R&D OperationsWood Science Intern (Athol)

POSITION SUMMARY

The R&D / Operations Intern supports BRINCK research development and operations activities as the business moves from R&D toward production. The intern will help characterize the materials entering and leaving our process collect and record physical samples support testing and production runs and help develop quality control procedures. This on-site full-time summer internship is intended for an upper-division student in forest products wood science renewable materials or a related discipline. Each intern is also given one or more modest projects matched to their skills and interests and will gain practical experience working alongside engineers R&D staff and operations personnel.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Collect prepare label and measure physical samples of raw materials in-process material and finished product for research and quality control.
• Perform routine tests such as moisture content density particle size and dimensional measurements using established or standard (e.g. ASTM) methods.
• Accurately record measurements observations and process conditions in data sheets logbooks and spreadsheets.
• Assist with setting up operating and monitoring equipment during tests trials and production runs under the direction of R&D and operations staff.
• Help draft and refine test procedures sampling plans data forms and quality control standards as processes transition from R&D to operations.
• Organize and summarize data perform basic analysis and report findings through short written summaries charts and presentations.
• Plan and complete one or more assigned projects suited to the interns skills and interests and present the results at the end of the internship.
• Maintain sample inventories retained samples and organized test records and photographs.
• Help keep laboratory pilot and production areas clean organized and safe including cleanup after tests and production runs.
• Follow all company safety procedures and site-specific requirements.
• Perform other duties as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelors degree program in Forest Products Wood Science Renewable Materials Forest Resources or a closely related discipline.
• Junior or senior standing.
• Completion of laboratory coursework that included taking and recording measurements analyzing results and reporting findings.
• Ability to work full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) for the duration of the summer internship.
• Must reside within reasonable commuting distance of Athol Idaho (Coeur dAlene or Post Falls Idaho or Spokane Washington) during the internship and be able to report to the assigned work location on-site.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word Excel and PowerPoint.
• Careful detail-oriented approach to measurement and record-keeping.
• Self-motivated dependable and organized and willing to do hands-on work including running equipment and cleanup.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with engineers R&D staff operations personnel and technicians.
• Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test post-offer pre-employment physical and background check.
• Valid drivers license with acceptable motor vehicle history for business travel in a company vehicle.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Coursework in wood anatomy wood physics and moisture relations wood chemistry drying wood composites or biodeterioration.
• Coursework in statistics or experimental design.
• Previous laboratory mill manufacturing forestry agricultural or other industrial experience.
• Experience with laboratory instruments such as balances moisture meters ovens or data acquisition equipment.
• Interest in quality control process improvement or renewable products.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to sit and/or stand for portions of the workday reach with hands and arms stoop squat bend at the waist kneel walk varying distances and climb stairs.

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs - occasional
• Bend twist stoop or kneel - occasional to frequent
• Repetitive use of hands - frequent for sampling measuring testing and computer work
• Stand/walk - frequent
• Sit - occasional to frequent depending on assignment
• Vision - near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing - preferred for awareness of machinery mobile equipment and emergencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work may be performed in office laboratory fabrication shop pilot plant and industrial environments. The employee must be able to tolerate varying weather loud noise airborne particles such as sawdust moving equipment and other industrial conditions. Required personal protective equipment and safety procedures must be followed at all times.

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability protected veteran status age genetic information family medical history or any other status protected by law.

Required Experience:

Intern