Pork Sustainability Internship 2026

Description:

The National Pork Board is seeking one summer intern with an interest in sustainability. The selected intern will work with Directors and Managers to assist with projects in the following program areas: Animal Science, Animal Welfare, Public Health, Pork Safety, Pork Quality, Swine Health, Emerging Technology, Human Nutrition, and Environment. By the end of their internship, the intern will have gained a deeper understanding of swine health, management and sustainability needs of the U.S. pork industry.

Key Responsibilities/Activities:

• Work within National Pork Board teams to complete specific new and on-going projects or independent projects within the program areas listed above.

Complete approximately five projects that will take approximately two weeks each as assigned by the We Care / Sustainability team. Examples of these projects are regulatory summaries, literature reviews, project planning, etc.

• Participate in the planning and operation of projects and meetings at local, state, and national levels.
• Assist with NPB activities at World Pork Expo.

Attend and participate in technical working groups, industry meetings, as well as departmental and organizational staff meetings. Note: The nature of many of the activities requires the completion of both planned and unplanned tasks. Flexibility and the ability to become rapidly acquainted with new issues are important skills necessary for successful completion of program objectives.

Requirements:

Able to work on several projects concurrently with a high attention to detail and quality of work. Competence in MS Office software programs. Willingness and ability to travel two to four days per month, including some overnight travel. Comfortable working in an environment that demands flexible scheduling, independent work, and shifting priorities.

Able to become rapidly familiar with new topics, issues, or projects. Interested candidates should at minimum currently hold or be working toward a bachelor's degree in one of the following or related areas: Animal Science, Animal Welfare, Public Health, Food Safety, Swine Health / Veterinary Science, Agriculture Engineering, Human Nutrition, and Environmental Science. Additional training is encouraged but not required. Finally, an interest and commitment to the U.S. swine industry is required.

Criteria for applying:

Internships are paid starting at $17/hour (undergraduate) or $19/hr (graduate) Hours: 40 hrs./week for 12 weeks. May 2026 through August 2026. All positions are based at the NPB office in Des Moines, IA. All interns will be expected to secure their own housing for the summer. A living stipend is provided.

Interviews will take place in mid/late November with positions being filled by early December. Application deadline is November 21. We may speak to candidates prior to close date. 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.