Local Operations Intern

Position Title: Local Operations Internship

Job Classification: Temporary/non-exempt

Work Schedule: Hourly Tuesday – Thursday, approx. 30 hours per week

Reporting Relationship: Fleet & Commercial Operations Manager (Primary Supervisor)

Location: Holton, KS 

Prairie Pathways Local Operations Internship Overview:

The Prairie Pathways Operations Internship is designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to multiple operational areas within Prairie Band’s family of companies. This hybrid internship allows participants to gain real-world experience in fleet operations, commercial building oversight, agriculture support, propane operations, distribution, and sales.

Interns will initially shadow the Fleet & Commercial Operations Manager to gain an understanding of fleet management, facility oversight, and operational logistics. As the internship progresses, the intern will rotate through various departments including PB Ag, Propane, Distribution, and Sales to learn key business processes and contribute to daily operational activities.

The internship program runs from early June through mid-August each year, with work days Tuesday through Thursday for approximately 30 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Fleet & Commercial Operations (Primary Rotation)

• Shadow Fleet & Commercial Operations Manager to learn fleet management processes.
• Assist with vehicle and equipment tracking, maintenance records, and documentation.
• Support oversight of commercial buildings and operational facilities.
• Help maintain organized records related to fleet assets, inspections, and service schedules.

Agriculture (PB Ag Exposure)

• Opportunity to receive hands-on training and obtain forklift certification (if eligible), supporting safe and efficient warehouse operations.
• Assist with record-keeping and administrative tasks related to agricultural operations.
• Shadow team members to learn about agricultural business operations and seasonal workflows.
• Support projects related to agricultural product handling and logistics when available.

Propane Operations

• Learn propane business operations including billing, collections, and customer service processes.
• Assist with basic administrative support related to propane accounts and records.
• Observe operational workflows that support safe and efficient propane delivery services.

Distribution Operations

• Assist with inventory tracking and product organization.
• Participate in order fulfillment processes including picking, packing, and preparing shipments.
• Help maintain accurate inventory records and documentation.
• Support warehouse organization and operational workflow.

Sales Exposure

• Gain exposure to inside sales activities related to propane, distribution, and agriculture products.
• Learn about customer service, order processing, and client communication.
• Observe how sales teams support operational growth and customer relationships.

General Internship Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate documentation and record keeping.
• Communicate with team members across departments to support daily operations.
• Follow all company safety policies and operational procedures.
• Participate in training opportunities and mentorship activities.
• Assist with special projects and process improvement initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications:

· Must be a high school graduate (or have a GED) and at least 18 years of age.

· Must have a strong attendance record and reliable transportation.

· Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office.

· Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.

· Ability to follow instructions and work independently.

· Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to multiple work environments.

· Ability to lift and move materials when assisting in warehouse operations.

What’s in it for you as a Prairie Pathways Intern?

Real-World Experience:

Interns gain hands-on experience working across multiple operational areas including fleet management, agriculture, propane operations, distribution, and sales. 

Skill Development:

Participants develop valuable professional skills including organization, communication, problem-solving, and operational coordination. 

Business Operations Knowledge:

Interns gain a deeper understanding of supply chain processes, including procurement, inventory management, and logistics, helping them identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency. 

Professional Networking:

Internships provide opportunities to network with industry professionals and build relationships that can be beneficial for future career opportunities. 

Career Exploration:

The rotation-based structure allows interns to explore several career paths including operations, logistics, sales, and agriculture. 

Resume Enhancement:

An internship on a resume demonstrates initiative, hands-on experience, and a willingness to learn, making a candidate more competitive in the job market. 

Technical Skill Development:
Interns may have the opportunity to earn industry-relevant certifications, such as forklift operation, while gaining practical experience in warehouse and distribution environments.

Indian Preference Exercised

Prairie Band, LLC is subject to Title 22: Employment Code of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. In accordance with Title 22, this position is designated as a TIER 1 position. Preference will be given to individuals to the extent required pursuant to Section 22-2-4(B).