Tillers International is Hiring Sustainable Agriculture Interns

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Tillers International is a non-profit organization based at the 430-acre Cook’s Mill Learning Center in Scotts, Michigan focusing on rural development with an emphasis on draft animal power. Their mission is to preserve, study, and exchange low-capital technologies that increase the sustainability and productivity of rural communities.

Interns at Tillers experience work in sustainable agriculture, rural development, historical interpretation, and organizational operations. Interns receive practical training from artisans, farmers, and international students in a range of skills relating to small-scale farming, research, rural enterprises, and training. On a daily basis, interns participate in the farming activities of the season. This gives them practice in working with draft animals (oxen and horses) and using farm machinery. They plant, cultivate, and harvest a rotation of crops, put up hay, and learn many associated skills, such as woodworking, blacksmithing, and gardening. In the woodshop, interns learn to shape ox yokes, bend bows, and do joinery for timber frames. In the fields, they drive oxen and horses in tasks from manure spreading and soil preparation to logging. In the blacksmithing shop, they learn to make tools and repairs.

In addition to the oxen and horses, Tillers has a beef herd of Milking Shorthorns and a herd of Merino sheep.

For more information, visit their website at https://tillersinternational.org/get-involved/internships/

The internship runs from the beginning of March to the end of November. Housing and a modest stipend of $150/week is provided. Interns generally work 6 days a week, 50 hours per week, but also have the opportunity to take Tillers classes for free. Lunch is provided on class days.

While agricultural and animal experience is desired, it is not required. Interns must be able to communicate ideas, to work without close supervision, and to cooperate with co-workers. Interns are expected to work with flexibility for weekend activities and seasonal farm activities. Due to the farm work required, interns should be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly without problems and be in adequate physical condition to work long days in the fields. While much of the work is physical, it is generally enjoyable.

Please send a cover letter and resume via email to dirkse@tillersinternational.org or to:

Attn: Internship Application

Tillers International

10515 OP Ave E

Scotts, MI 49088

Please include references and dates available.

Deadline for applications is December 1st, 2015.