Production Internship Summer 2027 - Cal-Organic

Grimmway Produce Group; California; On-site; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

GRIMMWAY PRODUCE GROUP in California is offering a Production Internship in the Bakersfield area. The paid 10–12 week summer program provides hands-on experience in daily production activities, CI projects, and QA documentation within a fresh produce environment.

Interns gain exposure to multiple production functions, collect and analyze data, and present findings at the program's conclusion. Housing and college-credit options may be available as part of the Student Programs.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate, post-graduate, or graduate program in related fields.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Interest in production operations, food manufacturing, or process improvement.
• Basic understanding of production principles through coursework or experience.
• Able to work in office and production environments with PPE and safety requirements.
• Able to collect, organize, analyze, and document production data.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Reliable transportation to assigned locations and valid driver's license.
• Pre-employment screening required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day production activities and department projects.
• Gain exposure to functions involved in fresh produce production and processing.
• Collect, organize, and analyze production data and metrics for efficiency.
• Support CI audits by documenting observations and findings.
• Review QA documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Provide backup admin support to the Production team (data entry, reporting).
• Observe workflows to identify opportunities for efficiency and consistency.
• Maintain production reports, procedures, and records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand interdependencies.
• Participate in floor observations and operational activities to learn equipment and staffing.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

PPE and safety awareness

Organizational skills

Driver's license

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate program in Operations Management

Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Agricultural Business

Food Science

Supply Chain

Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

GRIMMWAY PRODUCE GROUP

ARVIN, CALIFORNIA

JOB TITLE: PRODUCTION INTERNSHIP – CAL-ORGANIC

LOCATION: BAKERSFIELD AREA

REPORTS TO: DEPARTMENT MANAGER

PURPOSE: The Production Internship is designed to provide undergraduate, post-graduate, and graduate-level students pursuing relevant fields of study with meaningful, hands-on experience that complements their academic and career interests. Interns gain exposure to real-world production operations through day-to-day responsibilities, department-specific projects, and professional development opportunities. The paid summer internship typically runs 10–12 weeks between May and August, with support available for students seeking college credit.

Additional Info

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed an undergraduate, post-graduate, or graduate-level program in Operations Management, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Agricultural Business, Food Science, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or another related field of study.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment sponsorship.
• Demonstrated interest in production operations, food manufacturing, process improvement, operational efficiency, or agricultural production.
• Basic understanding of production, manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement principles through relevant coursework or experience.
• Ability and willingness to work in both office and production facility environments and follow applicable PPE, food safety, and safety requirements.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and accurately document production and operational data.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with Production and cross-functional teams.
• Reliable transportation to assigned work location(s) and company facilities as required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that meets company policy, insurance, and DMV requirements.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment screening consistent with applicable state and federal law.
• Ability to participate in the 10–12 week summer internship program and Student Programs development activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist with day-to-day production activities and department-specific projects based on operational and business needs.
• Gain exposure to the various functions involved in fresh produce production and processing, including how products move through production operations.
• Assist with collecting, organizing, and analyzing production data and operational metrics to support efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Support Continuous Improvement (CI) audits by gathering information, documenting observations, tracking findings, and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Assist with reviewing and verifying Quality Assurance (QA) sign-off documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Provide backup administrative support to the Production team, including documentation, data entry, reporting, and other day-to-day operational needs.
• Assist with observing and evaluating production processes, workflows, and procedures to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and consistency.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of production reports, documentation, procedures, and operational records.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Sanitation, Maintenance, and other operational teams to understand how departments work together to support production.
• Participate in production floor observations and other operational activities to develop an understanding of equipment, workflows, staffing, product movement, and overall facility operations.
• Apply operational knowledge to a meaningful department-specific project, with the opportunity to present the project, findings, results, or recommendations at the conclusion of the internship.
• Follow all applicable company, food safety, GMP, sanitation, PPE, and workplace safety requirements while working within production environments.
• Participate in Student Programs-sponsored professional development and intern events throughout the summer internship.
• Serve as a site representative for the annual Back-to-School Drive, supporting coordination and employee participation efforts.
• Perform other Production duties and special projects as assigned.

STARTING WAGE

$18.25 - $22.75 (dependent on college standing)

TENTATIVE START DATE

MAY 2027