Loss Prevention Intern - Summer 2027

Hy-Vee, Inc.; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy-Vee Inc. is seeking a Loss Prevention Intern to assist with monitoring store premises, documenting incidents, and supporting investigations under corporate security leadership.

You will gain exposure to asset protection, safety programs, and shrink reduction strategies while collaborating with store teams and security professionals in a dynamic retail environment.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Business, Security Management, Retail Management, Homeland Security, or a related field.
• Strong interest in loss prevention, asset protection, investigations, retail security, corporate security, or law enforcement.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and objective in a retail environment.
• Previous retail, security, customer service, or internship experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monitoring store premises and identify suspicious activity to prevent theft.
• Support inventory audits, shortage reviews, and loss prevention efforts.
• Assist with documenting theft-related incidents and policy violations.
• Observe and support theft prevention strategies during high-traffic periods.
• Identify safety hazards and support safety procedures and training materials.
• Assist with investigations, surveillance review, and case organization under supervision.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism handling sensitive information and investigations.

Skills

Observational skills

Written & verbal communication

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Education

Pursuing Criminal Justice or related degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Surveillance systems

Job description

Job Description

Additional Considerations (if any): - At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise "a helpful smile in every aisle" and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Job Title: Loss Prevention Intern

Department: Loss Prevention

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Core Competencies: Partnerships Growth mindset Results oriented Customer focused Professionalism

Reporting Relations Accountable and Reports to: Corporate Security Supervisor; Assistant Director, Corporate Security Positions that Report to you: None

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Loss Prevention and Asset Protection

Assist with monitoring store premises, including entry and exit points, aisles, sales floors, backrooms, and other high-risk areas. Learn how surveillance systems, cameras, physical observation, and store patrols are used to identify suspicious activity and prevent theft. Support Loss Prevention team members with inventory audits, shortage reviews, and other efforts designed to identify discrepancies and reduce shrink. Assist with documenting theft-related incidents, suspicious activity, policy violations, and other loss prevention concerns. Observe and support theft prevention strategies during special events, promotions, or high-traffic periods.

Safety and Security

Assist with identifying and reporting safety hazards, unsafe conditions, or security concerns within the store environment. Learn company safety policies, emergency response procedures, and protocols related to evacuations, medical incidents, and other safety-related events. Support Loss Prevention and store leadership in promoting a safe shopping and working environment for customers and employees. Assist with preparing or organizing training materials related to asset protection, safety procedures, and loss prevention awareness.

Investigation and Reporting

Support investigations related to internal theft, external theft, fraud, misconduct, or violations of company policy. Assist with reviewing surveillance footage, incident documentation, and other information used to support investigations. Help organize case materials, prepare summaries, and maintain accurate documentation under the direction of Loss Prevention leadership. Learn proper reporting practices for theft, security incidents, safety concerns, and policy violations. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information, investigations, or company records.

Customer and Employee Relations

Interact with customers and employees in a professional, respectful, and customer-focused manner. Work collaboratively with store associates, store management, Loss Prevention personnel, and Enterprise Security team members. Support a positive and secure shopping experience while learning how to remain observant for potential security risks. Provide assistance with basic loss prevention awareness efforts and help reinforce asset protection best practices.

Policy and Compliance

Support Learn and support company policies related to loss prevention, safety, ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional conduct. Assist with compliance reviews, store-level checks, and documentation related to loss prevention and security procedures. Support follow-up efforts related to identified concerns, trends, or operational opportunities.

Learning Opportunities

The Loss Prevention Intern will gain exposure to: Retail loss prevention and asset protection operations. Theft prevention strategies and shrink reduction efforts. Surveillance systems, CCTV review, and physical observation techniques. Internal and external investigation processes. Incident reporting and documentation standards. Inventory audits and shortage identification. Store safety procedures and emergency response protocols. Collaboration with store leadership, associates, law enforcement, and security professionals. Professional communication, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making.

Qualifications

Currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Business, Security Management, Retail Management, Homeland Security, or a related field. Strong interest in loss prevention, asset protection, investigations, retail security, corporate security, or law enforcement. Strong observational skills and attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to remain calm, professional, and objective in a retail environment. Previous retail, security, customer service, or internship experience preferred but not required.

Work Environment

This role may include a combination of office work, store visits, surveillance review, documentation, meetings, audits, and project-based assignments. The intern may observe store patrols, investigations, safety reviews, and loss prevention operations under the direction of Loss Prevention leadership. Shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, holidays, or special events depending on business needs.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time. Ability to observe store operations, conduct limited patrols, and assist with store visits. Ability to use a computer, surveillance systems, and standard office equipment. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Ability to perform duties in a retail store environment with exposure to customers, employees, and various departments.

Working Conditions

This position frequently involves a fast work pace in a general office setting. There is frequent pressure to handle multiple tasks in a day and meet deadlines.

Confidentiality

Has access to confidential information including knowledge of employee confessions, and investigation proceedings on company personnel.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.