Summer Hourly Intern - Hatchery

About the role

The internship will support Hatchery Operations by evaluating different incubation methods and their impact on key performance metrics throughout the hatchery process. Working closely with Hatchery and Live Operations teams, the intern will collect and analyze production data, assess incubation performance, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. The project will focus on understanding how incubation practices influence hatchability, chick quality, flock performance, and overall operational efficiency.

Project Highlights

• Evaluate different incubation methods and their impact on key performance metrics, including hatchability, chick quality, and operational efficiency.
• Collect and analyze hatchery data to identify trends and support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assess the return on investment (ROI) of incubation equipment by measuring its impact on hatchery and production performance metrics.
• Collaborate with Hatchery and Live Operations teams to identify best practices and opportunities to improve bird health and operational outcomes.
• Develop and present recommendations that support improved hatchery performance, flock quality, and overall production results.

Responsibilities

• Completes assigned tasks identified by department mentor.
• Attends semi-monthly seminar series.
• Completes and presents summer project presentation.
• Completes internship evaluations at weeks 5 and 10.
• Follows all company safety policies, standard operating procedure (SOP) regulations, as well as supports the Goal Zero mission statement.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled and pursuing a degree in Poultry Science.
• Strong interest in hatchery operations, incubation management, and poultry production.
• Quick learner who is coachable, adaptable, and flexible in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with the ability to work independently and manage responsibilities effectively.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Must pass the Mountaire Motor Vehicle Record check.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel.

Internship Program Requirements

• Complete assigned project identified by department mentor.
• Attend weekly seminar series across different Mountaire facilities.
• Available to travel to Delaware during the last week of the program or final presentations (August 2–6, 2027).
• Complete a 10-minute presentation on the project at the conclusion of summer; presentations will take place in Millsboro, DE at the Administrative Building during the week of August 2–6.
• Complete a mid-way evaluation (week 5) along with a final evaluation (week 10).

About Us

Mountaire Farms is an agricultural food production and processing company providing work for over 10,000 people at facilities in Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Now the fourth largest chicken company in the United States, we are still family owned and fully committed to giving back to the communities where we do business. At Mountaire Farms, our culture is what defines us. It sets us apart from our competition and reinforces what we stand for. Supporting each other, uplifting each other, and helping each other succeed — that’s the Mountaire way! Our vision is to provide growth, stability, and opportunities for our people, our customers, and our communities by profitably delivering wholesome quality chicken.