Job Description
Job DetailsJob Location: Tipton Plant - Tipton, CA 93272Position Type: InternshipSalary Range: $19.00 - $19.00 HourlyJob Shift: FlexibleJob Summary
The Operations Intern will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced citrus juice manufacturing environment. This role is designed to provide exposure to daily plant operations, production processes, and leadership responsibilities by shadowing supervisors and supporting key operational initiatives. This internship is intended for high-potential students in their final year of study, with strong potential for full-time employment upon successful completion.
This position will report directly to the Assistant Plant Manager.
Primary Responsibilities
Food Safety is the responsibility of all Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees. All Ventura Coastal manufacturing employees must be aware of CCPs in their area and how to document them appropriately. All staff must report food safety and quality problems to their immediate supervisor in charge during their shift.
Shadow production and operations supervisors to learn daily workflows and decision-making processes
Assist in monitoring production lines to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met
Support scheduling, staffing coordination, and shift planning activities
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization projects
Observe and learn quality control procedures, including compliance with food safety standards (GMPs, HACCP)
Assist with data collection, reporting, and analysis related to production performance
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including QA, Maintenance, and Logistics
Attend team meetings, safety briefings, and operational reviews
Complete assigned projects focused on improving operational efficiency or reducing waste
Learning Objectives:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of citrus juice manufacturing operations
Develop leadership and supervisory skills through direct observation and mentorship
Learn industry best practices in food safety, quality assurance, and production management
Build analytical and problem-solving skills in a real-world manufacturing setting
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
Currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program in Engineering (Production, Chemical, or related field)
Strong academic performance with high potential for full-time hire upon graduation
Demonstrated commitment and a strong desire to learn, grow, and develop professionally
Strong interest in manufacturing, operations, or food production environments
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus
Physical Requirements
50% of time spent will be spent standing/walking/ climbing at the different job sites.
50% of the time will be sitting at a desk working on a computer, speaking on the telephone or in meetings with staff/contractors.
Must be able to work in varying temperatures (including cold storage areas)
Intern should not be subject to claustrophobia or fear of heights.
There is only moderate lifting <= 25lbs
Schedule:
Flexible schedule based on school requirements; may include early mornings, evenings, or weekends
Duration:
4 – 6 Months with potential for hire.
Qualifications
Ventura Coastal's primary products are customized blends of orange, lemon and grapefruit juices, oils, essences, and pulp. Ventura Coastal has over 300 clients, including many large grocery store chains and dairies that private label our juice and concentrates as their own. In addition, we sell our products to a majority of very large branded beverage manufacturers.
Ventura Coastal maintains production and packaging facilities in Ventura, Visalia, and Tipton, California, with its headquarters in Ventura.