Quality Intern

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream is seeking a Quality Intern in Bakersfield, CA to support the Quality team in food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality standards. You will assist with inspections, documentation, and continuous improvement while gaining hands-on experience in HACCP, GMP, and SQF/BRC systems.

The role emphasizes practical work in material checks, product testing, and data analysis. A related degree is in progress, and Excel skills are beneficial for documenting findings in a

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Basic knowledge of food safety principles preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset.
• Ability to work in a cold and fast-paced production environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist in routine quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Support sensory evaluations of ice cream products.
• Participate in GMP and sanitation audits on the production floor.
• Help monitor critical control points and document HACCP compliance.
• Collect and analyze microbiological and physical test samples.
• Assist with investigations of quality deviations and root cause analysis.
• Support documentation and maintenance of quality records, logs, and reports.
• Collaborate with production teams to reinforce food safety and quality standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, waste, or complaints.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Cold environment work

Fast-paced production

Education

Food Science

Microbiology

Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

Related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Main Purpose Of The Role

The Quality Intern supports the Quality team in ensuring all ice cream products meet food safety, regulatory, and company quality standards. This role assists with inspections, documentation, and continuous improvement activities to maintain product integrity and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in routine quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods
• Support sensory evaluations (taste, texture, appearance) of ice cream products
• Participate in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and sanitation audits on the production floor
• Help monitor critical control points (CCPs) and document compliance with HACCP plans
• Collect and analyze microbiological and physical test samples
• Assist with investigations of quality deviations, including root cause analysis
• Support documentation and maintenance of quality records, logs, and reports
• Collaborate with production teams to reinforce food safety and quality standards
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., reducing defects, waste, or complaints)

Learning Outcomes

• Gain practical experience in food safety systems (HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC)
• Understand ice cream manufacturing processes (mixing, pasteurization, freezing, packaging)
• Develop skills in quality data analysis and reporting
• Learn how to operate in a regulated food production environment

By The End Of The Internship, The Candidate Will

• Gain practical experience in food safety systems (HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC)
• Understand ice cream manufacturing processes (mixing, pasteurization, freezing, packaging)
• Develop skills in quality data analysis and reporting
• Learn how to operate in a regulated food production environment

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in:
• Food Science
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering or related field
• Basic knowledge of food safety principles preferred
• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset
• Ability to work in a cold and fast-paced production environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis

SELL MORE

• Meet daily production targets by operating efficiently
• Follow production plans and instructions to support overall business goals
• Help reduce downtime by reporting issues quickly and keeping the line running smoothly
• Use materials responsibly to support cost, waste, and output goals

BUY BETTER AND TAKE COST OUT

• Maintain an organized and efficient workstation to support smooth operations
• Use raw materials, packaging, and supplies correctly to avoid waste
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent, efficient results

END TO END QUALITY

• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) quality checks, testing, and documentation requirements
• Stop and escape if product quality is not correct
• Ensure products meet safety, quality, and environmental standards at every stage
• Follow food safety and hygiene rules, including proper sanitation and allergen controls
• Participate in audits, inspections, and quality improvement efforts

THRIVING PEOPLE

• Follow all safety rules and help maintain a safe work environment for yourself and your team
• Support team members, communicate clearly, and work together to hit daily goals
• Participate in required training and development to build skills and grow in the role
• Take responsibility for attendance, punctuality, and teamwork expectations
• Report hazards, near misses, or unsafe behaviors to help strengthen the safety culture

DO GOOD BUSINESS

• Follow all company policies, including safety, quality, and GMP requirements
• Comply with regulatory, environmental, and food safety standards each shift
• Operate equipment responsibly to avoid damage or unnecessary maintenance
• Support sustainability efforts by minimizing waste, recycling where required, and using resources efficiently
• Participate responsibly in company programs and initiatives

BEHAVIORS AND CORE VALUES

WE TAKE OWNERSHIP

• Stay committed to responsibilities from start to finish
• Make sound decisions and get into the right level of detail
• Apply resources to initiatives that add growth, improve efficiencies, or reduce waste

We Do What Is Right

• Choose transparency over convenience, even if it means difficult conversations
• Set clear roles and responsibilities, enabling everyone to exercise appropriate initiative and judgment
• Speak up when you see something that does not align to our values and policies

WE SEEK TO IMPROVE

• Strive to continuously improve and innovate to exceed expectations
• Value feedback from others and encourage open dialogue to understand how we can improveLearn from both successes and failures

WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER

• Ensure decisions are based on what’s best for the whole business
• Practice inclusion by seeking diverse perspectives
• Treat everyone with fairness and respect

The pay for prospective employees in this role is $25/hour.

Visa sponsorship is not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan and H-1B lottery registration) for this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.