Description
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) Cross-Contract 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, de-thatching, 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
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
