The Company
With 20 historic buildings and a working farm and garden, Hancock Shaker Village is open April through December for self-guided tours, demonstrations, talks, and programs ranging from concerts to goat yoga. The museum, open to the public since 1960, celebrates the history and legacy of the Shakers, a religious group that lived communally and sought to realize the perfection of heaven on earth by espousing values of equality and pacificism. The year 2024 marks the 250th anniversary of the Shakers’ arrival in America from their founding country of England; the year offers opportunities for reflection and celebration of the Shakers’ significant influence on American culture and design. To learn more about the Village, visit our website at hancockshakervillage.org.
The Opportunity
Hancock Shaker Village is looking for a dedicated, energetic Livestock Intern to work with our livestock manager and farm staff as they care for and manage our lively animals on this two-hundred-year-old farm. For educational and agricultural purposes, the Village maintains small herds of cows, sheep, and goats; a large flock of chickens; and a few pigs. As the livestock intern, you will help with the day-to-day care and management of these animals as you learn more about each type of animal in their many stages of development. You will cultivate skills in observing and monitoring animal behavior in order to recognize signs of distress, illness, or injury. You will also develop skills in talking about farm management and animal care with the visiting public—all in the historic setting of the iconic 1826 Round Stone Barn, the 1930s Dairy Ell, and the beautiful surrounding pastures and fields. You may also, on occasion, work with the Village gardener and interns to assist with garden-related chores. This internship is part of an immersive, ten-week paid internship program hosted by Hancock Shaker Village that begins on June 4 and concludes August 9.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal livestock intern will have an interest in pursuing a career in agriculture and have a background in animal science, agricultural studies, or biology. The livestock intern should have a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture; a demonstrated ability to take direction and work both independently and as part of a team; success working in a dynamic environment; ability to lift at least 50 pounds (the weight of a standard grain bag); and a fitness level that allows them to work actively for extended periods in all kinds of weather (heat, humidity, rain, wind, cold spells—the animals need care no matter what!). An interest in history is a plus. Prior experience handling animals, preferably in a farm setting, is helpful but not required.
Compensation and Application Instructions
The internship is full time (35-40 hours/week) and may include weekend shifts. Weekly schedules will be determined in advance of arrival by the intern and their supervisor. Interns receive a stipend of $2,500, paid in weekly installments of $250. Interns are also offered on-site housing in the shared intern apartment in one of our historic buildings. Interns must provide their own meals and transportation. Because of the distance from shopping and other amenities, access to a car during the internship is highly recommended for a better experience but is not required.
Applicants should submit 1) a letter of interest explaining why the internship is a good fit for you, 2) a resume, and 3) the names and contact information for two professional or academic references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received no later than Friday, March 29, at 5 pm.
