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 changing how animals are raised for food. It is a part of Perdue Farms, which is a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural enterprise. The company is described as deeply rooted in tradition yet possessing a forward-thinking mindset. Perdue believes that success is founded on its people, and its culture emphasizes teamwork, integrity, and respect. Within this culture, every voice is considered important, and all employees are encouraged to contribute to shared objectives. Perdue is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and motivated to make a positive impact within the company and in the communities they serve. The company also focuses on promoting growth and development, and prioritizing work-life balance, to help its team members thrive.

Job Description: Operations Intern

Summary:
Perdue Foods is seeking a hardworking, energetic, self-starter to join its Operations team as an Operations Intern. This position is located in Mount Vernon, WA. Perdue’s Summer Internship program is designed to merge classroom knowledge with practical, real-world experiences. The operations intern will gain familiarity with the workflow of plant operations and will be provided with learning and shadowing opportunities across various plant teams and departments. The internship experience will be customized to the intern’s interests and experience level to maximize learning. Interns will be fully immersed and actively participate in all aspects of business within an operational facility.

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

Principal And Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The intern will:
• Assist the Team Leader and the Shift Leader with daily tasks such as training, providing work direction, and developing subordinates to meet operational, safety, and quality requirements within the assigned department/area.
• Assist production staff to ensure product quality and integrity, and verify that all finished products meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Assist in maintaining an environment conducive to retaining associates. This includes consistently administering company policies and procedures.
• Rotate through various functions in fresh or cook plants during the training period. These functions may include 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 departments.

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 also 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 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 job 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) with up to 4 hours in a single interval.
• Work from various types of ladders and/or stairs.
• Be exposed to and work in temperatures ranging from less than -40 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with ambient humidity.
• Endure noise exposure of 110 dB and light intensity ranging from 50 to 100 foot-candles.
• Perform bending, twisting, lifting up to 50 lbs, reaching, sitting, and grasping. The repetitions, distance, degrees, angle, weight, heights, longest interval of time, objects grasped, and body positions vary depending on the maintenance task required.
• Be exposed to chlorinated water (50 ppm), ammonia vapors (5 ppm), dry ice, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, and other chemicals commonly found in a poultry processing plant.
• Use and/or wear protective and safety equipment as required for the job.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.