Veterinary Services Intern

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, COLUMBUS®, JENNIE-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visitwww.hormelfoods.com. 

Job Title

Live Production Intern – Veterinary Services

Job Purpose: As a Veterinary Services Intern, you will work alongside veterinarians, live production leaders, and farm teams to gain practical exposure to poultry health, disease prevention, animal welfare, and commercial turkey production.

This internship is designed for veterinary students interested in food animal medicine, poultry health, population medicine, and production agriculture.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with staff veterinarians to learn principles of poultry health, preventive medicine, biosecurity, and disease management.
• Gain hands-on exposure to commercial turkey production, including breeder, hatchery, brooder, and growout operations.
• Observe and participate in flock health evaluations, diagnostic investigations, and animal welfare assessments.
• Collaborate with farm managers, supervisors, live production personnel, and corporate team members to support flock performance and health objectives.
• Assist with data collection, analysis, and interpretation related to flock health, production performance, and welfare metrics.
• Learn how veterinary services supports food safety, animal care, regulatory compliance, and operational decision-making throughout the production system.
• Design, execute, and present an independent project based on business needs and personal interests. Potential projects may include research trials, health and welfare initiatives, disease prevention strategies, production analytics, or operational improvement opportunities.
• Present project findings and recommendations to veterinary and production leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited U.S. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.

• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong work ethic, initiative, and a desire to learn in a production agriculture environment.

• Ability to meet all biosecurity requirements and work comfortably in a farm and barn setting.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from assigned work locations.

• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7.
• Completion of at least one year of veterinary school.
• Interest in poultry medicine, food animal production, epidemiology, population medicine, or animal welfare.
• Previous experience in livestock, poultry, agricultural, or veterinary settings.
• Experience with research projects, data analysis, or scientific study design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What You'll Gain

• Direct mentorship from experienced poultry veterinarians and production leaders.
• Exposure to commercial turkey production from breeder operations through market-ready flocks.
• Hands-on experience with flock health management, diagnostics, biosecurity, and animal welfare programs.
• Opportunities to develop analytical, research, leadership, and communication skills.
• A deeper understanding of veterinary medicine's role in food animal production and the poultry industry.
• Professional experience that supports future careers in poultry medicine, food animal practice, veterinary public health, industry veterinary services, or production management.

Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas. 

About Our Internship Program

The Hormel Foods internship program is designed with your growth in mind. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects that support real business initiatives while developing the skills and confidence needed to launch your career.

In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you'll have opportunities to connect with fellow interns, build your professional network, participate in development and learning sessions, and interact with leaders across the organization. You'll leave the summer with valuable experience, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of what it's like to work for a Fortune 500 company.

We're proud to be recognized among the nation's Top 150 Internship Programs by Vault.

Duration

Our summer internship program runs 10-12 weeks and starts in late May and ends in early August.

Co-ops may be available depending on our business needs. The co-op program duration is typically 6-8 months and can run from early January through early August OR late May through early December.

Hours

This is a temporary, full-time, hourly position. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week and may be eligible for overtime based on business needs. 

Location(s) 

• This is an on-site position based out of Willmar, MN.
• Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote internship opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay of $27.75 paid on a weekly basis
• Housing assistance through either a housing stipend or company-provided housing, depending on location
• Reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses
• Reimbursement for approved business-related expenses 
• Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match 
• Paid time off (PTO) accrual
• Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company 
• Professional development opportunities and networking experiences 
• Potential consideration for future internships, co-ops, or full-time employment opportunities

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects.  We offer a space of support, understanding, and community.  We are committed to the journey!  Learn more about our progress here: Inclusion and Belonging - About - Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.