The Accokeek Foundation is currently seeking applicants for the 2012 Summer Heritage Livestock Program Internship.

About the Heritage Livestock Program

The Accokeek Foundation maintains heritage breeds of livestock and poultry. Many visitors appreciate the beauty of the farm animals without realizing their important role in farming systems. Over the centuries, domesticated animals have lived here with humans and have contributed to shaping this land as we see it today. At the Accokeek Foundation, we care for our farm animals in a way that enhances the health and stability of the natural and agricultural ecosystems of this special place. As we manage animals, we maintain open lands in an ecologically sound manner. Some of these heritage breeds are typical of the time and place that are represented at the National Colonial Farm, while others are breeds typical of the Colonial Era. Our livestock collection serves two purposes: the first is to provide authentic period breeds for interpretation at the National Colonial Farm (exhibit animals); and the second is to maintain living collections that protect and preserve the genetic diversity of our agricultural heritage (breeding animals). We have earned a distinguished reputation for our efforts in this endeavor, and it is important that our work with heritage breeds continues in a way that maintains and enhances this reputation. It also is imperative that we manage our livestock and land in a way that demonstrates the most humane and sustainable methods available.

General Internship Information

• One internship will be available for the Summer 2012 season.
• Positions will run for three months, roughly from June-August.
• A stipend of $1,000 per month and health insurance benefits will be offered.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply before April 15, 2012, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please expect to be physically present for any interviews.
• Schedule will be Monday through Friday with occasional scheduled weekends required.

Apprenticeship Details

• The internship program is designed for beginning farmers who have at least one season’s worth of experience and want to round out their training. Our goal is to expose interns to many experiences, techniques, and approaches to sustainable livestock management and heritage breeding while accomplishing the Foundation’s work.
• Interns will be engaged mainly in “land-based training,” in which they will participate in all aspects of our heritage livestock breeding program. This is an intensive program, and applicants can expect to work 40-55 hours a week in all weather conditions.
• Specific on-farm training includes: all aspects of livestock management (feeding, breeding, healthcare, animal training, working with oxen team, etc), tool and machinery operation and maintenance, record keeping, and more.
• In addition to the daily work, apprentices will have the benefit of formal training, including field trips to other farms in the area, participation in the Foundation’s workshops, and the ability to receive agricultural instruction from other institutions and individuals in the Chesapeake region.
• This position is designed for those with a serious desire to pursue farming as a way of life, and every effort will be made to provide professional support after the season is over. It should be noted that the work involved is challenging in many ways, and a strong emphasis is placed on safety and personal accountability.

General Internship Information

• Applicants should have at least one to two seasons’ experience with livestock and a motivated desire to further this education.
• Applicants should be reliable and willing to take on and accept responsibility.
• The interns will be a part of the daily workings of the farm, and therefore should be physically capable and able to lift 50 lbs or more.
• Because we will be working very closely together at times, it is essential that the interns be capable of working well with others. The ideal candidate will also have well-developed problem solving skills.

To Apply:

Download and complete the Livestock Internship Application.

Mail completed applications to (Please note the internship application must be completed and submitted for consideration. Resumes submitted without applications will not be considered.):

Accokeek Foundation
3400 Bryan Point Road
Accokeek, MD 20607

or

Email application (and any questions) to caes@accokeek.org.

The Accokeek Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.