INTERNSHIPS

Homestead internships allow you to serve your community while learning valuable skills in one or more of the following areas: historic structures, historic interpretation, heritage orchard stewardship, or special projects. Our interns make meaningful contributions to this site. As much as possible, homestead internships will be designed to suit the needs, capacity, and interests of both the intern and the homestead.

FOCUS AREAS

Historic Structures: interns will assist caretakers with seasonal maintenance, curation, and minor repair of historic ranch buildings and fences at the Moon-Randolph Homestead.

Historic Interpretation: interns will be trained by the caretakers to serve as tour guides. Tour guides host visitors, orient them to the site, and provide tours on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour guides are expected to host 6 or more public visitation days between May and October. Public visitation hours run from 11am – 5pm on Saturdays.  

Heritage Orchard Stewardship: interns will assist with the late summer and early autumn seasonal care of the 130-year-old apple trees. Orchard stewardship activities may include late summer pruning, no-spray weed management, fencing repair, apple picking, and delivery.   

Special Projects: self-motivated interns with specific skills and experience may propose or take-on special projects at the homestead. Especially well-suited interns would have experience in one of the following areas: curriculum development, primary source research, marketing, ranching, hog raising, sheep grazing, blacksmithing, fire mitigation, or prairie restoration. Interns may also propose other special project areas for consideration.

Homestead interns are

  • highly motivated, reliable, able to “see-the-need,” and take action,

  • comfortable outdoors, in a rustic setting, and in all types of weather

  • able to connect with visitors of all ages and communicate well with the public

  • capable of lifting and carrying bins weighing 50 pounds up and down hills, and through uneven terrain

  • willing to care for, clean, maintain, and safely-use a variety hand tools

  • enthusiastic about Montana history; ranching; agricultural history; and the Moon-Randolph Homestead

  • able to adhere to safety and risk management practices

Season dates and time-requirements

  • Spring Season: March to May

  • Summer Season: June to August

  • Fall Season: August to October

  • Open Season: May to October

Interns are expected to serve a minimum of 45 hours and up to 135 hours. Season extension may be possible.

Benefits

  • UM students may be able to earn one internship credit for 45 hours of service including training and service. If interested in this option, please let us know in your cover letter or application.

To Apply

Send resume or CV with cover letter to Homestead Caretaker, Katie Nelson at moonrandolph@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

In your cover letter, please sure to indicate:

  • interest in one or more focus areas outlined in the position summary

  • relevant skills and abilities

  • availability to serve during the spring, summer, fall, or open season

  • preference for serving 45, 90, or 135 hours