Quality Internship (Sanitation & Food Safety)

Description

Join a Mission That Matters — Enrich Lives with Butterball® Farms

At Butterball® Farms, we’re more than a butter manufacturer — we’re a purpose-driven organization committed to making a meaningful impact. For over 60 years, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s leading food brands to craft innovative, value-added butter products that bring quality and flavor to millions of tables. Yet what truly sets us apart isn’t just what we make — it’s why we make it. Our mission is simple and powerful: to Enrich Lives, inside and outside our walls.

Recognized as one of West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, Butterball Farms is where talent is developed, ideas are championed, and collaboration fuels results. We foster an environment where people are empowered to grow, contribute, and lead — because when our team members thrive, our business does too.

We operate as one team, united by shared values and a commitment to continuous improvement. We celebrate wins, learn from challenges, and consistently raise the bar as we evolve and scale. Every new voice strengthens our foundation and helps us build what’s next.

Our dedication to enriching lives extends beyond our products and into the communities we serve. We actively create opportunities for individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system, offering meaningful work and a pathway toward a new future. We believe in second chances, investing in potential, and opening doors that build stronger individuals, stronger families, and stronger communities.

At Butterball® Farms, purpose and performance go hand in hand — and the work we do together truly makes a difference.

What We Offer

At Butterball® Farms, we believe our team members are our greatest investment — that’s why we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support your growth and well-being, both at work and beyond.

• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement
  • Build your career in an environment that encourages development, accountability, and internal promotion.
• High-Performance Culture
  • Join a workplace where we challenge each other to grow, think differently, and deliver our best — every shift, every day.
• Inclusive & Supportive Environment
  • We celebrate diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Every voice matters.
• Competitive Pay & Shift Premiums
  • Additional premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift roles.
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Critical Illness, Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, and Accident Insurance.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Because rest and balance make us stronger.
• 401(k) with Company Match
  • Invest in your future while you help us build ours.
• Tuition Reimbursement & Continuous Learning
  • Grow your career with educational support.
• Community Connection
  • Access The Source for resources, financial counseling, and family services — supporting the whole you.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Confidential support for personal, family, or work-related matters.

What to Expect in Our Hiring Process

We believe every application represents a person—not just a resume. Our process is designed to be thoughtful, transparent, and fair at every stage.

• Application Review Our team carefully reviews each application to identify alignment with the role and our organizational needs.
• Virtual or Phone Interview If there’s a potential fit, you may be invited to complete a brief virtual interview or connect directly with our team to discuss your experience, goals, and interests.
• On-Site Interview & Facility Tour Selected candidates will be invited to meet the team in person and experience our environment firsthand.
• Pre-Employment Screening As part of our standard hiring process, all candidates will be required to complete a drug screening and background check.
• Background Check Review Process As a second-chance employer, a prior conviction does not automatically disqualify you from employment. We are committed to fair evaluations that are specific to the individual. Background checks are reviewed in context—including factors such as time passed, relevance to the role, and demonstrated growth.
• Offer & Onboarding If there’s a strong mutual fit, we’ll guide you through the offer process and provide a supportive onboarding experience designed to set you up for success from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Observe 3rd shift sanitation processes, including equipment breakdown, cleaning, and reassembly
• Gain an understanding of sanitation workflows, challenges, and best practices within the plant
• Partner with sanitation and maintenance teams to accurately capture real-world processes
• Develop and document step-by-step Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sanitation processes
• Translate technical and hands-on processes into clear, easy-to-follow instructions for operators
• Ensure SOPs align with GMPs, food safety standards, and company requirements
• Create visual training materials (photos, videos, diagrams) to support sanitation procedures
• Assist in building training tools that improve understanding and consistency across shifts
• Support updates to existing training materials to reflect current practices
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and Maintenance teams to ensure sanitation practices meet food safety standards
• Identify and communicate potential risks related to sanitation, equipment cleanliness, and process gaps
• Identify opportunities to improve sanitation efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness
• Support implementation of improvements related to cleaning processes and equipment handling
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence

Requirements

Education /Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Currently pursuing a degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field
• Experience with documentation, process improvement, or visual media tools is a plus
• Must have completed Sophomore year
• Strong attention to detail and observation skills
• Ability to document processes clearly and accurately
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
• Interest in food manufacturing, sanitation, or operations

Essential Physical Requirements

(This role requires the following physical activities)

Continuous (67–100% of the time):

• Seeing (computer screens, documents, presentations)
• Sitting and/or standing at a workstation
• Repetitive hand motions (typing, mouse use)
• Communicating (verbal and written)

Frequent (33–66% of the time):

• Walking (within office or between departments)
• Talking and hearing (meetings, presentations, calls)
• Reaching (desk-level, office equipment)
• Driving (as needed for meetings, events, or off-site engagements)

Occasional (Up to 33% of the time):

• Bending or stooping
• Light lifting or carrying (materials, equipment, event supplies)

Physical Effort

• Frequent lifting and carrying of up to 10 lbs
• Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 20 lbs

Working Environment

This position is located in a production/processing environment, which may involve:

• Cold temperatures ranging from 45°F with occasional exposure to freezer environments as low as -10°F
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and machinery
• Standing and working on concrete floors for extended periods
• Fast-paced, physically demanding tasks in a team-oriented setting
• Adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety protocols

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of any employee assigned to this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Butterball Farms, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA).