Product Development Intern

Summer Internship 2026: June 1st , 2026 - August 21st, 2026.

Location – Low Hybrid 
This is a hybrid role, which means that you will have the flexibility to work both onsite and at a distance. You will collaborate onsite at our La Farge, WI office for 3-5 days per week and the rest of the time you can choose to work remotely or onsite.  
Employee Type – Hourly
Bonus Eligibility – No
Safety Sensitive – No

If a company is going to make a difference in today’s world, it’s going to have to think differently. At Organic Valley, our philosophy and decisions are based on the health and welfare of people, animals and the earth.  We’re a mission-driven cooperative, owned by family farmers, and we’ve been leaders in organic agriculture from the very beginning.  Once pioneers of organic agriculture, we’re now an established leader.  Organic is all we do.  We are driven by our mission to promote regional farm diversity and economic stability by the means of organic agricultural methods and the sale of certified organic products.

Summary of Role:

The Product Development Intern will be responsible for assisting in product formulation, sensory analysis, and day-to-day duties within the Product Development Department. The Product Development Intern will also work with the Production, Quality Assurance and Marketing departments to support product quality.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

o Manage the online file system for all ingredients and vendors  
o Participate in the development of product formulations, through the approval of external vendors for all ingredients and services 
o Work closely with laboratories for product testing, coordinating shipment of samples, and maintain results  
o Assist in sourcing ingredients, coordinating laboratory prototypes, trials, and maintaining filing system  
o Apply scientific concepts in conducting basic research and existing product research and development of foods
o Holds confidential and proprietary information received from CROPP in strict confidence and exercises a reasonable degree of care to prevent disclosure to others

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

o Provide nutritional and specification support for other departments as needed
o Coordinate sample analysis and maintain results
o Perform laboratory analysis such as pH, moisture, viscosity, and density and maintenance of processing equipment in laboratory pilot plant
o Design technical reporting methods in excel to streamline data entry
o Travel to Organic Valley facilities, co-manufacturers, and/or suppliers as needs arise
o Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

o Currently enrolled in post-secondary education with one year or less from graduation required.
o Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Food Science (preferred), Dairy Science, or related Science degree & 1 years related experience 
o Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
o Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
o Strong interpersonal skills and ability to be a team player 
o Strong attention to detail 
o Ability to organize and prioritize deadlines  
o Must be able to taste and work with milk, cheese, butter, soy, cultured and flavored dairy (may contain alcohol residues) products, and dried dairy products

Base hourly wage range: $18.00 per hour

Hours per week: 40 hours

Internship Program Overview:

-Program concludes after 12 weeks (first week of June start date)
-Furnished housing provided or housing stipend
-Engaging and project-based experiences with a leading organic food brand
-Network and learn from our business leaders in a "Learn The Co-op Series"
-Various intern group events held throughout the summer
-Interns are paid hourly for time worked
-Interns are responsible for transportation to and from work