Veterinary Services Intern-Willmar, MN

Hormel Foods • Willmar, MN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Hormel Foods Corporation is hiring a Veterinary Services Intern to gain practical exposure to poultry health, disease prevention, animal welfare, and commercial turkey production. The intern will work alongside veterinarians, live production leaders, and farm teams. The internship is intended for veterinary students interested in food animal medicine, poultry health, population medicine, and production agriculture.

The intern will support flock health and production objectives, assist with data collection and analysis, and learn how veterinary services contributes to food safety, animal care, regulatory compliance, and operational decision-making. The intern will also design, carry out, and present an independent project based on business needs and personal interests, with findings and recommendations presented to veterinary and production leadership.

The summer internship lasts 10–12 weeks, starting in late May and ending in early August. Co-ops may be available depending on business needs; these typically last 6–8 months. This is a temporary, full-time, hourly, on-site position based in Willmar, Minnesota, with approximately 40 hours per week. Interns may be eligible for overtime based on business needs. The hourly pay is $27.75, paid weekly.

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.
• Must not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future.
• 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.
• Present project findings and recommendations to veterinary and production leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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