Intern at Alderspring Ranch

We are looking for a few people with grit, character, and a passion for learning to intern at Alderspring Ranch, a certified organic producer of 100% grass fed Angus beef in the Rocky Mountains of Central Idaho. Internships are supported by the Central Idaho Rangelands Network.

Applications will be accepted until March 12, 2018. Position Dates Flexible (May 1-September 15). 90 Day Commitment Required.

The Ranch: includes a 1000-acre ranch headquarters with irrigated pasture and hay ground and 70 square miles of high mountain remote rangeland accessible primarily by horseback. Alderspring Ranch has been producing grass fed beef for a quarter century and has been certified organic for 15 years. The ranch is run by its owners, Glenn and Caryl Elzinga, their daughters, and a small group of stellar employees and interns.

The Project: Interns will participate in a 5-year conservation pilot project using innovative herding techniques to eliminate conflicts between livestock and keystone predators (wolves, cougars, and bears) and to restore and regenerate rangeland ecosystems to benefit wildlife and endangered fish species while producing exceptional beef for human wellness.

The Position: As members of the Ranch’s summer team, interns can expect a diverse workload including but not limited to: riding remote rangelands herding up to 350 head of cattle, horse packing into cow camp sites, spending multiple days and nights in the backcountry, riding ranch horses in various stages of training, maintaining personal tack and general camp infrastructure, monitoring bovine and equine herd health, limited hand weed control, and some rangeland monitoring.

Days are often very long and physically grueling. Workweek ranges from 40 to 55 hours. The setting is beautiful but remote. Camps are minimal leave-no-trace setups. The home ranch accommodations are adequate, but not fancy. Rules on the ranch are: no swearing, no smoking, no drinking, and no drugs. Consistent professionalism and positivity is important to us.

The Person: tenacious, physically fit, independent, eager to learn, humble/teachable, hardworking, determined, honest and tough. Must like animals. Must be willing to camp out for 3 nights per week. Must be able to take constructive criticism, remain calm under pressure, and use common sense. Must have a high level of integrity, supportable by references. Experience and education in agriculture, horsemanship, and stock handling are not necessary but will be considered. Selection will be based on attitude, willingness to learn, interest in conservation grazing and herding, past performance, and ability to work on a team.

Compensation: Depends on experience and references, with stipends ranging from $900/month to $1200/month. Housing, beef, and garden produce (when in season) will be provided.

Benefits: The position is a unique opportunity for interns to improve their backcountry and horse packing skills, horsemanship, understanding of animal behavior, low stress herding techniques, and knowledge of resource monitoring and western rangeland ecology. This is a chance to learn real life skills through hands on experience in a rewarding, fun, and challenging environment.

To apply, please send your resume to Glenn: glenn@alderspring.com.

Please include a description of work experience and education and a list of 6 references with a description of your relationship to them (employer, 4-H leader, teacher, counselor, etc.) and their contact information. At least 2 of the references must be work references (or volunteer work), and 2 must be character references from someone who has known you for a long time (such as a teacher, counselor, or pastor). List dates you will be available for the internship. Also, please write a short paragraph telling us why you want to work at Alderspring Ranch.