Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary:
SERVICE DESCRIPTION:Heartbeet Lifesharing
Hardwick, VT
http://www.heartbeet.org
Title: Land Intern
Start Date: ASAP
Length of Service: Summer
Heartbeet is a vibrant life sharing Camphill community and licensed therapeutic residence that includes adults with developmental disabilities and interweaves the social and agricultural realms for the healing and renewing of our society and the earth. Community members live and work together, in beautiful extended family households, forming a mutually supportive environment that enables each individual to discover and develop his or her unique abilities and potential.
JOB DESCRIPTION
LandIntern: The responsibilities of a Land Intern include supporting both the Farm (livestock) and Garden (vegetables). Some of the Farm activities include: livestock husbandry, building paddocks/fencing, milking cows, upkeep/maintenance of the barns, and making/using the Biodynamic preparations. Some of the Garden activities include: planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and snacking on vegetables. All of these tasks include supporting adults with developmental disabilities, using person-centered adaptive methods.
Volunteer / Coworker: For residential applicants, theLandIntern position is also considered a Heartbeet Volunteer / Coworker. You will be expected to live with and assist "Friends" or individuals with developmental disabilities in all aspects of their daily life, including home, artistic, and skill based programs. Land responsibilities would be balanced with home and other community responsibilities.
You will be provided training and guidance to enable you to perform the following tasks, but not limited to:
- Assisting with personal / hygiene care
- Offering physical and emotional support
- Creating social opportunities
- Promoting social harmony
- Supporting medical needs
- Participating in recreational activities
- Perform household tasks such as cooking, house-cleaning and laundry
- Participate in the residential and vocational activities
About the Land:
- All of the agricultural land is stewarded based on Biodynamic and organic principals
- Heartbeet Lifesharing is 165 total acres
- 40 acres of pastures & hayfields
- About once acre of annual vegetable gardens
- Fruit trees/bushes/vines throughout the property
- Over 100 acres of forest with a forest management plan
Diversity of Livestock:
- 3 milking Cows
- 12-15 head grass-fed beef (mixed ages)
- Around 400 pastured laying hens
- Around 400 pastured meat chickens
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
The Biodynamic approach to agriculture, coming out of Anthroposophy, provides the core tenets of our farming philosophy. In addition to Biodynamic principles and practices, we implement methods from Holistic Management, Permaculture, and Regenerative Agriculture. Apprentices may have the opportunity to collaborate, work with, and learn from other local farms and agricultural enterprises. Apprentices will learn about other spheres of land stewardship (i.e. garden, forestry, estate), and how they interconnect with the farm and with each of our lives in the Heartbeet Lifesharing community.
QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with self-initiative and interest in the pursuit of supporting and learning from individuals who have developmental disabilities in daily farm tasks. The desire to align oneself and contribute to the values of the community and the farm are more important than prior farming skills.
- 18 years of age or older
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Ability to perform well in an environment that requires compassion, helpfulness, patience, and resourcefulness
- An interest in agriculture
- Direct care experience preferred
- Ability to lift 50lbs required
- Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather
- Ability to pass a background check
- Health Screening, Tetanus, TB Test.
- Good communication skills
- Valid Drivers License preferred
- Passion for working with people of all abilities
- CPR / First Aid certification required (training provided)
REQUIREMENTS
- Criminal Background Clearance
- Proof of Health Insurance
- Health Screening Form
- Drivers License preferred
- At least 18 years old
- Proficient in the English language
- Self-motivated, ability to organize, completetasks, work within a team environment and accept supervision.
- Participate in living in environment that supports individuals of all abilities.