Intern

“Seed to Success” Intern – West Pak Avocado, Inc.

Who We Are

At West Pak, being a family-owned and operated company means, among other things, respect, integrity, support, and commitment to excellence. Our dedication starts with how we respect the land and the people who work it, and carries over into how we conduct all business. This same thoughtful care goes into how we handle our precious cargo. Our avocados are harvested at exactly the right time, packed to perfection, and delivered fresh for enjoyment worldwide.

Position Summary

West Pak offers a selective internship program for undergraduate and graduate students interested in agriculture, produce, and business operations. Interns gain hands-on experience, cross-departmental exposure, and complete a customized project aligned with their background and career goals.

Key Responsibilities

•    Participate in departmental projects in areas such as Finance, Supply Chain, California Field Team, or Sales. Each project will have specific work product deliverables and a timeline.

•    Engage in cross-functional learning and field experience opportunities

•    Complete at least one customized project based on your academic focus and company needs

•    Collaborate with team members to support operational and strategic initiatives

•    Attend learning sessions to gain insight into the avocado industry and global produce markets

Requirements

•    Must work on-site (remote work is not available)

•    Placement at Murrieta HQ or Ventura office

•    Must have own housing and live within a reasonable commute

•    Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program

•    Course of study should be related to agriculture or a business area aligned with West Pak’s operations (e.g., finance, supply chain, sales) and your career interests

•    Microsoft software skills, including Excel, Word, and Outlook. PowerPoint preferred but not required

•    Effective time management skills, understanding, setting, and meeting deadlines

•    Interact effectively with internal customers and with employees from all levels of the organization

•    Maintain confidentiality of sensitive Company information and use judgment and tact in applying policies, solving problems, and communicating standards

•    Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

The physical Requirements and Working Conditions will vary based on the intern’s assigned department as follows:

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions-Office Positions

The essential functions of this job require frequent sitting for prolonged periods, as well as occasional standing and walking. Sensory demands require the ability to constantly hear and speak, both in person and by phone, and to use a computer, calculator, and standard office equipment. Specific vision acuity required by this job includes close vision, the ability to adjust focus, and color vision when inspecting products. Physical demands include bending, stooping, and reaching above and below shoulder level to access records, as well as lifting and carrying files and documents weighing less than 25 pounds, with or without assistance.    

 Physical Requirements/Working Conditions-California Field Team

•    Physical demands include bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds to 40 pounds with or without assistance. 

•    Regular travel to both field and office environments, including visits to avocado ranches, growers, and production areas.

•    Must be able to navigate diverse work environments (offices, sales offices, trade shows, and production areas).

•    Fieldwork may involve exposure to weather conditions and physically demanding tasks, including handling avocado boxes during sales.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions-Production Areas

•    The essential functions of this job require frequent standing, walking, and upper-body movements. Specific vision acuity required by this job includes close vision, the ability to adjust focus, and color vision when cleaning products. Physical demands include bending, stooping, and reaching above and below shoulder level. Lifting and carrying are also essential. The employee will also be in contact with chemical products and machinery.

• Additionally, the incumbent will work near moving mechanical parts, stacks, and pallets, and may be exposed to high places and surfaces. There is moderate noise in the work environment. The incumbent for this position may be on call for emergencies, as needed, according to business requirements. 

•    The incumbent may be exposed to situations in which occasional lifting may be involved (up to 50 lbs.), with or without assistance. There will be exposure to working in hot or cold environments (38°F-60°F) and to hot or wet (humid) locations.