Dow Process Operations Intern - Plaquemine, LA

Location: Plaquemine (LA, USA)

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place.

About you and this role

Dow has an exciting internship opportunity available in Plaquemine, Louisiana. Do you prefer a manufacturing role where you are able to work as an independent contributor on an empowered team? In this role, you will work in an integrated process operating environment where every day is unique.  You will also be able to work in a team environment and be responsible for safely producing and ensuring high operational reliability to achieve plant and business goals. In this position you will operate assigned equipment and areas of the plant and perform operations-related activities following the plant work processes. You will utilize your chemical manufacturing knowledge and experience to run and troubleshoot the plant in a safe, reliable and efficient manner, working in a team environment where individuals often set priorities, and complete work activities with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities - Duties, projects, tasks, and activities you would be responsible for in this role

Shadowing/supporting Operating Technicians

Following Operating Discipline principles, procedures and practices to help ensure safe and efficient operation of assigned plant areas.

Making rounds with an operator and assisting in taking readings and field-checking process equipment.

Monitoring process conditions, equipment and control systems.

Performing tasks under the direct supervision/direction of an experienced operator.

Participating in troubleshooting unit upsets and abnormalities.

Witnessing the work permit system, learn about Environmental, Health & Safety systems as well as emergency preparedness.

Demonstrating Dow's global competencies showing: cooperative and active participation in operations activities, willingness and enthusiasm to learn about the facility, ability to apply self to effectively help and support operations.

Working in a team environment where individuals often set priorities and complete work activities with little or no direction from a manager/supervisor, the Intern is responsible for:

Being self-motivated with high standards of personal integrity.

Having a strong work ethic and being able to remain productive in an empowered team environment.

Having good technical skills to learn how to operate both manual and highly automated equipment.

Having the desire to learn and grow technical skills to stay current with new automation and technology.

Being able to effectively work with others. Candidates must be able and are expected to effectively communicate, share information, in a respectful and professional manner.

Being able to demonstrate leadership behaviors - setting high standards of personal excellence and demonstrating these behaviors in work habits including safe work behaviors, work ethic, etc.

Qualifications - Required education, experience and abilities that are needed for this role (must haves)

High School Diploma or GED and 1 or more of the following is required: A minimum of 5 or more years of Industrial experience as a skilled maintenance craftsman or truck/barge/rail loader.

Enrolled in your last semester of a Process Technology (PTEC) Associates degree program and have at least a 2.7 cumulative GPA OR graduated in the last 2 years with 2.7 cumulative GPA.

A minimum of 3 or more years of relevant military experience.

A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.

Preferred Skills

Technical Aptitude in Chemical Manufacturing: Ability to operate and troubleshoot manual and automated equipment in a chemical plant environment.

Safety and Environmental Awareness: Familiarity with Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) systems, emergency preparedness, and safe work behaviors.

Team Collaboration and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in empowered teams and communicate respectfully and professionally.

Self-Motivation and Integrity: Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and high standards of personal integrity in independent and team settings.

Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Ability to identify and resolve process upsets and abnormalities, contributing to operational reliability.

Adaptability and Willingness to Learn: Enthusiasm for learning new technologies and growing technical skills, especially in automation.

Physical Stamina and Compliance: Capability to meet physical demands such as lifting, climbing, and working in confined spaces while adhering to PPE requirements.

Physical Requirements

Able to meet the following physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations:

Lift, push, and pull up to 55 lbs.

Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting

Stand 50% of the time.

Walk for extended periods of time

Work at heights, climb stairs and ladders.

Work in tight and closed in spaces.

Wear all required personal protective equipment, including but not limited to respirator.

Work in an area of intense or continuous noise.

Work in an area with hazardous materials.

Additional Notes

We do not offer relocation assistance for Dow jobs like this position. This includes reimbursement for travel expenses incurr