Breeders Intern - Statesville

Primary Purpose

This internship will support Breeder Operations by participating in hands-on research and evaluation projects focused on flock performance, bird health, and husbandry practices.  Working closely with Live Operations, Veterinary Services, and Breeder Management teams, the intern will study factors that influence breeder performance and bird health through the evaluation of breeder vaccination processes.  This project will provide valuable exposure to breeder flock management, hatchery supply chain impacts, and applied research methods while supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance bird health, welfare, and overall production performance.

Project Highlights

1. Evaluate breeder vaccination process through hands-on trial work and validation activities to identify best practices and opportunities for continuous improvement.
2. Collect and analyze flock health and performance data to assess the effectiveness of vaccination programs and their impact on breeder and broiler production outcomes.
3. Gain hands-on exposure to breeder flock management, bird husbandry practices, and the relationship between breeder performance and downstream hatchery operations.
4. Support initiatives focused on improving breeder and broiler flock health, enhancing performance, and reducing the occurrence of granulomas through data-driven evaluation and recommendations.
5. Collaborate with Breeder Operations, Veterinary Services, and Live Production teams to develop recommendations that strengthen bird health, welfare, and overall operational 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 breeder operations.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize responsibilities in a field-based environment.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Willing to learn, adapt, and contribute in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in a farm setting during summer months and in varying weather conditions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with Breeder Operations, Veterinary Services, and Live Production teams.
• Self-motivated, dependable team player with a strong work ethic and commitment to bird health, animal welfare, and continuous improvement.
• Valid Driver's license.
• Must pass the Mountaire Motor Vehicle Record check.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel.

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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