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Onion Agronomy and Operations Intern - May 2023

Potatoes. French Fries. Taters and Onion Rings. 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 take initiative.
 
Why join the McCain family?
·      You aren’t “just a student” at McCain, you will be treated like any other member of your team
·      Work 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 professionals
Position Summary
 
We are looking for an Agriculture Intern to join us for a 3-4 month period starting in May 2023. The position is in Fruitland, ID as a part of Onion Procurement team. 
During assignments, the intern will have exposure to grower relations, crop monitoring and intelligence, raw product alignment, onion cost of production, research and applied science and extension activities including agronomy and sustainability, and the general operation of a commercial agronomy 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 wider McCain Agriculture training program.
Upon successful completion of the internship as well as completion of a diploma or degree in an agriculture field, the intern would then be a step ahead of other candidates considered for full time employment within McCain Foods, USA.
 
The Team
It is essential that the trainee spend time in the internship program to see and live the local practices that exist in the Treasure Valley. The 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 onions are produced and processed into finished product for our customers. This program will allow the intern to tailor their final year(s) in their diploma/degree program to further enhance their knowledge.

 
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 guidance of the Agronomist and with advice from the Department Manager. Projects may include the following:
 
·      Analyze cost of production.
·      Assist in developing research needed to determine best practices for sustainability goals.
·      Conduct samples of native and cropland soils to document changes.
·      Investigate pest/disease management practices in the local area.
·      Statistical evaluation to identify best practices and data trends.
·      Track and evaluate onion varieties and their performance in the plant.
·      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.
·      Promote relations between company and growers through periodic farm and storage visits.
·      Assist in collection and analysis of grower field and/or bin sampling program.
·      Other projects as assigned.
 
What You Will Learn
 
Communication – you will have opportunity to meet diverse group of people and be able to sharpen your communication skills in variety of ways, including writing, speaking, and presenting.
Agriculture economics – you will participate in research and analysis of local production data and observe the process of contracting and managing local raw supply.
Agriculture production – you will have opportunity to deepen you knowledge of onion production, monitor crop status and participating in managing raw onions schedules.
Agriculture research – under supervisions and direction of company agronomist, you will have a chance to design, collect and analyze data on projects relevant to company future including sustainability and production improvement. Participate in extension work promoting new techniques and best growing practices.
Sustainability – Learn and contribute to McCain’s sustainability goals of reducing carbon emission and improving the regenerative agriculture practices of our onion growers.
Access to in house McCain training – opportunity to complete some sections of the McCain Ag. Supply Specialist program. Participate in industry meetings, opportunity to visit other McCain locations.
Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) – learn the food safety program at McCain Food both on processing and farm sites of the business.
 
What You Need to be Successful
 
College Junior/Senior majoring in Ag Science, Plant Science, Ag. Business, Ag Economics or closely related discipline
Knowledge of farm practices and vegetable production desirable but not necessary.
Basic to Intermediate skills in word processing, spreadsheet, data management and presentation preparations. Statistical computer application would be beneficial.
Communication skills – must be able to speak effectively both to individuals as well as to groups, making short presentation in groups settings, familiar with video conferencing.
Must be able to write routine correspondence and reports to variety of audiences.
Work outside in different weather conditions under the sun and variety of temperatures
There will be some lifting up to 50 lbs
 
What You Can Expect From Us
·      A supportive team that will encourage you to be and do your best
·      A 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