Company description

Rivendell Farms is a family-owned farm that integrates landscape horticulture (aesthetic agriculture) with production agriculture through a holistic approach to ecosystems management. We Renourish the Earth by restoring and nurturing ecological cycles to nourish diverse, resilient biological communities through holistic resource management using regenerative agriculture techniques. The core mission of fifth generation Colorado farmer, Jared, is to cultivate a virtuous cycle: renourishing the land that nourishes us.

Internship description

Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you wish to carry out meaningful farm work using your hands, body, and intellect? Are you passionate about regenerative agriculture?

Rivendell Farms is accepting applications for our crop and livestock production team focusing on regenerative farming practices to promote ecosystem health and produce premium products including 100% grass-fed/grass-finished beef, bluegrass sod, and compost.

Areas of engagement include field irrigation, pasture care and cell grazing management, turf maintenance and harvest, habitat creation and management, and equipment operation.

Rivendell Farms is located in Spring Valley between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, CO at 7,000ft elevation with year-round spring water. Our team ranges from 1-5 employees. Our regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm, but we can accommodate alternate schedules. All positions report to President/Farmer Jared Kerst.

The Farm/Ranch Intern position is a full-time OR part-time commitment from May/June through August/September. No experience is required. On-the-job training, mentorship, and recommended reading lists will be offered.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintain, move, and operate hand-set aluminum irrigation pipes on turf and pasture production fields
• Build electric fence paddocks for rotational grazing
• Move and water cattle
• Repair, maintain, and operate heavy equipment including riding mower, tractor, track loader, forklift, four-wheeler, and sod harvester
• Mow turf, weed whack, and dig/pull weeds
• Repair, maintain, and organize hand tools, power tools, and workshop equipment
• Clear irrigation ditches
• Harvest sod
• Plant and maintain trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and grasses to create habitat and forage for native wildlife and beneficial insects
• Inventory and organize frozen beef supply
• Build and rotate compost piles and digesters
• Brew and apply compost teas and/or extracts
• Support farm infrastructure projects related to agricultural buildings, stock fences, water and electrical lines
• Observe and identify flora and fauna and utilize observations to inform land management decisions

Qualifications:

• Ability to lift/carry 50-75 lb
• Ability to stand/walk for prolonged periods of time
• Thirst for learning and professional development
• Capacity to work outdoors in all weather conditions

Housing:

Out of area applicants are encouraged to seek housing in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and surrounding areas. Employees with their own campers are permitted to camp on farm property with access to electricity.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline