Branch Intern

Job Description

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<h1>Branch Intern – Develop Your Career at Border States!</h1>

<p>Are you ready to kickstart your career with a company that values ownership, innovation, and unparalleled customer service? Border States, a leading force in the electrical supply distribution industry, is seeking a motivated and dynamic <strong>Branch Intern</strong> to join our vibrant team.</p>

<p>This isn’t just any internship; it’s an invitation to become an integral part of a <strong>100% employee-owned</strong> company. This means you’re not just an intern; you’re an owner, empowered to make impactful decisions, discover innovative solutions, and be directly rewarded for your hard work and dedication. Immerse yourself in an exciting and challenging field, contributing meaningfully to our success.</p>

<p><strong>Location:</strong> Duluth, MN</p>
<p><strong>Application Deadline:</strong> This opportunity is posted until filled, reflecting our commitment to finding the right talent. We encourage early applications as the position may be filled before or after any projected date. Applications will be actively reviewed as long as the posting remains visible.</p>

<h2>About the Role: Your Path to Real-World Impact</h2>
<p>As a Branch Intern, you will gain an invaluable, holistic understanding of our Duluth location’s operations and the broader Border States business model. Our internship program is meticulously designed to offer challenging, <strong>real-world projects</strong> directly aligned with your career aspirations. You’ll not only grasp the intricacies of your assigned department but also appreciate how your actions directly contribute to our company’s mission, culture, service philosophy, and the strategic objectives set by our Board, Senior Leadership Team, and Executive Council.</p>

<p>You will dive into day-to-day projects, including but not limited to, vital activities spanning process improvement initiatives, hands-on project management, critical data support, efficient warehousing practices, strategic sales insights, and streamlined operational processes.</p>

<h2>Key Responsibilities: Building, Contributing, Learning</h2>
<h3>Essential Functions:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Actively participate in departmental day-to-day projects, which will include, but are not limited to, activities related to process optimization, project coordination, data analysis, comprehensive reporting, and meticulous documentation, alongside other assigned responsibilities.</li>
<li>Cultivate strong professional relationships through engaging meetings, company events, and one-on-one interactions with a diverse group of our experienced employee-owners and visionary leaders.</li>
<li>Lead or contribute significantly to <strong>real-world projects</strong> that provide tangible value within your department.</li>
<li>Collaborate seamlessly with various departments across the company, fostering a deep understanding of our integrated operations.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Departmental Responsibilities: A Hands-On Experience</h3>
<ul>
<li>Support critical <strong>warehouse operations</strong> by assisting with receiving incoming shipments, preparing products for dispatch, efficiently putting away stock, and contributing to other essential operational activities.</li>
<li>Engage in cross-functional collaboration with diverse departments across the company and region, including warehouse logistics, quotations, branch operations, purchasing, inventory management, and finance, gaining a truly comprehensive perspective.</li>
<li>Shadow experienced Customer Service Representatives and Branch Operations teams to gain deep insights into every facet of our branch’s dynamic environment.</li>
<li>Accompany and assist our dedicated Delivery Drivers, gaining firsthand experience in product delivery to and from customer accounts and engaging directly with customers on job sites, honing your customer interaction skills.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Nonessential Functions:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Perform other duties as thoughtfully assigned by your supervisor or designated leader, showcasing your adaptability and willingness to support the team.</li>
</ul>

<h2>What You Bring: Your Skills & Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Must be entering your <strong>final year of undergraduate study</strong> at the time of application, with an anticipated graduation date in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.</li>
<li>Strong foundational knowledge of business office procedures, proficient office equipment operation, accurate data entry/keyboarding skills, and familiarity with communication systems are highly beneficial.</li>
<li><strong>Preference for robust proficiency</strong> in PC for Windows and the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint, to contribute effectively from day one.</li>
<li>Ability to commit to <strong>full-time work</strong> throughout the entire internship period, ensuring maximum engagement and learning.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Desired Skills and Abilities:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Exceptional interpersonal skills</strong>, coupled with outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, strong reading comprehension, and a natural aptitude for customer service.</li>
<li>A proven ability to <strong>effectively plan and organize</strong> tasks and projects, demonstrating your proactive approach.</li>
<li>A commitment to <strong>excellent customer service</strong>, consistently demonstrating competence, accuracy, responsiveness, and genuine engagement with all stakeholders.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Physical Requirements: Understanding the Role’s Demands</h2>
<p>This role involves a dynamic range of physical activities to support our branch operations. Below is a general overview of the typical demands:</p>
<p><em>Frequency definitions: Occasionally (0 – 33%), Frequently (34 – 66%), Continuously (67 – 100%)</em></p>

