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Dairy Grazing Internship: On-Farm Training for Future Farmers

The DGA Internship is a 12-week, full-time on-farm experience for aspiring farmers interested in regenerative, pasture-based systems. Interns work alongside experienced staff and apprentices in all aspects of seasonal livestock care, rotational grazing, and dairy operations. This internship serves as an introduction and potential pathway into the two-year DGA program, which includes 3,712 hours of mentored training and 300 hours of coursework.

Key Learning Areas & Responsibilities: Interns progress from observation to active participation and responsibility in:

  • Daily milking of 30-40 cows, meeting organic and state dairy standards
  • Cleaning and upkeep of milking equipment and facilities
  • Livestock handling for grazing, health checks, and sorting
  • Fence and water system setup for rotational grazing
  • Digital recordkeeping (e.g., PastureMap, herd records)
  • Chores, haymaking support, and general farm maintenance
  • Use of farm equipment such as tractors, skid loaders, and trailers

Interns may be invited to join the two-year DGA apprenticeship based on performance, alignment of goals, and readiness. Apprentices gain increasing responsibility, mentorship, and formal instruction leading to Journeyperson certification.

Candidate Qualities: We are looking for individuals who are:

  • Passionate about farming and eager to learn
  • Observant, curious, and resilient
  • Comfortable with physically demanding work in all weather
  • Respectful of people, animals, and the land
  • Able to lift 50+ lbs and work a flexible schedule, including weekends

Previous farm experience is helpful but not required.

Position Details:

  • $15.50/hour; with raises for apprentices ($0.50 every six months)
  • ~40 hours/week; must be available at least one weekend day. Weekly hours may be more or less than 40 depending on time of year and staffing.
  • On-site housing is required and provided

Includes mentorship, field trips, peer learning, and access to DGA coursework (if applicable)

Take the first step toward your farming career with Wolfe's Neck Center.


 

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment welcomes a diverse pool of candidates. In accordance with federal Equal Opportunity laws, Wolfe's Neck Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, veteran status, or physical or mental disability in the hiring of its employees. Applicants are selected based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, prior work experience, and references from previous employers.