Summer 2026 Internship Program – Aquatics, Small Animal, Pet Bird & Wild Bird Business Segments

January 30, 2026
$20 / hour
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Job Description

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Job Title: Summer 2026 Internship Program – Aquatics, Small Animal, Pet Bird & Wild Bird Business Segments

Company: Central Specialty Pet (A Division of Central Garden & Pet)

Central Specialty Pet, a dynamic division of Central Garden & Pet, is excited to announce its Summer 2026 Internship Program. We are seeking highly motivated and qualified undergraduate interns to join our team for a comprehensive 10-week paid experience. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within our thriving Aquatics, Small Animal, Pet Bird, and Wild Bird business segments.

Location: Franklin, WI (Hybrid Work Schedule)

About the Internship:

Are you eager to kickstart your career and gain invaluable real-world experience in a fast-paced environment? Our internships are designed to provide a realistic immersion into full-time work at Central Specialty Pet. We invite students passionate about marketing, research/development, operations, finance, or other related fields to explore our diverse opportunities. You will have the chance to develop critical skills, collaborate with industry professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that directly impact our business results.

What You Can Expect to Gain:

  • Challenging Business Projects: You will be entrusted with significant, real-world projects, taking ownership of initiatives that directly influence business outcomes.
  • Direct Impact: Your work will have a tangible and measurable impact on our brands and business results.
  • Mentorship & Coaching: Receive continuous guidance, coaching, and mentoring from experienced managers and colleagues who are passionate about their work.
  • Engaging Brands: Work on fun and exciting products and brands within the specialty pet industry.
  • Outstanding Learning Experience: Our program is meticulously designed to provide an exceptional learning journey and a realistic preview of a full-time career with our company.

Example Projects You May Work On:

  • Co-lead the development and launch of new product concepts from ideation to execution.
  • Evaluate and refine brand strategies for targeted market segments, identifying growth opportunities.
  • Perform in-depth market and brand analysis, leveraging data to inform strategic decisions.
  • Support the design and execution of impactful digital marketing and/or social media campaigns.
  • Contribute to operational efficiency improvements or supply chain analysis.
  • Assist in financial modeling and analysis related to new products or market performance.

What We Are Looking For In You:

  • Academic Enrollment: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program from an accredited college or university.
  • Preferred Focus: Strong preference for students pursuing degrees in Business, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Research & Development, or related fields.
  • Passion for Growth: A genuine passion for personal and professional growth and development is essential.
  • Academic Excellence: Ability to maintain high academic standards with your educational institution.
  • Communication Skills: Possess strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate ideas effectively.
  • Leadership Capabilities: Demonstrate excellent team leadership capabilities, fostering collaboration and driving results.
  • Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Exhibit strengths in strategic planning and analytical problem-solving.
  • Proactive & Achiever: Show evidence of passion, self-starting capabilities, and notable achievements in both academic and non-academic activities.

Position Information:

  • Compensation: This position offers a competitive hourly wage of $20 per hour, depending on experience.
  • Work Schedule: Hybrid Work Schedule, combining onsite office work in Franklin, WI, with remote flexibility.
  • Duration: 10-week program during Summer 2026.

About Central Garden & Pet Company:

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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