Apprenticeship Program
No positions available at this time
MFFC Apprenticeships run January to December
Merck's Apprenticeship Program is a yearlong opportunity to be immersed in an educational non-profit, whose mission is to teach and demonstrate sustainable management of forest and farmland. Apprentices' time will be spent learning the concepts and practices of sustainable land management, while also having a hand in Merck's day-to-day operations.
This position is a great opportunity for recent college graduates that are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, farm-based education, forest management or those wanting to work in the non-profit sector.
Program Areas:
- Farm planning, production and marketing. Skills include driving and farming with draft horses, animal husbandry, gardening, tractor operation, facilities and equipment maintenance.
- Maple sugaring
- Forest management and trail maintenance
- Theories and practices of place-based education
- Leading school and volunteer groups
- Involvement with community events, workshops and outreach
Apprentices work full time, five days a week and are compensated at Vermont minimum wage. They receive on-site housing, access to garden space for growing vegetables, and Merck eggs/meat when available.
Qualifications:
Applicants must be a minimum of 21 years old and be dedicated, motivated, physically active people, who enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather. They also need a strong willingness to learn, and openness to teach others.
Teaching experience and working on a farm with equipment and/or animals is preferred, but not necessary.
For more information contact sarah@merckforest.org.
What past interns are saying about their time at Merck Forest and Farmland Center:
"The beauty of the Merck landscape instantly captured my heart when I began my internship (fall 2011). The warmth of the Merck community was a very close second. The Forest and Farmland Center offered me a varied 3 months of challenging physical work; increased my care and consideration for land, soils, and animals; and provided me the chance to be outdoors daily. The staff is knowledgeable in so many areas that I could always ask, listen, and learn. The pleasure of being involved with a place that works to educates school groups, outdoor recreationists, and a variety of other groups means that I could also learn from the wider community around Merck about farming, forestry and appreciation for nature. My Merck internship will always be something I remember, and refer back to, as I continue to try to help develop sustainable communities."
-Melissa
"My time here at Merck was filled with opportunities to acquire new skills through hands-on projects with people who genuinely enjoy teaching others what they know. I discovered so much about building relationships between plants, animals and soil that is vital in sustaining a healthy landscape. It was an incredible experience to work with people who are passionate about taking care of the land."
-Mia
"My stay at Merck FFC, because of the proximity of the forest and farm, exposed me to a very real sense of the importance of ecology. The staff was an invaluable source of information on this front due to their varied experience and interests. Merck is more than just a farm and a forest, and even as an intern, I felt involved in all that is needed to keep the center in running order."
-Aaron
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