<h3>Lifting & Carrying:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lift from Waist:</strong> < 10 lbs. (Occasionally), 10 to 25 lbs. (Occasionally), 26 to 50 lbs. (Occasionally), 51 to 75 lbs. (Occasionally). <em>Note: Lifts above 75 lbs. are not required.</em></li>
<li><strong>Lift from Floor:</strong> < 10 lbs. (Occasionally), 10 to 25 lbs. (Occasionally), 26 to 50 lbs. (Occasionally), 51 to 75 lbs. (Occasionally). <em>Note: Lifts above 75 lbs. are not required.</em></li>
<li><strong>Carried for Distance:</strong> < 10 lbs. (Not at all), 10 to 25 lbs. (Not at all), 26 to 50 lbs. (Not at all), 51 to 75 lbs. (Not at all). <em>Note: Carrying for distance above 10 lbs. is not required.</em></li>
</ul>

<h3>Physical Activity:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Sitting:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Standing:</strong> Frequently</li>
<li><strong>Walking:</strong> Continuously</li>
<li><strong>Bending/Stooping:</strong> Not at all</li>
<li><strong>Crawling:</strong> Not at all</li>
<li><strong>Climbing/Walking Stairs:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Reaching:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Crouching/Squatting:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Kneeling:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Balancing:</strong> Frequently</li>
<li><strong>Repetitive Motion (wrists, hands, fingers):</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Pivoting:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Pushing/Pulling:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Grasping:</strong> Frequently</li>
<li><strong>Fingering (picking, pinching, typing):</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Talking:</strong> Continuously</li>
<li><strong>Driving:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Desk Work:</strong> Continuously</li>
<li><strong>Use of a Computer:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Use of a Telephone:</strong> Occasionally</li>
<li><strong>Hearing:</strong> Continuously</li>
<li><strong>Exposure (to adverse weather & temperature conditions):</strong> Frequently</li>
<li><strong>Travel (for job duties):</strong> Not at all</li>
</ul>

<h2>Compensation & Additional Information</h2>
<p>The hourly wage for this impactful internship ranges from <strong>$16.00 to $20.00/hour</strong>, commensurate with your experience and skills. Please note, this job description provides a comprehensive summary of duties and responsibilities, which may evolve at the employer’s discretion. All employee-owners are expected to perform essential job duties and satisfy requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.</p>

<h2>Discover Border States: Our Legacy & Our Future</h2>
<p>Border States stands as a proud leader in the electrical supply distribution industry, boasting approximately <strong>130 locations across 31 states</strong>. As one of the largest independent electrical distributors in the United States, we provide essential products and services to the construction, industrial, and utility sectors.</p>

<p>Our extraordinary success is built upon the dedication of our <strong>employee-owners</strong>, who consistently deliver top-notch customer service and demonstrate unparalleled people skills. Employee-ownership isn’t just a benefit; it’s the core of our culture. We champion <strong>open-book management</strong> and empower our employee-owners with clearly defined authority levels, fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and decisive action allows us to respond swiftly to customer needs. You will truly understand your role in the company’s success and contribute to our unwavering focus on adding value to everything we do.</p>

<h3>Our Purpose:</h3>
<p>We believe unstoppable businesses shouldn’t go it alone. At Border States, <strong>we are owners – of relationships, of outcomes, of every moment</strong> these unstoppable businesses need to deliver.</p>

<h3>Our Service Philosophy:</h3>
<p>We earn customer loyalty and confidence by genuinely caring about their needs and consistently adding value to everything we do.</p>

<h3>Our Service Standards:</h3>
<p>Every Border States employee-owner embodies our standards: we are <strong>competent, accurate, responsive, and engaged</strong>.</p>

<h2>Your Career, Enriched: Benefits at Border States</h2>
<p>Join an experienced, supportive team at one of the nation’s largest electrical distributors. What are you waiting for? Border States offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employee-owners, which includes, but is not limited to:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits</strong></li>
<li>Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage</li>
<li>Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Accounts (HSA)</li>
<li><strong>Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)</strong> – Own a piece of our success!</li>
<li>Disability Benefits</li>
<li>401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Contribution</li>
<li>Life Insurance</li>
<li>Employee Assistance Program (EAP)</li>
<li>Paid Holidays</li>
<li>Paid Volunteer Time – Give back to your community!</li>
<li>Generous Personal Leave time, and much more!</li>
</ul>
<p>Beyond these comprehensive benefits, Border States proudly provides <strong>bonuses</strong> to our employee-owners upon the successful achievement of both branch and company goals, celebrating our collective triumphs.</p>

<h2>Commitment to Equality & Safety</h2>
<p>At Border States, <strong>Equal Opportunity for All</strong> isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental belief ingrained since our founding. We cherish the diversity of all our employee-owners and are unwavering in our commitment to being an equal opportunity employer.</p>
<p>We maintain a <strong>Drug-Free and Smoke-Free Workplace</strong>. Employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of one or more pre-employment screenings, which may include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Criminal background check (required for all positions)</li>
<li>Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check (required for positions involving driving)</li>
<li>Drug testing</li>
</ul>
<p>The specific requirements for MVR checks and drug testing vary by role and will be clearly communicated to the offered candidate during the onboarding process, as applicable to the position.</p>
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