Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) is seeking a full-time fellow to work and study under the leadership of OSV’s agriculture program for 12 months, starting in March 2023. As a living history site dedicated to the history of early 19th century rural New England, a major component of OSV’s mission is its commitment to showing farm life. The fellowship follows the seasonality of the farmer’s year, specializing in animal husbandry. Working as a historic farmer will entail using all aspects of the farm as educational tools, such as, costume, livestock, crops, fields, buildings, pasture, and landscape to make meaningful connections with our visitors.
Department:
Interpretation – Agriculture Program
Focus Area:
Farm and Animal Husbandry
Education & Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent, agriculture educational program preferred
Animal care and handling preferred
Experience in farm-based educational programs
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences.
Responsibilities:
Daily care of, cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens
Cleaning and maintenance of animal pens and enclosures
Assisting in breeding management – including schedules and assisting in the birth of young stock
Seasonal Animal work – including sheep shearing, dairy cattle care and milking, and butchering
Working with Oxen
Planting, cultivating, and harvesting field crops including, corn, oats, rye and potatoes
Haymaking, including mowing, drying and storing hay by hand
Pasture management, including fence repair and the production of fence stock
Deliver public programing to OSV’s diverse audiences on related agricultural topics – front gate, special events, Old Sturbridge Academy, Discovery Adventures, homeschool & scout groups
Hours, Stipend & Application:
This is a 12-month fellowship beginning in spring 2022. The workday is normally from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the museum is usually open Wednesday – Sunday; winter hours may differ. The 40 hour/week work schedule varies based on needs at the farm. The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday (administrative departments operate Monday-Friday only); work schedules vary by department and research days are available.
The fellow will receive a stipend of $15,500. Stipends are based on a 40-hour a week and will be prorated if shorter hours or season are agreed upon. The position includes housing available at no cost (housing deposit is required). PTO & Sick time is accrued based on hours worked. No health or medical benefits are included.
Applicants must be able to:
Regularly lift loads of 50lbs and occasionally lift 100lbs or more.
Work outside in all seasons and weather
Walk around a 200+ acre site
Please submit a cover letter indicating a desired focus area, resume, and two letters of reference to interns@osv.org. Please put “Agriculture Fellowship” and your last name into the subject line.