2027 Human Nutrition Internship

National Pork Board • Des Moines, IA

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Human Nutrition Intern will support the National Pork Board’s health and nutrition efforts, reporting to the Senior Director of Human Nutrition. The intern will contribute to nutrition content, research initiatives, school foodservice and health professional activations, events, and communications. The role calls for enthusiasm for encouraging healthy lifestyles and the ability to read, interpret, and communicate nutrition science. Culinary or food service experience is a plus.

The internship lasts 12 weeks, with a preferred schedule from May 2027 through August 2027, and is based at the National Pork Board office in Clive, Iowa. The position is 40 hours per week. Interns are expected to travel for work-related activities; travel expenses are paid. Interns must arrange their own summer housing, and a living stipend is provided. There may be an opportunity to continue part time through Fall 2027. Pay starts at $18 per hour for undergraduate interns or $20 per hour for graduate interns. Applicants should enthusiastically support the organization’s mission to serve U.S. pork producers.

Requirements

• Be a student working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, a doctorate in Nutrition, or a related degree.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to read, interpret, and communicate nutrition science.
• Have strong collaboration and people skills.
• Pay close attention to detail.
• Show strong initiative and be a self-starter.
• Be able to travel for work-related activities.
• Support the mission of the organization with enthusiasm to serve U.S. pork producers.

Nice To Haves

• Previous culinary or food service experience.

Responsibilities

• Participate in planning and executing nutrition-related events and activities.
• Participate in and lead nutrition cooking and educational activities for staff and external stakeholders.
• Assist with coordinating and producing cooking classes in the innovation kitchen, including testing recipes, ordering groceries, preparing ingredients, and organizing details.
• Compile competitive intelligence on nutrition-related products, programs, and promotions.
• Work with internal teams to develop nutrition communications that build brand loyalty, create brand advocates, connect with consumers, and drive pork sales.
• Develop nutrition resources and guides supporting pork’s role in health and wellness for students and professionals.
• Coordinate nutrition research initiatives to support science.
• Participate in agricultural leadership and pork leadership events and activities.

Benefits

• Paid work-related travel expenses.
• Living stipend for the summer.
• Opportunity to continue on a part-time basis through Fall 2027.
• Pay starting at $18 per hour for undergraduate interns or $20 per hour for graduate interns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern