Food Safety Quality Assurance Intern

Perdue Farms; Salisbury (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Travel to all Perdue locations

Mentorship by Fall mentor

Job summary

Perdue Foods invites a Food Safety & Quality Assurance Intern for a 10-12 week immersive program at our Corporate HQ. You will work with FSQA professionals on projects affecting our products, including microbial performance and moisture optimization.

This internship offers hands-on experience, exposure to senior leadership, and a housing stipend. Expect competitive pay, a Monday–Friday schedule, and opportunities to travel to Perdue locations for testing.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Master’s program focused on food science, food safety or food microbiology.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Prior laboratory experience in a micro or chemistry lab.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn new software.
• Strong analytical, communication and time management skills; demonstrated leadership and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Utilize predefined testing protocols for microbiological and moisture/retained water testing in Perdue Foods Harvest facilities.
• Compile data for all facilities and analyze results to validate retained water declarations.
• Prepare reports and present testing outcomes to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Gain knowledge on microbial interventions, pathogen results, and moisture retention impacting food safety metrics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Master’s program in food science/food safety/food microbiology

GPA 3.0 or higher

Prior lab experience (micro/chemistry)

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Function: College Recruitment (Interns/OMTS/LMTS)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Join us at our Corporate HQ as a Food Safety & Quality Assurance Intern and gain hands-on, real-world experience in a 10-12-week immersive internship. In this role, you’ll work alongside experienced FSQA professionals on meaningful projects that directly impact our business, including initiatives focused on microbial performance and moisture and retained water optimization. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of food safety and quality systems, contribute to important process improvements, and see how FSQA plays a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality products every day.

What can you expect from a Perdue internship?

• Competitive Pay
• Hands-On, Real World Work Experience and a Dedicated Fall Mentor
• Travel to Perdue all Perdue locations to conduct microbial and moisture testing
• Interaction with Senior Leadership
• Housing Stipend

This position has a target wage of $21.90 - $28.13 per hour, based on graduation year. Overtime may be available

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

• Utilize a pre-defined testing protocol for microbiological and moisture/retained water testing, will be executing the testing parameters in each Perdue Foods Harvest facility.
• Compile Data for all facilities and analyze to validate retained water declarations.
• Report compilation of all testing results with facilitation of outcome of testing to the Senior leadership team.
• Knowledge and expertise gained associated with microbial interventions, pathogen results, and unavoidable moisture retention as a result of the process to ensure food safety metrics are achieved.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Must be enrolled in a Master’s program focused on food science, food safety or food microbiology.
• Must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Must have prior laboratory experience in a micro or chemistry laboratory.
• Must have proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn new software.
• Possess strong analytical, communication and time management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 3.25 GPA or higher.
• Current PhD student.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.

When in a plant environment:

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db. to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.
• May need to climb ladders.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.