Summer Hourly Intern - Grow Out

Primary Purpose

This internship will support Live Operations by evaluating equipment, technology, and management practices that impact bird performance, welfare, and operational efficiency in grow-out operations.  Working alongside Live Operations teams, the intern will collect and analyze production data, assess equipment performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.  The project will focus on evaluating cup drinker systems and their impact on paw quality, as well as assessing barn tools, feed return processes, and bin sensor accuracy to improve decision-making and production outcomes.   

Project Highlights

1. Evaluate the impact of cup drinker systems on paw quality and overall bird welfare through data collection, field observations, and production analysis.
2. Assess the effectiveness of barn tools, feed return practices, and bin sensor accuracy to identify opportunities for improved operational performance and decision-making.
3. Collect and interpret flock performance and production data to support continuous improvement initiatives across grow-out operations.
4. Help qualify the return on investment (ROI) of new technologies, equipment, and management practices while strengthening partnerships with key industry suppliers and service providers.
5. Develop and present recommendations that improve bird health, operational efficiency, and overall grow-out performance.
6. Completes assigned tasks identified by department mentor.
7. Attends semi-monthly seminar series.
8. Completes and presents summer project presentation.
9. Completes internship evaluations at weeks 5 and 10.
10. Follows all company safety policies, standard operating procedure (SOP) regulations, as well as supports the Goal Zero mission statement.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled and pursuing a degree in Poultry Science.
• Familiarity with poultry farming and grow-out operations.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; quick learner who is coachable and adaptable.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced production environment.
• Valid Driver's license.
• Must pass the Mountaire Motor Vehicle Record check.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel with the ability to analyze and interpret production data.  

Internship Program Requirements

• Complete assigned project identified by department mentor.
• Attend weekly seminar series across different Mountaire facilities.
• All interns must be available to travel to Delaware during the last week of the program or final presentations (August 2-6, 2027).
• All interns are required to complete a 10-minute presentation on their project at the conclusion of summer.  Presentations will take place in Millsboro, DE at the Administrative Building during the week of August 2-6.
• All interns must complete a mid-way evaluation (week 5) along with a final evaluation (week 10).

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