Operations Intern

Job Description

About Company

Perdue Foods aims to be the most trusted name in premium proteins, producing goods for consumers and for retail and foodservice clients globally, while also advocating for improved animal welfare. It is a part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business. The company is deeply rooted in tradition but maintains a forward-thinking mindset.

Perdue believes that success begins with its people, fostering a culture built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect. Every voice is valued, and associates are encouraged to contribute to shared goals. The company is dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact within the company and in the communities they serve. Perdue is committed to helping its team members thrive by promoting growth and development and prioritizing work-life balance.

Job Description: Operations Intern (Lewiston, NC)

This is for an Operations Intern position located in Lewiston, NC. Perdue’s Summer Internship program is designed to bridge classroom knowledge with meaningful, real-world experiences.

Summary of the Role:
The Operations Intern will become familiar with the workflow of plant operations, gaining learning and shadowing opportunities across various plant teams and departments. The internship will be tailored to the intern’s interests and experience level to maximize the learning experience. Interns will be fully immersed and actively participate in all aspects of business within an operational facility.

Benefits:
• A 10-12 week Summer Program.
• Hands-on learning and exposure to various levels of leadership within Perdue.
• Competitive Wages.
• A Summer Housing Stipend.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Assisting the Team Leader and Shift Leader with daily tasks, including training, providing work direction, and developing subordinates to meet operating, safety, and quality requirements.
• Supporting production staff to ensure product quality and integrity, making sure all finished products meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Helping to maintain an environment conducive to retaining associates and consistently administering company policies and procedures.
• Rotating through various functions in fresh or cook plants during training. This may include departments such as: Live Haul, Wastewater, Accounting, Human Resources, Receiving, Dressing, Evisceration, Giblet Packing, Grading, Cut Up, Stretch Bag, Deboning, 28 Degree Cooler, Box Room, Weight/Price/Label, and Shipping.

Minimum Education:
• Required: Must be enrolled in an accredited four-year institution pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
• Preferred: Degree in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, Production Management, Business or Business Administration, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Agriculture, Occupational Safety and Environmental Health. A 3.0 GPA or higher is preferred.

Qualifications:
• Required:
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.
• Preferred:
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well within a team setting, as well as independently.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to motivate in a team atmosphere.

Environmental Factors And Physical Requirements:
The role requires the ability to:
• Work for 8 hours or more in a stationary position or travel on wet, moist, dry, greasy floors (which may include metal or plastic grating surfaces) for up to 4 hours in a single interval.
• Work from various types of ladders and/or stairs.
• Exposure to and work in temperatures of less than -40 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit with ambient humidity.
• Noise exposure of 110 dB, and light intensity range of 50 to 100 foot candles.
• Physical activities such as bending, twisting, lifting up to 50 lbs, reaching, sitting, and grasping with varying repetitions, distances, degrees, angles, weights, heights, intervals, objects, and body positions depending on the task.
• Exposure to chlorinated water (50 ppm), ammonia vapors (5 ppm), dry ice, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, and other chemicals found in a poultry processing plant.
• Must use and/or wear protective and safety equipment as required for the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.