The Swine Health and Production team at National Pork Board (NPB) is seeking a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and motivated summer intern. Reporting to the Directors of Swine Health, the selected applicant will assist in a variety of projects focused on FAD preparedness, traceability, and both foreign and endemic disease research. The Swine Health and Production intern will have the opportunity to work alongside swine health subject matter experts both within NPB, and with external industry partners. By the end of the internship, interns will have a deeper understanding of the health and production needs of the pork industry, and will develop a strong network of producers, veterinarians, regulatory, and industry partners.
Responsibilities
- Assisting with NPB activities at World Pork Expo, June 4-5, 2025
- Participating in the planning and operation of meetings at local, state, and national levels
- Assist in reviewing and updating the Secure Pork Supply plan by participating in the Secure Pork Supply advisory group
- Assist in the collaboration with state veterinarians and state pork associations to expand the Certified Swine Sample Collector program
- Participate in the Swine Disease Research Task Force and contribute to discussions on priorities for research
- With the assistance of a licensed veterinarian, review research proposals for scientific rigor for at least one call for proposals
- Participate in at least one foreign animal disease demonstrational exercise (tabletop, fully functional, etc.)
- Assist in facilitating RFID reader distribution for industry traceability efforts
- Attending and participating in technical working groups, industry meetings, as well as departmental and organizational staff meetings
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a DVM degree, focusing on production animal or swine medicine
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Self-motivated and comfortable with independent work (guided by a Director of Swine Health)
- Ability to work on several projects with high attention to detail and quality of work
- Ability and willingness to learn new topics, issues, and projects
- Willingness and ability to travel ~20% of time, including some overnight travel
- Comfortable with flexible scheduling and shifting priorities as industry needs change
Details
- Duration of internship: 12 weeks
- Preferred timeline: May 2025 – August 2025
- Hours: 40hrs/week
- Internships are paid starting at $17/hour
- All intern positions are based at our office in Clive, Iowa
- All interns will be expected to secure their own housing for the summer; a living stipend is provided.
To Apply
Apply at https://porkcheckoff.org/about/careers/. Application deadline is November 22, 2024.
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management. Applicants should be able to support the mission of the organization with enthusiasm to serve U.S. pork producers.
The National Pork Board has been recognized nationally as a “best place to work.” We are an equal opportunity employer and offer an exceptional benefits package and work environment. Visit us online at www.pork.org.