Come Work With Us

INTERN OPPORTUNIES AT ASGAARD FARM & DAIRY

2013 SEASON

Asgaard Farm & Dairy is recruiting up to 4 interns for the 2013 season.  There are opportunities to work either on the general farming side of the business or in the creamery making Asgaard's award-winning cheeses.

Farming:  This internship focuses on multi-species rotational grazing, including the goats, cattle, layers, broilers and pigs.  You will learn how to move portable fencing to create new grazing/browsing paddocks, rotate the animals to inhabit those paddocks and then get water to all the remote locations.  This will be done several times a week, if not daily, and is the foundation for the health and wellbeing of our livestock, not to mention our pastures.  Mapping it all out is a challenging and stimulating puzzle.  In addition, you will help feed, monitor and care for all the animals, and you will become part of the goat milking team.  You will also be involved in on-farm chicken processing, egg production, grain and hay production, maintenance and repair of buildings and equipment, helping with farmers markets and working in the garden.

Previous farm experience and familiarity with farm equipment are desirable, although not required.  You will be working mostly outdoors in variable weather conditions and must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Individuals may seek latitude to research and employ new farming practices with guidance and approval from the owners.

Cheese Making:  This internship covers all aspects of the dairy, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment, milking the goats, transferring milk, pasteurizing milk, producing pasteurized and raw milk cheeses, caring for aged cheeses, packaging finished products and managing the creamery environment.  You will also be relied upon to help with farmers markets and work in the garden.

Previous food science training or culinary experience is desirable, although not required.  A high level of attention to detail is crucial.  You must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Individuals may seek latitude to research and develop new cultured milk products with guidance and approval from the owners.

This could turn into a permanent position for the right person.

All interns will be involved in regular staff meetings to set priorities, establish work plans and discuss/solve problems.  Visits to other farms and agricultural enterprises will be encouraged and facilitated.

Hours:  The workload and schedule will fluctuate according to seasonal variations in farming activities and market demand for cheese.  Hours will sometimes be long and irregular.  Late spring, summer and early fall tend to be most demanding; the rest of the year less so.  Preference will be given to those who can commit to working a minimum of 10 weeks during the height of the summer season.  An assignment running from mid-April through mid-December would be ideal.

Compensation:  Comfortable housing on the farm in a charming, pastoral setting.  Two dwellings, each featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, eat-in-kitchen and living room with shared laundry facilities. Food raised on the farm (chicken, pork, beef, chevon, eggs, goat milk, goat cheese, vegetables). Hourly wages based on experience.

All interns should possess a strong work ethic, cooperative nature and positive "can do" attitude. This is a chance to work at a well-regarded farm with a cohesive and highly motivated group of people who are passionate about healthy, delicious food that comes from sustainable, local agriculture.

Please email your resume along with a statement of why you are interested in one or both of these positions to rhonda@asgaardfarm.com.