FC 24 HS IP Part-Time McAfee Farm Ranch Assistant

Position: McAfee Ranch Assistant High School Internship

Hourly Pay: $15/hr. 

Dates: May 27^th – August 2^nd

Term:  Part time 10 weeks at 20 hours/week 

Reports To: McAfee Farm 

Location:  Lewis, CO 

Eligibility: *Applicants must be Montezuma County Residents, ages 16-18

Southwest Conservation Corps’ Mission  

It is the mission of the Southwest Conservation Corps to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities, and the environment.  

Program Overview:  

At McAfee Farm livestock are used as a tool to improve soil health and other aspects of the ecosystem, produce protein to feed people, serve as a model of thriving dryland agriculture in the local community and provide the opportunity for youth to learn about ranching and farming on dry land. The individuals will carry out a grazing project which purpose is to improve the land base while simultaneously maintaining animal health and being profitable. The McAfee Farm is a commercial cow-calf operation, and the cattle currently graze the dryland owned by the McAfee’s. A multi-species aspect of grazing management is in place with a prescriptive grazing/meat goat enterprise also utilizing the property. 

Essential roles and responsibilities include: 

·        Assist with maintenance, building, and removal of electric and permanent fence 

·        Learn to observe both cattle and vegetation and begin to understand the basics of when livestock are ready to move to the next pasture/paddock 

·        Assist in spring work such as branding, turning bulls in, moving cattle, etc. 

·        Check livestock water, be aware of the animals’ well-being and report to supervisor 

·        Assist the project range ecologist with rangeland health monitoring  

Desired Skills/Qualifications:  

·        High school age or older 

·        Willingness and eager to learn 

·        Ability to safely and effectively use hand tools 

·        Be okay with working outdoors in varying conditions 

·        Be ok with often working alone, making on-the-spot decisions and taking appropriate action 

·        Be on time and provide own transportation to the work site 

Housing Provided:  No 

Training Provided:  

Requirements: 

·        Must be able to provide their own transportation to and from the work site 

·        Must wear appropriate work attire, including appropriate footwear, jeans, sun protection, layers for temperature and precipitation variations, gloves. A backpack will be very convenient for stowing and making available items that might be needed during the day in the field 

·        Resident of Montezuma County, age 16-18

·        Be aware of their hydration needs and consume adequate fluids to avoid dehydration 

·        Be aware of their body temperature and avoid over-heating or becoming too cold 

·        Must have access to a working mobile phone 

·        Interns must understand that this is a working internship and consists primarily of everyday jobs that can get repetitive and boring. It is a good learning opportunity. The interns are responsible for maintenance of their own good and positive attitude since mundane jobs and hot/cold temperatures and animals can sometimes provide opportunity for less-than-ideal attitudes. They must know when to ask for help or for more information. Orientation and training will be provided for all aspects of this internship. 

·        Interns must be self-starters 

·        U.S. Citizenship 

·        Permanent Resident Card, INS form I-551 

·        Alien Registration Card, INS form I-551 

·        A passport indicating that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence 

·        A departure record (INS 194) indication that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence 

Apply Now!  

To apply, please submit the online application.  

Contact Teresa DiTore with any questions. tditore@conservationlegacy.org 

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.