Summer Hourly Intern - Veterinary Services

Primary Purpose

This internship will support the Veterinary Services team by researching and gathering data related to bird health, welfare, and biosecurity across Live Operations, with a focus on hatcheries, breeder operations, and grow-out facilities.  Working closely with Veterinary Services, Live Production, and Hatchery teams, the intern will collect and analyze serology, virology, necropsy, and embryo assessment data from multiple production units and geographic regions.  The project will focus on identifying trends, evaluating flock health indicators, and supporting continuous improvement initiates that enhance bird health, welfare, and overall broiler production performance.   

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze serology, virology, necropsy, and embryo assessment data to evaluate bird health, welfare, and biosecurity across hatcheries, breeder operations, and grow-out facilities.
• Research health and performance trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and support data-driven decision-making throughout Live Operations.
• Assist Veterinary Services in evaluating new and existing vaccination and health programs to determine best practices, assess potentials risks, and improve bird health and production performance.
• Collaborate with Veterinary Services and Live Production teams to identify factors impacting flock health and strengthen biosecurity and animal welfare practices.
• Present findings and recommendations that support improved bird health, welfare, and overall broiler production outcomes.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or accepted into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, with a background in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Studies, or a related field.
• Strong interest in poultry health, animal welfare, biosecurity, and commercial broiler production.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to organize, analyze, and interpret biological and production data.
• Strong analytical, observational, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in varying weather and temperature conditions.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present findings and recommendations to Veterinary Services and Live Operations teams.
• 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.
• All interns must be available to travel to Delaware during the last week of the program or final presentations (August 2-6, 2027).
• 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 2-6.
• All interns must complete a mid-way evaluation (week 5) along with a final evaluation (week 10).

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