A job or internship at Alderspring promises to be one of the most difficult but most rewarding jobs you have ever had. Days are long, physically hard, and unpredictable. We have had some amazing employees in the past; you’ll have big shoes to fill.
2017 Opportunities
We never advertised positions this year! Most of our summer hires found us. If you are interested in working for us in 2018, please contact us in January.
2016 Opportunities
Be a part of the Ranch’s summer team, usually comprised of 10-12 employees and interns. Interns and employees can expect a very diverse workload including but not limited to: riding remote rangelands herding cattle, fencing (both wood/wire and electric), setting up intensive grazing paddocks, hand weed control, irrigation system repair and maintenance, equipment repair and maintenance, moving of irrigation systems, packing of beef products for shipping, and building construction and maintenance.
Much of the summer of 2016 will be spent implementing a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education project. Interns will be a part of 3 person teams that will rotate into the backcountry for 4 days out of 12. Cattle will be herded as part of a research project on sage-grouse, riparian areas, cattle grazing, and producing quality grassfed beef.
Days may be long and physically grueling. The setting is remote. The accommodations are adequate, but not fancy. Rules on the ranch are: no swearing, no smoking, no drinking, and no drugs. See details at our full employment announcement on our blog.
2015 Opportunities
We are fully staffed for 2015 with returning employees. Check back next year!
2014 Opportunities
Applications due May 10, 2014.
We are looking for a few people with grit, character, and a passion to learn to work at Alderspring Ranch, a certified organic producer of 100% grass fed Angus beef in the Rocky Mountains of Central Idaho.
The ranch: 1000 acre ranch headquarters with irrigated pasture and hay ground and 70 square miles of high mountain rangeland accessible primarily by horseback. Alderspring Ranch has been producing grass fed beef for 2 decades, and has been certified organic for nearly 10 years. Alderspring Ranch has been recognized for the production of the best grass fed beef in the country (Forbes Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, the Globe and Mail). The ranch is run by its owners, Glenn and Caryl Elzinga, their young daughters, and a small group of steller employees.
The position: Be a part of the Ranch’s summer team, usually comprised of 4-7 employees and interns. Interns and employees can expect a very diverse workload including but not limited to: moving cattle, fencing (both wood/wire and electric), hand weed control, irrigation system repair and maintenance, equipment repair and maintenance, moving of irrigation systems, packing of beef products for shipping, and building construction and maintenance. Days may be long and physically grueling. The setting is remote. The accommodations are just adequate- one step up from camping. Rules on the ranch are: no swearing, no smoking, no drinking, and no drugs.
The person: tenacious, physically fit, independent, eager to learn, humble/teachable, hardworking, determined, and tough. Must like animals. Must have a high level of integrity, supportable by references. Work experience and education are not necessary, but will be considered. Selection will be based on attitude, interest in sustainable agriculture, past performance, and ability to work on a team.
Compensation: Depends on experience and references. Housing will be provided, and all the beef an intern or employee can eat.
Benefits: Work with a great team and get hands on experience in grassfed organic beef production.
To apply: send resume to Glenn at glenn at 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, long-term acquaintance, etc) and their contact information. At least 2 of the references must be work references (you can include volunteer work), and 2 must be character references from someone who has known you for a long time (such as a teacher or pastor). List your available dates and if you are interested in longer term work or just summer employment. Also please tell us why you want to work at Alderspring Ranch.