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Animal Intern Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Learn and apply company policies on human safety, animal welfare, product quality and environmental ... Previous intern, co-op, or work experience. * Nice to have but not required: Experience in poultry ...

Animal Intern information

What is the difference between Animal Intern vs Animal Technician?

AspectAnimal InternAnimal Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some may have related courseworkAssociate's degree or certification in animal care or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, shelters, research labs, zoosVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research organizations, zoosVeterinary practices, animal care facilities, research labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in animal careLearning about professional animal care careers

Animal Interns typically gain hands-on experience in animal care environments as part of their educational or training programs. Animal Technicians are more experienced professionals with specialized training or certifications, performing routine animal care and assisting veterinarians. While both roles involve working with animals, Interns are usually in learning phases, whereas Technicians are more established in their careers.

What is an Animal Intern?

An Animal Intern is typically a student or recent graduate who works temporarily at an animal care facility, such as a zoo, veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or wildlife center, to gain hands-on experience with animals. Interns assist with daily animal care tasks, learn about animal behavior and health, and may help with educational programs or research. These internships provide valuable practical training for those interested in careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, or wildlife conservation.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect as an Animal Intern, and how do these contribute to my professional development?

As an Animal Intern, you'll typically participate in a variety of hands-on experiences such as assisting with animal care routines, preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, observing medical procedures, and sometimes aiding in enrichment activities. These tasks provide foundational knowledge in animal husbandry, welfare, and basic veterinary practices. This exposure is invaluable for building practical skills, expanding your understanding of animal behavior, and networking with professionals in the field, all of which can open doors to advanced roles in animal care, research, or veterinary medicine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Intern, you generally need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, along with practical experience handling and caring for animals. Familiarity with animal care tools, data entry systems, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or first aid are often required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for animal welfare help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safety, health, and proper care of animals while supporting smooth operations in veterinary or research environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Intern jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Animal Intern jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Animal Intern jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Animal Intern job openings:
2026 Management Trainee Program

2026 Management Trainee Program

Butterball

Garner, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Butterball rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 397 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Step into your future with Butterball—America’s most loved and trusted turkey brand. Best known for being at the heart of Thanksgiving celebrations, Butterball also delivers a variety of delicious turkey products to families around the world to be enjoyed every day. Our 6,000+ team members work cross-functionally to achieve the same goal: to create high-quality turkey products for our consumers.   

 Our 12- month rotational Management Trainee Program provides recent graduates with a unique opportunity to explore every area of our business, from live operations, to production, to distribution, and everywhere in between. This insight sheds light on a variety of career paths and opportunities within our dynamic organization.   

The rotations occur in 3 segments:  

  • Mount Olive, North Carolina (Processing Facility)  

  • Garner, North Carolina (Corporate Office)  

  • Huntsville, Arkansas (Processing Facility)  

The program’s primary purpose is to grow future leaders by providing professional development and a series of assignments that align with professional interest within the processing and manufacturing industry. 

 Upon successful completion of the program, trainees will be offered a leadership opportunity in one of our processing facilities.  

What you’ll do: 

At each program location, you’ll rotate through all departments and business areas, gaining hands-on experience with the roles, equipment, and materials that power every stage of the production process.  

  • Network and form professional relationships with leaders and team members across our company through department rotations and leadership training.  

  • Observe and support daily operations to understand workflows, risks, potential challenges, and key performance indicators (KPIs). 

  • Actively participate in various leadership development sessions, such as leadership scenario training, presentation skills, systems training, etc. 

  • Track your own learning and development on a weekly cadence utilizing provided learning rotation journal. 

  • Learn and apply company policies on human safety, animal welfare, product quality and environmental regulations.  

  • May undertake and contribute to small-scale projects such as evaluating production data, providing continuous improvement feedback on current processes, assessing labor efficiency, etc. 

What you’ll get: 

  • Hands on operations experience. 

  • Professional and personal development. 

  • Housing and relocation assistance. 

  • Competitive compensation and benefits.  

  • Opportunities to network with and learn from industry experts.  

  • Full-time production leadership offer upon successful completion of program.  

Qualifications: 

  • Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Poultry, Animal Science, Food Science, or related field. (Expected to graduate between December 2025-May 2026). 

  • Desire to work with others/ team mentality. 

  • Interest in leading people.  

  • Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment.  

  • Inquisitive- curious and eager to learn.  

  • Previous intern, co-op, or work experience.  

  • Nice to have but not required: Experience in poultry/meat food manufacturing. 

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of what is required of personnel so classified.Furthermore, they do not imply or establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.   

Butterball, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. 


We embrace equal opportunity employment. Butterball is committed to the fair and impartial treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without regard to gender, age, race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law. This position is deemed Safety Sensitive for purposes of Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy. Details will be provided to individuals who receive a conditional job offer, or upon request.

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About Butterball

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Butterball, LLC, one of America's most iconic brands, helps consumers celebrate Thanksgiving and every day in between. Located in the thriving Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, our goal is to provide a diverse array of career opportunities and paths which include our farms, processing facilities and support offices. We are the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S., and we make a lot more than Thanksgiving turkeys. Our company's measurable growth is in no small part due to our team members in North Carolina, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri, who each have a seat at the table to contribute to our success

Industry

Food and beverage wholesalers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Garner, NC, US

Year founded

1954

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