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ranching jobs and apprenticeships

Posted: April 14 2014

via Quivera Coalition:OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
New Agrarian Program apprenticeships

Other Great Opportunities
Please note, the opportunities listed below are not through the Quivira Coalition; if you would like more information on any of them, please look for the appropriate contact information for each opportunity below…
Working Ranch Manager Opportunity (Colorado): Seeking working manager for large-scale bison, cattle operation in Colorado. Knowledge of livestock highly important, but bison not. Looking for an experienced ranch person with an open mind to new and old ideas. Conservation of all resources, natural and non is important, as is: prioritization, planning, communication, people, working knowledge of mechanics, horsemanship, planned grazing. Job entails working with a large group of partners and coordination with the guest services arm (no direct management of ranch guests). Please submit resume, and a short narrative of what is important to you in life (this is personal, not professional) to [email protected]. Position open until filled.

Ranch Environmental Manager (Southern Colorado): The ranch is managed primarily for trophy elk and deer hunting through a holistic management approach that addresses a variety of other wildlife and natural resource values. Habitat management, including the maintenance and enhancement of a broad array of related natural resource values is the focus of this position. A combination of education and practical experience are required for this position, including some combination of wildlife biology, plant ecology, natural resource management, and environmental science. Candidate must demonstrate a focus on applied wildlife habitat and natural resource management. This position requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to manage on the ground resource enhancement projects and budgets. Specific study or experience related to ungulate management is desirable and demonstrated capability with ArcGIS is essential. Communication skills, written and oral are also important. For detailed information on this position, download Ranch Environmental Manager document (attached in this email). Contact: Marty Zeller at [email protected].
Vilicus Farms (Havre, MT): Vilicus Farms is a first generation, organic, dryland crop farm located in northern Hill Country, Montana. Established in 2009, VF grows a diverse array of heirloom and specialty grains, pulse, oilseed and broadleaf crops within a 5-year rotation on approximately 1,800 acres. Integral to VF’s mission of land stewardship is an aspiration to also steward new organic farmers. Vilicus Farms is recruiting a highly motivated individual with a demonstrated desire to pursue farming as a profession for the 2014 season. This entry-level position is a 6-8 month professional development apprenticeship, with possibilities to extend into a rigorous 3+ year, comprehensive apprenticeship for the right person. If interested, please downloadVilicus Farms Apprenticeship document attached to this email for more information about the position and how to apply. Contact: Anna Jones Crabtree at [email protected].
 
