Position Title: Agriculture Intern - Othello - Summer 2025

Position Type: Temporary - Full-Time ​

Position Location: Othello 

Grade: Grade 01 

Requisition ID: 31635 

 

 

 

Agricultural Internship.

 

About the role.

We are looking for an Agricultural Intern to join us for 4 months, starting in May 2025. The position is part of the agricultural team and will work in the Othello, WA field locations. 

 

During assignments, the intern will be exposed 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 completing 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.
 

It is essential that the trainee spend time in the internship program to see and experience the local practices.  Interaction with agronomy, field, and production staff members 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!

Accountabilities:

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 visitsTrack and evaluate potato varieties and their performance in the factoryAssist in developing research needed to determine best agricultural practicesInvestigate pest/disease management practices in the local areaStatistical evaluation to identify best practices and data trendsMonitor and analyze internal raw product inspection proceduresEducate local growers on new field production and storage management techniques through written material, field demonstrations, tours, seminars, and workshopsAssist in collecting and analyzing the grower field and/or bin sampling programAnalyze cost of production

 

Qualifications:

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

 

Skills:

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.

 

 

About the team.

The agricultural team provides a supportive team that will encourage you to be and do your best and a safe and flexible working environment that promotes work/life balance. Working with the McCain team you will be a part of meaningful work and projects and have the opportunity to be part of our student community to connect with students across North America. There is so much to learn and grow in, and we love teaching you what we do!

 

About McCain.

At McCain, we’re feeding the world: from French fries to cakes, we contribute to the important role food plays in people's lives. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring our core values—Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality—shine through every day. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in more than 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that we can work together, along with our business and community partners, to bring sustainable growth and positive change today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain!

 

Leadership Principles.

Our principles, each with related practices, guide our actions across the organization. Together, they address how McCain interacts with our customers and employees, and how we work as individuals and collectively to find success. While each role adheres to the Leadership Principles, individual roles may focus more on a specific principle or principles.

 

We are customer obsessed. Customers are our starting point. By understanding their needs and leveraging data and consumer insights, we drive mutual success.

We think big and plan ahead. Through ambition, curiosity, and smart risks, we can accomplish goals, refine processes, and innovate to scale success.

We bring out the best in our people. We create safe spaces for our people so that trust and empowerment come naturally. Inclusion is about listening first, showing humility, and working together.

We act like owners. Together, we clear obstacles and do the work that makes us all successful and proud to be part of McCain.

 

The McCain experience.

We are McCain: this statement is about our power collectively and our importance individually—your impact is a significant part of the business. Our winning culture focuses on authenticity and trust so we can always bring out the best in our people. Here, you have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while being yourself. Join our team to see why we’re better together.

Hybrid

 

Compensation Package: $20.00 - $26.00 USD hourly

 

The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education/training, and other organizational needs.

 

Benefits: At McCain, we’re on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and well-being at the heart of what we do every day. We understand and appreciate that each person’s needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Due to the duration of this role, you will not be eligible for traditional benefits through our programs. McCain's early careers programming offers a multitude of learning experiences aimed at advancing your career in the future.

 

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.
 
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with the Global Employee Privacy Policy 

 

Job Family: Student & Graduates; Agriculture      
Division: NA Ag Strategy 
Department: ​Othello Agriculture Field ​
Location(s): US - United States of America : Washington : Othello 

Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.