related facilities. PCA’s Paper segment operates under the trade name Boise Paper, a Division of Packaging Corporation of America. We manufacture and sell white papers, including both commodity and specialty papers. PCA combines great products with a creative and knowledgeable total-service team to provide ideas and solutions for any packaging need: "When you choose Packaging Corporation of America, you work with people who do the right things for each other and for our customers. We believe in utilizing the power of strong collaborative relationships, bound by the trust we have earned, to deliver innovative packaging solutions and an outstanding service experience."​
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