Operations Intern (71735)

Job Summary

The Operations Intern will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced citrus juice manufacturing environment. This role is designed to provide exposure to daily plant operations, production processes, and leadership responsibilities by shadowing supervisors and supporting key operational initiatives. This internship is intended for high-potential students in their final year of study, with strong potential for full-time employment upon successful completion.

This position will report directly to the Assistant Plant Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

• Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees.  All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately.  All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.
• Shadow production and operations supervisors to learn daily workflows and decision-making processes
• Assist in monitoring production lines to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met
• Support scheduling, staffing coordination, and shift planning activities
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization projects
• Observe and learn quality control procedures, including compliance with food safety standards (GMPs, HACCP)
• Assist with data collection, reporting, and analysis related to production performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including QA, Maintenance, and Logistics
• Attend team meetings, safety briefings, and operational reviews
• Complete assigned projects focused on improving operational efficiency or reducing waste

Learning Objectives:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of citrus juice manufacturing operations
• Develop leadership and supervisory skills through direct observation and mentorship
• Learn industry best practices in food safety, quality assurance, and production management
• Build analytical and problem-solving skills in a real-world manufacturing setting
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program in Engineering (Production, Chemical, or related field)
• Strong academic performance with high potential for full-time hire upon graduation
• Demonstrated commitment and a strong desire to learn, grow, and develop professionally
• Strong interest in manufacturing, operations, or food production environments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Physical Requirements

• 50% of time spent will be spent standing/walking/ climbing at the different job sites.
• 50% of the time will be sitting at a desk working on a computer, speaking on the telephone or in meetings with staff/contractors.
• Must be able to work in varying temperatures (including cold storage areas)
• Intern should not be subject to claustrophobia or fear of heights.
• There is only moderate lifting <= 25lbs

Schedule:

• Flexible schedule based on school requirements; may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends

Duration:

• 4 – 6 Months with potential for hire.

Salary : $19