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Animal Science Intern Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Poultry, Animal Science, Food Science, or related field. (Expected ... Previous intern, co-op, or work experience. * Nice to have but not required: Experience in poultry ...

Animal Science Intern information

What does an Animal Science Intern do?

An Animal Science Intern assists with research, animal care, and data collection in various settings such as farms, laboratories, or veterinary clinics. Their duties may include feeding and monitoring animals, maintaining records, and helping with experiments or studies related to animal health and behavior. This hands-on experience helps interns apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations and prepares them for careers in animal science or related fields.

What is the difference between Animal Science Intern vs Animal Technician?

AspectAnimal Science InternAnimal Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate of animal science or related degreeHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, farms, or labs; learning-focusedAnimal care facilities, farms, laboratories; hands-on work
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, agricultural companiesVeterinary clinics, farms, animal shelters
Common Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, learning roles in animal sciencePractical animal care and management roles

The main difference is that Animal Science Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining experience in research or academic settings, while Animal Technicians are more hands-on professionals responsible for daily animal care and management. Interns focus on learning and observation, whereas technicians perform routine animal handling and maintenance tasks.

What Does an Animal Science Intern Do?

An animal science intern can work in a variety of fields, including animal husbandry, zoology, wildlife research, animal nutrition, biological laboratory research, and veterinary medicine. During an internship, your duties vary, depending on the specialization in which you work. But the purpose of the internship is to gain experience by working alongside animal science professionals. If you work with domestic animals or zoo animals, you assist with cleaning enclosures, feeding animals, documenting behavior, and collecting samples. In a laboratory internship, your responsibilities revolve around collecting, analyzing, and documenting specimens. Many animal science internships require working outdoors for at least part of the program.

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

To thrive as an Animal Science Intern, you need foundational knowledge in animal biology, husbandry, and laboratory or field research, generally acquired through coursework in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with data collection tools, laboratory equipment, and animal management software is often required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding interns apart. These abilities ensure both animal welfare and accurate data collection, supporting meaningful contributions to research or animal care operations.

What types of projects or research might an Animal Science Intern typically contribute to during their internship?

As an Animal Science Intern, you may be involved in a variety of projects ranging from assisting with animal care protocols and nutrition studies to supporting breeding programs or data collection for ongoing research. Interns often work closely with experienced professionals in laboratory, farm, or field settings, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to the team’s goals. This collaborative environment allows interns to develop practical skills and gain insight into the many career paths within animal science.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Science jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Animal Science jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Animal Science Intern jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Science Intern jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Animal Science Intern jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Animal Science Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Animal Science Intern job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
2026 Management Trainee Program

2026 Management Trainee Program

Butterball

Garner, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Butterball rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 381 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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