Breeders Intern

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).

#LI-DR1

Are you looking for more than just a job? The culture at Mountaire is one of our greatest strengths and most valued assets. We maintain the same core values and family-focused work environment that we’ve operated with since day one. You will find that your peers, supervisor and team members are genuinely committed to, not only your success, but also working together to provide high-quality products to our customers. We are a service to one another and to our customers, demonstrating operational excellence and outstanding performance. Mountaire Overview Mountaire Farms is an agricultural food production and processing company providing work for over 10,000 people at facilities in Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Now the fourth largest chicken company in the United States, we are still family owned and fully committed to giving back to the communities where we do business. At Mountaire Farms, our culture is what defines us. It sets us apart from our competition and reinforces what we stand for. Supporting each other, uplifting each other, and helping each other succeed -- that’s the Mountaire way! Our vision is to provide growth, stability, and opportunities for our people, our customers, and our communities by profitably delivering wholesome quality chicken.
Total Compensation Mountaire also offers an amazing total compensation package! A few examples of our benefits that may be offered to you are:  eight paid holidays, Medical Plans with free onsite Health and Wellness Centers, Dental and Vision Programs, Employee Assistance Program for you and your family, Retirement Planning with 401(k),  Profit Sharing, Employee Discounted Chicken Sales, Employee Discounts with partners (Car Purchase, Phone Plans, & Shopping), Tuition Reimbursement and many exciting career development programs!