Co Op Human Rights Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview
Amsted Rail is a private, employee-owned, multi-billion-dollar global corporation and the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market. With operations across more than 40 locations worldwide, Amsted Rail leverages advanced manufacturing processes and engineering innovation to deliver high-performance, reliable solutions to customers across the globe.
Position Summary
The Human Resources & Safety Co-Op will work under the supervision of Human Resources leadership to support a variety of HR, safety, training, and employee development initiatives in a manufacturing facility. This role provides hands-on experience in a fast-paced industrial environment and offers exposure to recruiting, employee relations, labor relations, benefits administration, training systems, workforce analytics, safety compliance, and continuous improvement projects.
The Co-Op will gain practical experience supporting both hourly and salaried employees while working directly with plant leadership and operational teams.
Key Responsibilities
Human Resources
• Assist with recruiting activities including job postings, candidate screening, interview scheduling, career fairs, and onboarding.
• Support employee onboarding and orientation programs.
• Assist with maintenance of employee records and HRIS data.
• Prepare reports and analyze workforce metrics including attendance, turnover, overtime, and staffing trends.
• Support benefits enrollment, employee communications, and wellness initiatives.
• Support annual performance review processes and employee development programs.
• Assist with labor relations activities, grievance tracking, and collective bargaining agreement administration.
• Participate in employee engagement and recognition initiatives.
Training & Development
• Assist with administration and maintenance of the Learning Management System (LMS).
• Develop and update training materials, curricula, work instructions, and employee development programs.
• Track training completion and generate compliance reports.
Safety & Compliance
• Assist with safety audits, inspections, and compliance initiatives.
• Support development and revision of safety training programs.
• Assist with maintaining OSHA and safety-related records.
• Participate in incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action tracking.
• Support contractor safety and employee safety communication programs.
Minimum Qualifications
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Occupational Safety, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Availability to work approximately 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with spreadsheets and data analysis.
• Interest in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Employee Development, Safety, or Manufacturing Operations.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to perform tasks requiring a full range of motion, including bending, squatting, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to travel occasionally between facilities if required.
This position is designed to provide meaningful hands-on experience and develop candidates for future careers in Human Resources, Safety, Labor Relations, or Manufacturing Leadership.
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 notice from the Department of Labor.