Environmental Intern (HSES), Summer 2027

Location: Pasadena, TX

About the Company

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Founded in 1926, Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Team members are dedicated to expanding the business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability. As part of Kuraray America, Inc., the team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. International presence and resources allow Kuraray to be a world-leading innovator, yet despite its size, people are more than just a number. New team members earn responsibility quickly. The commitment to people is visible in a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment. In 2026, Kuraray celebrates its 100th anniversary with local and global events, storytelling campaigns, and sustainability initiatives reflecting its legacy and future vision. Interns are encouraged to participate in commemorative projects and anniversary events.

About the Role

The Environmental Intern will support environmental compliance efforts across multiple industrial chemical sites in the Houston area. This role involves both office-based and fieldwork responsibilities, including conducting inspections and audits, reviewing and updating compliance documentation, and assisting in the development of environmental programs. The intern will also create and manage databases and file systems, while engaging with personnel at all levels of the organization—from engineers and operations staff to senior leadership. The paid internship will be 13 weeks in duration for the summer of 2027 with flexible start dates. Student interns must be able to work full-time. No housing will be provided as part of the internship.

Responsibilities

• Work proficiently in an office setting as well as outdoors in an industrial chemical facility
• Perform inspections and audits
• Support Health and Safety Managers with compliance and improvement initiatives
• Review and update compliance documents
• Develop and improve environmental compliance at multiple sites within the Houston area
• Create databases and file systems
• Interact with all levels in the organization including engineers, operations, and leadership

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university
• Pursuing a degree in STEM or Environmental Science
• Completed at least two years of college education before beginning internship
• Strong academic performance: minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA and extracurricular achievement
• Demonstrated communication and leadership skills
• Knowledge of Excel and Power BI
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven track record of adaptability, innovation, initiative, and integrity
• Must have legal U.S. working authorization to participate in the program
• Must successfully pass pre-employment screening process
• Must be at least 18 years of age

Competencies

• Customer Focus — Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
• Business Insight — Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals
• Cultivates Innovation — Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful
• Action Oriented — Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
• Ensures Accountability — Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Drives Results — Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Collaborates — Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Values Difference — Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively — Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
• Courage — Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
• Instills Trust — Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Situational Adaptability — Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations

Schedule

Paid internship, 13 weeks during summer 2027 with flexible start dates. Full-time commitment required. No housing provided.