Heifer International's mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. We envision a world of communities living together in peace, equitably sharing the resources of a healthy planet.

Heifer Ranch is a 1,200 acre fully operational ranch with a market garden, livestock production, and educational team. Each of these departments contributes to the experiential educationally programs the Ranch offers in a unique way, while also growing food at production levels. As the headquarters for our USA operations, the Ranch works to meet participants where they're at on a journey to understanding their role as a global citizen. 

Student groups, faith groups, adult groups and many others journey to the ranch to experience what life might be like in a world where all families had access to the resources to meet their basic needs, through sustainable agriculture, access to education, and improving market opportunities. 

A Global Education volunteer is someone who enjoys working with diverse groups of people in an agricultural, experiential setting.  Ed volunteers are responsible for interpreting field trips and facilitating various programming, helping to expand perspectives and understanding regarding issues of hunger, poverty and caring for the earth. A Global Ed volunteer must be dependable, excited to learn and comfortable speaking to groups. Global Education  volunteers should be friendly, flexible, and willing to learn about and support the mission of Heifer International.
 

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age by starting date of volunteer service.
• Must pass background check.
• Must be fluent in the English language and possess excellent verbal & written skills.
• Must complete required orientation & training and uphold all policies & procedures.
• Ability to perform as an effective team member and work cooperatively & positively with a diverse group (gender, age, religion, ethnicity, etc.) of participants & co-workers.
• Ability to follow procedures, expectations & rules, with or without direct supervision.
• Willingness & ability to share housing (including room) with a diverse group of other Heifer Ranch volunteers and participate in the household community including housekeeping chores.
• Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather including hot/humid summers & cold/wet winters, walk trails & handle light lifting (35 lbs).

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40+ hours per week including evenings, weekends and holidays depending on scheduled programming. Volunteers receive 2 days off each week (or hours equivalent) and may make requests for additional time-off as needed.  There is no limit on vacation days/year but time-off must be approved by a supervisor.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Program Facilitation – lead core educational programs which range from a two-hour day program to a week long overnight program. Programs also include team building activities on our Challenge Course.  Learn more about our programs by visiting heifer.org/ranch or watching “A Night in the Global Village” on YouTube.
2. Program Support – assist with a wide variety of tasks that support the smooth operations of educational programming. This may include housekeeping tasks, trail maintenance, office/admin work, meal-prep, village set-up, animal relocation and other related tasks.
3. Show Barn Animal Care – participate in daily livestock chores including feeding and watering the animals, milking goats, moving animals to pasture, and mucking out stalls. Special projects (such as updating educational signage) and seasonal work (such as birthing support during goat kidding) will vary throughout the year.
4. Cultural Garden Work – Ed volunteers are responsible for planting and maintaining our cultural gardens within the two Global Villages.
5. Educational Facility Maintenance – assist with the upkeep of the educational facilities including the Global Village sites, the Global Village Barn, the Show Barn, classrooms, trails and more.
6. Service Learning – lead service groups through planned activities on the Ranch. Often these activities will take place within the organic market garden or with the livestock production crew.
7. Hospitality and Retail –support the Gift Shop, which is open from 9am-5pm, Monday-Saturday. Provide knowledge of Heifer history and on-going projects to drop-ins at the Visitor Center Assist housekeeping staff with the beautification of Ranch lodges and facilities.
8. Special Events & Retreat Center Groups – occasionally assist with Heifer-related events both on and off the Ranch to promote the work of Heifer USA & Heifer International. Ed volunteers may also occasionally be asked to serve as a host for retreat center groups – greeting them, orienting them to the property and being on-call if they need assistance during their stay.
9. Excellent Customer Service – all Ranch volunteers, apprentices and employees are expected to provide excellent customer service to the guests and participants at the Ranch. We hope that experiences on the Ranch have a deep and lasting impact in a positive way.
10. Kitchen Service – Assist the kitchen staff with duties including preparing meals and serving food to our staff, participants, and visitors.
11. Ranch Site Facility Maintenance – assist the maintenance staff with the upkeep of grounds, painting, fence lines, special projects, and more.
12. Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Living allowance (stipend)
• On-site, communal housing
• Basic household supplies
• Training
• Noon-meal during peak-programming season