Mountaire Farms

Primary Purpose

As a Live Operations Intern in the Grow Out Department at Mountaire Farms, you will take part in field-based research projects that directly impact poultry performance and efficiency. Over the course of the summer, you will conduct trials focused on poultry housing systems and design, gathering data to measure their effects on bird behavior, growth, and overall performance. This internship provides hands-on experience in live production management, research methods, and data-driven decision making while giving you the opportunity to contribute to improvements in animal welfare and operational outcomes.

Project Highlights

• Focus Area – Conduct a provided trial on one aspect of a poultry house and its effects on broiler performance.
• Trial Management – Monitor the trial from placement on the farm through processing.
• Data Collection & Analysis – Gather performance data at the farm and analyze results from field trials.
• Presentation - Share findings and recommendations with Live Operations leadership and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled and pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university.
• Valid Driver's license.
• Must pass the Mountaire Motor Vehicle Record check.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors, in a farm setting, during summer months.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Internship Program Requirements

• Complete assigned project identified by department mentor
• Attend weekly seminar series across different Mountaire facilities
• Other duties as assigned
• All interns must be available to travel to Delaware during the last week of the program for final presentations (August 3 to 7, 2026)
• All interns are required to complete a 10-minute presentation on their project at the conclusion of summer Presentations will take place in Millsboro, DE at the Administrative Building during the week of August 3rd to the 7th
• Anticipated weekly schedule for this internship is: 8am - 5pm
• Housing available upon request

Are you looking for more than just a job? The culture at Mountaire is one of our greatest strengths and most valued assets. We maintain the same core values and family-focused work environment that we’ve operated with since day one. You will find that your peers, supervisor and team members are genuinely committed to, not only your success, but also working together to provide high-quality products to our customers. We are a service to one another and to our customers, demonstrating operational excellence and outstanding performance.

Mountaire Overview

Mountaire Corporation and its two operating affiliates, Mountaire Farms Inc. and Mountaire Farms of Delaware, Inc. (collectively, “Mountaire Farms” or “Mountaire”), are agricultural food production and processing companies providing competitive jobs to almost 10,000 dedicated employees 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.

Total Compensation

Mountaire also offers an amazing total compensation package! A few examples of our benefits that may be offered to you are: eight paid holidays, Medical Plans with free onsite Health and Wellness Centers, Dental and Vision Programs, Employee Assistance Program for you and your family, Retirement Planning with 401(k), Profit Sharing, Employee Discounted Chicken Sales, Employee Discounts with partners (Car Purchase, Phone Plans, & Shopping), Tuition Reimbursement and many exciting career development programs!