Spring/Summer 2026 Field Operations and Grower Representative Intern - Oxnard, CA at J.M. Smucker

Oxnard, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

InternshipExperience Level

InternshipJob Type

UnknownVisa

Agriculture, Food ProcessingIndustries

Requirements

Enrolled in a 4-year degree program (Food Science, Logistics, or Agri-Business major highly desired)
Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish required
Available from early April through the end of August
Able to work weekends, overtime, and night shifts
Excellent communication skills and leadership skills

Responsibilities

Determine daily crate volume by obtaining early morning on-site ranch estimates and adjust estimates throughout the afternoon re-check of harvesting ranches; immediately report any significant volume changes
Obtain, record, and pass information to processing manager and plant manager on probable next day crate volume
Advise the plant manager and QC manager immediately when poor quality (soft, catfacing, contamination, etc.) is evident on any particular grower's ranch
Assure that all crates and pallets are distributed to the growers on an as-needed basis to prevent grower stockpiling
At season's end, assure all crates and pallets are returned to the Oxnard plant yard for storage, inventory, and repair
Obtain pesticide reports from the growers when requested and deliver to the Plant Manager
Maintain proper inventories of crates and pallets at receiving stations; assure crates and pallets are cleaned properly prior to grower distribution
Work with Oxnard plant supervisor/office personnel on any grower weight tag/grading sheet discrepancies; deliver and explain corrected documentation to the growers
Schedule trucking to pick up fruit from the receiving stations for timely delivery to the Oxnard plant
Work with growers to ensure all of their daily deliveries are made early enough to permit same day processing
Address any and all other concerns/problems as directed by the Plant Manager
Work with Oxnard processing manager to establish daily production schedule
Coordinate distribution of raw fruit
Record yield data from experimental varieties and other research plots
Take fruit samples as needed for lab evaluation
Conduct special tests, evaluations, and projects as requested by the QC Manager
Visually observe plant development and record
Inspect daily and audit grower field Good Agricultural Practices monthly using Field Sanitation Checklist; immediately follow up on deficiencies
Other duties as required

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Grower RelationsInventory ManagementQuality ControlLogistics CoordinationTrucking SchedulingVolume EstimationPesticide ReportingSupply Chain Coordination

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the pay rate for this internship?

The pay range is $20/hr. to $24.50/hr.

Is this internship remote or onsite?

The position is onsite, 100% of the time in Oxnard, CA.

What skills or qualifications are required for this role?

Candidates must be enrolled in a 4-year degree program, preferably in Food Science, Logistics, or Agri-Business, with ability to read, write, and speak Spanish required, plus excellent communication and leadership skills.

What benefits are offered for this internship?

A housing allowance is provided for applicable students.

When does the application period close for this internship?

The application period closes on January 31st, 2026.