PLANT OPERATIONS INTERN

KENT Nutrition; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Housing

Paid Internship

Hands-On Learning

Community Events

Job summary

KENT Nutrition in Muscatine, IA is offering a Summer 2027 Plant Operations Intern position. In this hands-on role, you'll support plant operations, drive process improvement initiatives, and work on technical projects to raise efficiency, quality, and performance across facilities.

You will collaborate with experienced professionals, gain exposure to engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and operations, and develop practical skills that will set you apart after graduation.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Feed Science and Management or related engineering fields.
• Internship or co-op experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support projects on process and equipment improvements to boost safety, efficiency, and product quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and operations.
• Support understanding of feed manufacturing processes and troubleshoot operational challenges.
• Analyze downtime and performance data to identify opportunities and propose practical solutions.
• Evaluate processes and perform cost-saving analyses to drive efficiency.
• Develop and promote quality and safety procedures for a high-performing workplace.

Skills

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Feed Science and Management, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural Engineering, or Agricultural Systems Technology

Job description

Ready to apply what you're learning in the classroom to real-world manufacturing and production challenges? Join KENT Nutrition, a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE™ family of companies, as a Plant Operations Intern for Summer 2027! In this hands-on role, you'll support plant operations, process improvement initiatives, and technical projects that help drive efficiency, quality, and performance across our facilities. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, gain exposure to multiple areas of the business, and develop skills that will set you apart after graduation.

• Paid Housing | Paid Internship | Hands-On Learning | Community Events | Build Skills. Make Connections. Launch Your Career.
• This opportunity is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, IA.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and support projects focused on process and equipment improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, sustainability, product quality, and overall plant performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gain exposure to engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and operations while contributing to real business initiatives.
• Work alongside plant operations professionals to develop an understanding of feed manufacturing processes and production systems while helping troubleshoot and resolve operational challenges.
• Analyze equipment downtime and performance data to identify improvement opportunities, then partner with plant leadership and maintenance teams to develop practical solutions.
• Evaluate operational processes and conduct cost-saving analyses to support efficiency improvements and business performance goals.
• Help develop, maintain, and promote quality and safety procedures that support a safe, efficient, and high-performing work environment.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Feed Science and Management, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural Engineering, or Agricultural Systems Technology
• Internship or co-op experiences in an operational environment a plus, but not required.

TRAVEL

• Flexible - 65% Muscatine, 35% Plants