Position Title: Sweet Potato Agriculture Intern
Position Type: Temporary - Full-Time
Position Location: Oakbrook Terrace
Grade: Grade 01
Requisition ID: 31639
Potatoes. French Fries. Taters. You love them; we make them. In fact, we make 1/3 of the world’s frozen potato products, and if you have eaten fries this week, chances are, they were ours.
At McCain Foods, we know the importance that food plays in people's lives—the power it has to uplift and bring people, families, businesses, and communities together. Guided by our purpose to bring enjoyment to people's lives through great-tasting food, we believe that working together with our teams, business, and community partners will bring sustainable growth and positive change—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in over 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do.
Students like you are important to us. We aim to hire the best and brightest co-op students and interns, with the goal of having you join us as full-time employees upon graduation. Our ideal student candidate is passionate, collaborative, willing to learn, and takes initiative.
Why join the McCain family?
You aren’t “just a student” at McCain; you will be treated like any other member of your teamWork with and learn from passionate leaders Our core values – Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality – shine through every day in everything we do Your experience at McCain is what you make of it – ask questions, network, take advantage of the opportunity to learn from our professionalsPosition Summary
We are looking for an Agricultural Intern to join us for 3+ months, starting in May 2025. The position is located in Mississippi and is part of the agriculture team.
During assignments, the intern will have exposure to grower relations, crop monitoring and intelligence, raw product alignment, cost of production, research and applied science and extension activities including agronomy and sustainability, and the general operation of a commercial agriculture department.
The intern will be exposed to McCain manufacturing operations and will have the opportunity to complete a series of in-house training modules that are part of a broader McCain Agriculture training program.
Upon successful completion of the internship and a diploma or degree in an agriculture field, the intern would be a step ahead of other candidates considered for full-time employment within McCain Foods LTD.
The Team
It is essential that the trainee spend time in the internship program to see and experience the local practices in the “province/state.” Interaction with members of the agronomy, field, and production staff will prove invaluable.
It will also allow the intern to see firsthand how McCain’s potatoes are produced and processed into finished products for our customers. This program will enable the intern to tailor their final year(s) in their diploma/degree program to enhance their knowledge further.
There is so much to learn and grow in, and we love teaching you what we do!
What You Will Be Working On
The Intern is the support position at the local office to research and analyze data to improve crop management in the area. Work is planned and conducted under the Agronomist's guidance and with the Department Manager's advice. Projects may include the following:
Promote relations between the company and growers through periodic farm and storage visits.Track and evaluate potato varieties and their performance in the factory.Assist in developing research needed to determine best agricultural practices.Investigate pest/disease management practices in the local area.Statistical evaluation to identify best practices and data trends.Monitor and analyze internal raw product inspection procedures.Educate local growers on new field production and storage management techniques through written material, field demonstrations, tours, seminars, and workshops.Assist in collecting and analyzing the grower field and/or bin sampling program. Analyze cost of production.Other projects as assigned.
What You Will Learn
Communication—You will have the opportunity to meet diverse groups of people and sharpen your communication skills in various ways, including writing, speaking, and presenting.
Agriculture economics: You will participate in researching and analyzing local production data and observe the process of managing local raw supply.
Agriculture production – you can deepen your knowledge of potato production and monitor crop status.
Agriculture research: Under the supervision and direction of the company agronomist, you will design, collect, and analyze data on projects relevant to the company’s future, including sustainability and production improvement. You will also participate in extension work promoting new techniques and best-growing practices.
Sustainability—Learn and contribute to McCain’s sustainability goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving the regenerative agriculture practices of our potato growers.
Access to in-house McCain training – the opportunity to complete some sections of the McCain Ag. Supply Specialist program. Participate in industry meetings and have the opportunity to visit other McCain locations.
Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) – Learn about the food safety program at McCain Foods on the business's processing and farm sites.
What You Need to Be Successful
College Junior/Senior majoring in Ag Science, Plant Science, Ag Business, Ag Economics, or a closely related disciplineKnowledge of farm practices and vegetable production is desirable but not necessaryBasic to Intermediate skills in word processing, spreadsheet, data management, and presentation preparations. Statistical computer applications would be beneficialCommunication skills – must be able to speak effectively both to individuals as well as to groups, making short presentations in group settings, familiar with video conferencingMust be able to write routine correspondence and reports to a variety of audiencesA valid driver’s license, comfortable flying/driving long distancesWork outside in different weather conditions under the sun and in a variety of temperaturesOccasionally requires substantial physical effort and working in awkward positions
What You Can Expect From Us
A supportive team that will encourage you to be and do your bestA safe and flexible working environment that promotes work/life balance The opportunity to be part of meaningful work and projects The opportunity to be part of our student community to connect with students across North America
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace. As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
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Job Family: Agriculture
Division: NA Ag Strategy
Department: Vegetable Agriculture Team
Location(s): US - United States of America : Other : Reference job description
Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.