Naylor Farms LLC (Pojoaque, NM): Seasonal internship opportunity on a small, family-owned diversified farm 20 miles north of Santa Fe, NM. We currently have 5 acres under cultivation, with vegetables, grape vines, fruit trees and flower beds. We have recently added a greenhouse to allow for an extended growing season, and also have horses and chickens on the farm. We make our own compost. We are seeking a highly-motivated young farmer with enough experience to know with reasonable certainty that s/he wants to pursue a life and career in agriculture. The internship position will be open until filled, and will last through the fall, with longer-term possibilities for the right person. The intern will receive housing, board, a monthly stipend and a percentage of farmers’ market sales in exchange for educational, hands-on work experience on the farm. Intern responsibilities will include, among others: tending horses and chickens, maintaining the acequia (irrigation ditch), vegetable farming, vine and fruit tree pruning, farmers’ market and direct sales, updating the website, and communicating with restaurants. Experience with Quickbooks and direct sales a bonus. If interested, download Naylor Farms LLC Internship Applicationdocument attached to this email. Contact: Trey Naylor at [email protected].
Belcampo Farms (Northern California): Assistant Sheep and Goat Manager position, open immediately. RANCH WORK, No Experience Required, Permanent Position. Seeking candidate to learn from experienced SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE SPECIALIST. We are an organic, multi-species ranch located in the beautiful Shasta Valley of northern California. An interest in HOLISTIC LAND MANAGEMENT, ORGANIC/NATURAL PRACTICES required. Position requires flexible schedule, driver’s license, background check. Paid holidays/vacation, competitive benefits/hourly wage. Tasks and responsibilities vary according to seasons. REQUIRED: Passion for natural resource sustainability, commitment to animal welfare, possess excellent work ethic. APPRECIATED: Experience with low-stress animal handling, lambing, kidding, herding, electric fence. Will also work closely with beef animals. Reply to DONNIE WHITTEN [email protected]. Include in the Subject line: PRACTICEPERFECT
New Mexico Land Conservancy (Santa Fe, NM): Whether you are a New Mexico native, a transplant or a frequent visitor, one of the things you love most about this state is the beauty and character of its land. It nurtures an amazing variety of species and its unique scenic beauty captivates residents and draws tourists from all over the world. The land is the foundation of the New Mexico experience. NMLC was formed in 2002 to help preserve this land heritage. To date, NMLC has conserved over 127,000 acres of land throughout the state at community, watershed and landscape scales. NMLC currently has 2 positions available! For information on how to apply, visit the website: http://www.nmlandconservancy.org/.
1. Conservation Intern. 3-4 month term, 30-40 hrs/wk, $10-12/hr. NMLC seeks a qualified and motivated individual to assist with stewardship, land conservation, outreach and fundraising activities in support of the organization's mission and in accordance with its established plans and policies. The primary responsibilities of the Conservation Intern include the following: Land Conservation and Stewardship (80%); Outreach/Communications (15%); Fundraising (5%). Application deadline: April 11, 2014.
2. Communications and Development Coordinator. Full-time, $35-45K DOE. NMLC is seeking an individual to coordinate and manage its communications, grant writing, and donor research and management; and, as needed, support other organizational development activities. Position requires an ability to effectively communicate NMLC's mission, goals and accomplishments to others; and to help fulfill NMLC's short and long-range fundraising needs and goals. Open until filled.
Las Farministas (La Puebla, NM): Farm partner wanted! Las Farministas is a beautiful, new 5-acre non-certified organic farm located in the northern Rio Grande Valley in La Puebla, New Mexico (20 miles north of Santa Fe). With nearly an acre under cover crop, a large stand of fall-planted raspberries and garlic, our recently completed 20x48 commercial greenhouse and an extensive drip irrigation system in place, we are really excited about the upcoming growing season! We are currently looking for an experienced and committed “farminista” to join us in cultivating a truly sustainable edible food forest on our land. If you have any of the following experience, we’d love to hear from you: biodynamics, permaculture, field/orchard management, plant propagation, greenhouse production, IPM or small livestock management, direct sales to restaurants, CSA or farmers’ markets sales, grant writing, adobe construction, web design. Long-term options including housing, profit-sharing and partial farm/business ownership to be negotiated. Please email inquiries and resumes to [email protected].
