Retail Human Resources Intern - Summer 2027

Location: Corporate Office, Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines, IA

Additional Considerations (if any):

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At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description:

Job Title: Retail Human Resources Intern

Department: Grocery

FLSA: Hourly

Revision Date: 07/2026

About Hy-Vee

At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We're seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers' lives easier, healthier and happier.

The Role and Why It's Important

The Retail Human Resources Internship at Hy-Vee gives you a hands-on look at HR in action inside a real retail environment. Over the course of a 10-week program, you'll complete self-paced learning modules and immersive training in an assigned store, building skills in recruiting, employee relations, scheduling, and more alongside an experienced management team.

If you're pursuing a degree in HR or a related field and want real-world experience that will set you apart, this is a great opportunity to grow.

What You'll Do

No two days are exactly the same, but here's what you can expect:

Complete the Retail Human Resources Activity Book within the 10-week program

Assist with employee performance reviews, employee relations issues, scheduling, benefits, and wage-related matters

Learn effective recruiting and retention programs and assist with coordinating employee transfers between stores

Support the hiring process including interviewing and placement of specified positions

Assist with conducting new employee orientations and training

Help with scheduling employees, honoring time-off requests, and arranging coverage for call-ins

Handle customer complaints and assist with follow-up and thank-you correspondence

Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting customers warmly, learning their names, and going the extra mile to make every visit a positive one

Assist customers with finding products, reaching items, and carrying heavy purchases

Attend weekly staff meetings and assistant manager meetings

Answer phone calls and provide friendly, helpful service to customers who call

Handle confidential employee records and sensitive information with strict discretion

Maintain compliance with Hy-Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies

Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed

You'll receive direction and support from: Store Director, Store Manager, and HR Manager; indirectly reports to Talent Supervisor

Your Skills

To be successful in this role, you'll need to be able to:

Communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally with employees and customers

Build relationships and interact with people in a friendly, professional manner

Use logical thinking to solve problems and identify practical solutions

Work comfortably with computer systems including word processing, spreadsheets, and email applications

Currently pursuing a degree in an applicable field required

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: Store Director, Store Manager, and HR Manager

Education and Experience

Currently pursuing a degree in an applicable field required

Physical Requirements

Physical activity is incidental to the core duties of the role

Occasionally walk the floor or facility to observe operations, staff, or product

Where applicable to the role: ability to occasionally handle product for demonstration purposes

No regular lifting, carrying, or physical exertion required ​

Working Environment

This role is performed in a fast-paced retail store environment. You may frequently encounter temperature extremes and dampness, with possible equipment movement hazards, electrical shock, and exposure to cleaning chemicals or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

Are you ready to smile, apply today.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.