Operations Intern

Description

Position Overview:
This role will involve hands-on work within the construction and grain operations of a diversified agribusiness. This position is an exciting opportunity for a motivated college student who is looking to build their skillset, gain hands-on experience in construction, maintenance, and grain handling, and contribute to the growth and success of our company.

Essential Job Responsibilities

•  Learn and apply WFR core values and contribute to a positive culture.
• Supports the Construction and Grain Operations Manager with hands-on project work across company facilities, including new construction, structural improvements, maintenance, and grounds upkeep
• Assist with new building projects, including site preparation, framing, roofing, siding, concrete work, and finish work as directed.
• Assist with structural improvements and remodels at existing farms, shops, and grain facilities.
• Complete routine and preventive maintenance on buildings, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Install, inspect, repair, and adjust feed systems, including bins, augers, feed lines, drops, and feeders.
• Install, inspect, repair, and winterize water systems, including lines, pumps, drinkers, valves, and hydrants.
• Assist with grain operations including receiving, drying, aeration, transfer, and load-out, and monitor grain condition.
• Assist with cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining grain bins, legs, augers, dryers, and handling equipment.
• Perform grounds improvement and maintenance, including mowing, trimming, rock and gravel work, snow removal, landscaping, and general site cleanup.
• Operate hand and power tools, skid loaders, tractors, mowers, and other equipment safely once trained and authorized.
•  Assist with equipment servicing, including greasing, fluid checks, filter changes, and minor repairs.
• Load, unload, organize, and inventory materials, parts, and supplies at the shop and at job sites.
• Keep detailed, accurate records of project hours, materials used, and work completed.
•  Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop, job site, and work area.
• Promptly report equipment, facility, or infrastructure issues that require additional assistance.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with the Construction and Grain Operations Manager, the WFR leadership team, and WFR staff.
• Demonstrate reliability through punctuality, thorough follow-through, and proactive communication when tasks are delayed.
• Participate in assigned training sessions and safety meetings to support professional growth.
• Work efficiently and prioritize daily responsibilities to ensure projects and deadlines are met within established timelines.
• Complete an end-of-internship project and present the results to the supervisor or leadership team.
• Complying with safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout, ladder and fall protection, confined space procedures, and safe operating procedures
• Remain flexible and willing to assist with changing company needs, including rotating between job sites, cross-training in different responsibilities, supporting other departments, and responding to urgent facility needs outside the regular schedule when necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding company information, production information, biosecurity practices, and other proprietary or confidential information.
• Understand & follow WFR's biosecurity protocol, including showering in and out of the facility when working at production sites
• Understand & follow WFR's animal welfare policy
• Understand & follow WFR's handbook and procedures
• Work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse team, contributing to a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Currently enrolled at a college or university, pursuing a degree in construction management, agricultural systems, agribusiness, agronomy, agricultural or mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Previous construction, maintenance, farm, or grain handling experience preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in construction, maintenance, and grain operations with a desire to learn and self-develop
•  Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn to operate tools and equipment safely
• Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
• Strong prioritization and organizational skills
• Effectively communicate with team members
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, blueprints, and safety procedures
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between job sites

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk and be on feet for extended periods, typically 8 to 10 hours a day and longer as project needs require, including on concrete, gravel, and wet or uneven surfaces
• Frequently bend, stoop, reach, squat, and kneel to complete construction, maintenance, and repair work
• Capable to do repeated actions, including lifting, hammering, drilling, shoveling, and operating hand and power tools
• Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull a minimum of 50 lbs., and occasionally more with assistance
• Frequently climb stairs, ladders, and grain bins, and work at heights using required fall protection
• Occasionally work in confined or low-clearance areas, including bins, pits, and crawl spaces, following confined space procedures
• Ability to comply with biosecurity requirements, including showering in and out of the facility and wearing required personal protective equipment
• Sufficient vision, hearing, and speech to observe job site conditions, read plans, labels, and gauges, and communicate clearly in a noisy work environment
• Ability to tolerate exposure to grain and field dust, livestock, animal dander, odors, fumes, cleaning chemicals, wet conditions, temperature extremes, and moderate to loud noise

Work Environment

•  Schedule: Part-time or full-time depending on the semester and school schedule. Hours are set by the Construction and Grain Operations Manager. Extended hours may be required during harvest and active construction projects. Employees are expected to be punctual and reliable to hours set.
• Environment: Primarily outdoors and in shops, farms, and grain facilities. Work is performed in dusty conditions and in all types of weather. Noise level is usually moderate to loud.
• Travel: Daily travel between job sites, farms, and grain facilities is required. A valid driver's license is required.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.