Veterinary Services Intern-Willmar, MN

Hormel Foods Family of Companies • Willmar, MN

5h • Onsite

About The Position

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. The internship is designed for veterinary students interested in food animal medicine, poultry health, population medicine, and production agriculture. The role is based on-site in Willmar, Minnesota, and offers a temporary, full-time, hourly schedule of approximately 40 hours per week. The summer program runs 10–12 weeks, beginning in late May and ending in early August. Co-ops may be available depending on business needs and typically run 6–8 months.

Interns gain hands-on experience with flock health management, diagnostics, biosecurity, and animal welfare programs, along with opportunities to develop analytical, research, leadership, and communication skills. They receive mentorship from poultry veterinarians and production leaders and learn how veterinary medicine supports food animal production and the poultry industry.

Requirements

• 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 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 technical and non-technical team members.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Work with staff veterinarians to learn 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 collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data 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 areas include research trials, health and welfare initiatives, disease prevention strategies, production analytics, and operational improvements.
• Present project findings and recommendations to veterinary and production leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay of $27.75, paid weekly.
• Housing assistance through 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.
• Professional development opportunities and networking experiences.
• Potential consideration for future internships, co-ops, or full-time employment opportunities.
• Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed