Operations Intern

Perdue Farms; Cromwell (KY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Mentorship

Learning workshops

Travel to Perdue locations

Networking events

Job summary

Perdue Farms in Cromwell, Kentucky, invites motivated students to join as an Operations Intern. This internship blends classroom learning with hands-on experience in plant operations, supported by daily tasks and cross-department exposure.

You’ll shadow teams, gain real-world insights, and contribute to operational initiatives while earning competitive pay and a housing stipend. Interns receive hands-on mentorship, learning workshops, and opportunities to interact with senior leadership across

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a four-year college pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well in a team and independently.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist Team Leader and Shift Leader in daily tasks, training, and guiding subordinates to meet safety and quality needs.
• Support production staff to ensure product quality and customer requirements are met.
• Maintain an environment conducive to retaining associates and help enforce company policies.
• Rotate through departments during training across Live Haul, Wastewater, Accounting, Human Resources, Receiving, Dressing, Evisceration, Giblet Packing, Grading, Cut Up, Deboning, 28 Degree Cooler, Box Room, Weight/Price/Label and Shipping.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Leadership

Adaptability

Fast-paced environment

Education

Pursuing a Bachelor's degree

Job description

Operations Intern

Cromwell, Kentucky, United States Apply Job ID 81426 Job Category 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— are committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Join our team as an Operations Intern and gain immersive, real-world experience inside a dynamic operational facility. This internship bridges classroom learning with hands‑on application, giving you meaningful exposure to plant operations and day‑to‑day business activities. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, shadow teams across departments, and actively contribute to operational initiatives. Tailored to your interests and experience level, this opportunity is designed to accelerate learning, build practical skills, and provide a firsthand look at how operations drive business success.

What can you expect from a Perdue internship?

• Competitive Pay
• Exciting Social, Philanthropic, and Networking Events with other Perdue Interns
• Hands‑On, Real World Work Experience and a Dedicated Summer Mentor
• Learning Workshops
• Travel to Perdue Locations Such as our Innovation Center, Perdue Learning University and Live Production Farms
• Interaction with Senior Leadership
• Housing Stipend

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

• Assists the Team Leader and the Shift Leader in the daily tasks such as training, providing work direction and development of subordinates to meet operating, safety, and quality requirements within the department / area.
• Assists production staff to ensure product quality and integrity, and ensures all finished products meet or exceeds customer requirements.
• Assists in maintaining an environment that is conducive to retaining associates. Consistently administers company policies and procedures.
• Rotates through various functions in fresh or cook plants during training which may include Live Haul, Wastewater, Accounting, Human Resources, Receiving, Dressing, Evisceration, Giblet Packing, Grading, Cut Up, Stretch Bag, Deboning, 28 Degree Cooler, Box Room, Weight/Price/Label and Shipping departments.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Must be enrolled in an accredited four‑year institution pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
• Degree in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, Production Management, Business or Business Administration, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Agriculture, Occupational Safety and Environmental Health.
• 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work well within a team setting, as well as independently.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to motivate in a team atmosphere.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Ability to work for 8 hours or more in a stationary position or travel on wet, moist, dry, greasy floors which may include metal or plastic grating surfaces with up to 4 hours in a single interval.
• Ability to work from various types of ladders and/or stairs.
• Exposure to and work in temperatures of less than -40 degrees and 75 degrees with ambient humidity.
• Noise exposure of 110 db, and light intensity range of 50-to-100-foot candles.
• Bending, twisting, lifting up to 50 lbs, reaching, sitting, and grasping varies in repetitions, distance, degrees, angle, weight, heights, longest interval of time, objects grasped, and body positions depending upon the maintenance task required.
• Exposure to chlorinated water (50 ppm, ammonia vapors) 5 ppm, dry ice, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, and other chemicals found in a poultry processing plant.
• Must use and/or wear protective and safety equipment required for the job.

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.

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