Full Belly Farms’ Year-long Internship (Guinda, CA): Full Belly Farms is still accepting applications for the 2014 season. Interns live and work on the farm, experiencing many facets of life and work on a diverse organic operation. For example, interns usually go to one farmers market or delivery per week. This may involve getting up before the sun (like at 3AM for example)! There is also usually a day or more in the packing shed, washing, packing and organizing produce. Other tasks include weeding, taking care of the animals, writing the weekly note for the CSA boxes, planting seeds in the greenhouse, special projects and field work. Interns are hired on a rolling basis, with start times spread throughout the year. We ask that interns make at least a one year commitment to our farm. Only by seeing the changes of the seasons and the different rhythms and smells and experiences that each new season brings, will an intern get a sense of what farming is about. We are looking for people who are serious about agriculture, food, or farming as a career path. For more information on the Full Belly Farm Internships, and to download an application, visit the Full Belly Farms website.
Chico Basin Ranch (Colorado Springs, CO): A working cattle ranch near Colorado Springs, the Chico is owned by the Colorado State Land Board and managed under a lease by Duke Phillips and his family. The Chico’s mission is to foster a work model that views the ranch as an ecological resource base, using cattle as a tool to manipulate the ground and achieve conservation goals. Internship (3+ months in length) and apprenticeship(requires experience and a 2-year commitment) opportunities available. Contact: Amy Wright at [email protected].
Ranney Ranch (Corona, NM): On the Ranney Ranch, in the beautiful high mesa country of central New Mexico, they raise Angus calves on nothing other than native grasses and mother’s milk, producing healthy and great-tasting beef while using only the most humane handling techniques and sustainable land-use management and grazing practices. Ranney Ranch is certified by the American Grassfed Association (AGA) and by Animal Welfare Approved (AWA). They are seeking additional, part-time help on the ranch. Contact Nancy Ranney at [email protected].
Mountain Island Ranch (Glade Park, CO): MIR is a sustainable, all organic, hay and cattle ranch with a large farm on the Colorado River, and a small one in the Little Dolores River Canyon. Additional family enterprises include organic market gardens and chickens, and future plans for cheese-making. They are looking for dedicated individuals with an interest in running the farmstead operations. Contact Mary Conover: [email protected].
Dream Catcher Ranchito (Santa Fe, NM): This is a small, 10 ½ acre ranch in the process of building a dairy goat farm. 5 ½ acres are available, and can be worked toward sweat equity buy-out in 5 years. A 700 square-foot living space with all utilities paid is available for the right person. Compensation would be determined at a later date, pending availability of ranch-generated income. Candidate must be able to support him/herself initially. Housing will be provided in exchange for farm work, including animal care, dairy duties and other tasks as needed. Contact Mary Ann Andrews [email protected].
EcoStep Farm (Albuquerque, NM): This little farm (<1 acre!) is located across the Rio Grande from the Hispanic Cultural Center, in Albuquerque. They grow a wide variety of vegetables and a few fruits… all in small quantities. They are looking for a helping hand from someone who would find joy in sharing knowledge and ideas. Contact Zoe Economou at [email protected].
Sol Harvest Farm (Albuquerque, NM): Sol Harvest is a small urban farm growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in the north valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. They follow organic growing practices and offer fresh, seasonal produce. As the on-site farm for Farm & Table restaurant, they provide lots of veggies for the restaurant kitchen. In addition to participating in local Farmers’ Markets year round, they have a small CSA Harvest Box membership. Sol Harvest is seeking enthusiastic, hard-working individuals to help them out! Contact Ric Murphy at [email protected].
Red Tractor Farm (Albuquerque, NM): Red Tractor Farm is a small producer in the South Valley of Albuquerque, farming 1.25 acres on 2 separate parcels using sustainable and organic practices. They produce jams, jellies and pickles, and use a hoop-house to grow winter crops. They seek an apprentice to join them in their work, help at the farmer’s market and with their CSA, share her/his ideas and dreams about farming, and possibly take over certain projects. Contact Dory at [email protected].
Chimney Rock Farms (Bayfield, CO): CRF is a diversified farm and market focused on reducing off-farm inputs and energy usage to a minimum. CRF is in an exciting period of growth, with projects including two 7500 ft2 passive-solar greenhouses to enclose a portion of their certified organic aquaponics system. CRF is looking for like-minded, inspired new agrarians to join their crew in 2014. Contact Matt Brewer [email protected].
Navajo United Methodist Center’s New Beginnings Program (Farmington, NM): New Beginnings is a transitional housing facility for women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence. They are developing a Community Service Garden, and are seeking an experienced farmer who would develop a three phase plan beginning with one acre and moving on to the other seven (estimate) acres of land. One tenth of an acre has been planted for the past three years. This acre has good fencing, irrigation rights, a gasoline powered pump, some piping to the acre, a 3,000 gallon water tank, and an old tractor. Volunteers are available to help in the garden gathered from the board of New Beginnings. For more information on the position, and how to apply, contact [email protected].
 
 

hudson, new york