If you’re searching for an entry-level opportunity in health and safety careers within Johannesburg, the EHS Officer Intern role at Johnson Controls could be the perfect start. This position is designed for recent graduates or early-career professionals who are passionate about safety, compliance, and protecting people in the workplace.
With structured training, hands-on site exposure, and the chance to grow within a global company, this internship offers much more than just work experience — it’s a launchpad into a long-term career in occupational health and safety.
Why This EHS Officer Internship is Worth Considering
Finding a meaningful first role in the environment, health, and safety (EHS) field can be tough. Many companies require years of experience before they give you a chance. Johnson Controls is breaking that mold by opening the door to graduates with little to no experience (0–1 years) who are eager to learn and make an impact.
- Professional growth: With a SAMTRAC qualification required, this role is tailored to individuals who want to put their studies into practice and build a career in occupational health and safety.
- Zero Harm culture: At Johnson Controls, safety is not a box-ticking exercise — it’s a philosophy. You’ll be part of a culture that values continuous improvement and prioritizes people’s wellbeing.
- Structured balance of tasks: Roughly 20% of your time will be dedicated to audits, another 20% to training, and 60% to documentation and admin, giving you well-rounded exposure to the role.
In short, if you’re a graduate in Johannesburg with a passion for workplace safety, this internship is worth applying for.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global leader in smart buildings, energy efficiency, and integrated solutions, with a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and sustainability. Joining the team means becoming part of a worldwide company that invests in its people, values innovation, and builds safer environments. For an aspiring health and safety professional, this is a chance to train with the best.
Key Responsibilities of the EHS Officer Intern
As an EHS Officer Intern, your role will cover both technical safety requirements and people-focused responsibilities. You’ll be working across project sites in Johannesburg and will gain practical experience in the following areas:
- Safety Inductions
- Conduct clear and engaging safety inductions for new employees, visitors, and subcontractors.
- Safety File Management
- Compile, update, and maintain safety files.
- Record and update data in the EHSIS system on a weekly basis to ensure accurate compliance records.
- Risk Identification and Training
- Lead training sessions to build safety awareness among teams.
- Identify potential risks on-site and take proactive steps to address them.
- Site Inspections and Audits
- Perform safety audits and site inspections to identify hazards and areas for improvement.
- Supporting Safety Culture
- Promote the company’s Zero Harm philosophy — a commitment to creating workplaces free from injuries and risks.
- Encourage positive behaviors and hold teams accountable for safety compliance.
- Administrative Support
- Review Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) plans.
- Assist in completing and updating risk assessments.
- Manage documentation with accuracy and efficiency.
How You’ll Do the Job
- Knowledge of the OHS Act: You’ll apply your understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure full compliance across projects.
- Digital competence: Using tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will be part of your day-to-day for managing documents, creating reports, and preparing training materials.
- Interpersonal skills: Communicating with employees, subcontractors, and managers is key. You’ll be expected to engage people in safety conversations and training sessions.
- Adaptability and resilience: Mistakes happen, especially in an internship. Johnson Controls values interns who learn quickly and grow from every experience.
- Balanced workload management: With responsibilities split between audits, training, and admin, you’ll need to manage your time effectively and stay organized.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- SAMTRAC qualification (compulsory).
- A Safety Diploma will be advantageous but not essential.
- 0–1 years of experience in health and safety, making it perfect for those just starting out.
- A proactive, motivated attitude with a willingness to learn.
Skills and Attributes That Will Make You Stand Out
- Confidence in presenting safety information to groups.
- Strong attention to detail for audits, risk assessments, and documentation.
- A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Benefits of Joining Johnson Controls as an Intern
While this is an internship, the value goes beyond gaining experience:
- Global exposure: Work within an international company with industry-leading practices.
- Hands-on learning: You’ll be part of real projects, not just observing.
- Career pathway: Many interns at Johnson Controls go on to secure permanent roles within the company.
- Mentorship: You’ll be guided by experienced professionals who understand both technical compliance and practical application.
Who Should Apply?
This role is ideal for:
- Graduates in Johannesburg or Gauteng with a passion for health, safety, and environmental management.
- Individuals who have completed SAMTRAC and want to put their learning into practice.
- Early-career professionals looking for an entry-level opportunity in a respected global company.
- Candidates who are detail-oriented, proactive, and motivated to grow in the safety field.
Application Details
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Job Reference Number: WD30248479
Applications should be submitted online through Johnson Controls’ careers portal. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Apply here for ehs officer internship
