About the role#
The Safety Co-op position offers hands-on experience supporting project teams in maintaining a safe work environment. You will work alongside experienced safety professionals and operational leaders to gain exposure to construction safety practices, regulatory compliance, hazard recognition, and project safety planning. This role is designed for those interested in building a career in construction safety and fostering a culture where every employee returns home safely each day.
What you'll do#
- Assist Safety Specialists and project teams with implementing safety policies and procedures.
- Participate in project safety meetings, toolbox talks, and pre-task planning discussions.
- Conduct jobsite walkthroughs to identify potential hazards and opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with documenting safety inspections, observations, audits, and corrective actions.
- Support the development and maintenance of project safety plans, documentation, and training records.
- Help prepare and distribute safety communications, educational materials, and project updates.
- Observe field operations to learn how safety requirements apply to construction, mining, and plant activities.
- Assist with incident reporting and investigations.
- Support employee onboarding and orientation activities.
- Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, foremen, and craft professionals.
- Maintain accurate records and assist with data collection.
- Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Environmental Health and Safety, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
- Open to students of all levels, from freshman to senior standing.
- Demonstrated interest in workplace safety, construction, mining, or material manufacturing.
- Strong desire to learn safety principles and construction operations.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to build positive working relationships.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to take initiative, ask questions, and seek feedback.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to work outdoors and in active construction or plant environments.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Previous construction, industrial, or manufacturing experience is beneficial.
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction, CPR, First Aid, or AED certifications are preferred but not required.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid position with a rolling term.
- Work is on-site at project locations or facilities across our operating geography, including Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Indiana, Virginia, and Maryland.
- Sponsorship is not provided.
About Kokosing
Kokosing is a family-owned construction company founded in 1951. Based in Westerville, Ohio, the firm operates across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. It maintains a staff of over 1,200 employees. The company specializes in heavy civil projects, transportation infrastructure, and industrial services.
How to get in at Kokosing
Securing an internship at Kokosing requires speed because early applicants are often reviewed before the candidate pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, which helps you apply among the first. This advantage ensures your materials reach the team while they are still actively sorting through initial submissions. You can use this timing to your benefit by preparing your application materials well in advance of the peak hiring season. Beyond timing your application, reaching the recruiter directly often improves your response rate compared to submitting through a general portal. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the roles at Kokosing so you can reach out to ask about the position or a potential referral. Connecting with a human contact provides a clearer view of the team culture and shows you have done your research before the interview begins.
