Agricultural Intern

Agricultural Internship.

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About the role.

We are seeking a motivated Agricultural Intern to join our team for a four-month term, beginning in May 2026. As part of our Agricultural team, you will gain hands-on experience working at our Othello, Washington field location in the United States.

This role offers a valuable opportunity to develop practical skills and contribute to real-world agricultural projects alongside experienced professionals.

During assignments, the intern will be exposed to grower relations, crop monitoring and intelligence, raw product alignment, cost of production, research and applied science, and extension activities, including agronomy and sustainability, and the general operation of a commercial agriculture department.

The intern will be exposed to McCain manufacturing operations and will have the opportunity to complete a series of in-house training modules that are part of a broader McCain Agriculture training program.

Join McCain’s Agricultural Internship Program to gain hands-on experience with innovative farming practices and work alongside expert teams. Discover the full journey of our potatoes and learn how quality and sustainability drive everything we do. Grow your skills, benefit from dedicated mentorship, and help shape the future of food in a dynamic and supportive environment.

What you’ll be doing.

The Intern is the support position at the local office to research and analyze data to improve crop management in the area. Work is planned and conducted under the Agronomist's guidance and with the Department Manager's advice. Projects may include the following:

• Agriculture economics: You will participate in researching and analyzing local data and observe the process of pest management.
• Agriculture production – you can deepen your knowledge of potato production and monitor crop status.
• Agriculture research: Under the supervision and direction of the company agronomist, you will design, collect, and analyze data on projects relevant to the company’s future, including sustainability and production improvement. You will also participate in extension work promoting new techniques and best-growing practices.
• Sustainability—Learn and contribute to McCain’s sustainability goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving the regenerative agriculture practices of our potato growers.

In addition, you will:

• Learn the scientific principles behind fumigation and integrated pest management (IPM).
• Understand how tailored pest control strategies can support healthy crops while minimizing chemical usage.
• Work directly with growers and agricultural experts to understand their needs.
• Build communication and collaboration skills essential for partnering with farming professionals.
• Participate in project cohorts, both within McCain and with external partners.
• Discover the “why” and “who” of fumigation, learning how decisions impact farmers, the supply chain, and the environment.
• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills by analyzing stakeholder perspectives.
• Explore agricultural practices aimed at reducing carbon footprint.
• Learn how environmental stewardship is integrated into pest management and crop resilience.
• Experience the process of transitioning pest management from pre-planting actions to in-season, data-driven solutions.

What you’ll need to be successful.

• College Junior/Senior majoring in Ag Science, Plant Science, Chemistry, Biology or a closely related discipline
• Knowledge of farm practices and vegetable production is desirable but not necessary
• Basic to Intermediate skills in word processing, spreadsheet, data management, and presentation preparations. Statistical computer applications are preferred
• Communication skills – must be able to speak effectively both to individuals as well as to groups, making short presentations in group settings, familiar with video conferencing
• Must be able to write routine correspondence and reports to a variety of audiences
• A valid driver’s license, comfortable flying/driving long distances
• Work outside in different weather conditions under the sun and in a variety of temperatures
• Occasionally requires substantial physical effort and working in awkward positions

About the team.

The agricultural team provides a supportive team that will encourage you to be and do your best and a safe and flexible working environment that promotes work/life balance. Working with the McCain team you will be a part of meaningful work and projects and have the opportunity to be part of our student community to connect with students across North America. There is so much to learn and grow in, and we love teaching you what we do!

About McCain.

Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership principles.

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

The McCain experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

Compensation Package: $23.00-$26.00 USD hourly wage equivalent,  paid as a non-exempt salary.

The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs.

Benefits: At McCain, we’re on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and well-being at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person’s needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Due to the duration of this role, you will not be eligible for traditional benefits through our programs. McCain's early careers programming offers a multitude of learning experiences aimed at advancing your career in the future.

Your well-being matters to us, and we’re here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work — and at home.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know  and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions. 

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. You can understand how your personal information is being handled here.