Hatchery Intern

Primary Purpose

The internship will support Hatchery Operations by evaluating different incubation methods and their impact on key performance metrics throughout the hatchery process.  Working closely with Hatchery and Live Operations teams, the intern will collect analyze production data, assess incubation performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.  The project will focus on understanding how incubation practices influence hatchability, chick quality, flock performance, and overall operational efficiency.

Project Highlights

1. Evaluate different incubation methods and their impact on key performance metrics, including hatchability, chick quality, and operational efficiency.
2. Collect and analyze hatchery data to identify trends and support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives. 
3. Assess the return on investment (ROI) of incubation equipment by measuring its impact on hatchery and production performance metrics.
4. Collaborate with Hatchery and Live Operations teams to identify best practices and opportunities to improve bird health and operational outcomes.
5. Develop and present recommendations that support improved hatchery performance, flock quality, and overall production results.
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.
• Strong interest in hatchery operations, incubation management, and poultry production.
• Quick learner who is coachable, adaptable, and flexible in a fast -paced production environment.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with the ability to work independently and manage responsibilities effectively.
• 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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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!