INTERNSHIPS
Position Summary
As much as possible, homestead internships will be designed to suit the needs, capacity, and interests of both the intern and the homestead. In their applications, interns should indicate a particular emphasis in one or more of the following focus areas.
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.
Qualifications
The applicant must be:
highly motivated, able to “see-the-need,” and take action;
on-time and able to make decisions with minimal supervision;
observant, patient, and detail-oriented;
able to employ aesthetic vision;
able to participate in repetitive tasks;
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; and
enthusiastic about Montana history; ranching; agricultural history; and the Moon-Randolph Homestead.
Requirements
The Homestead Intern will:
attentively participate in relevant trainings;
adhere to safety and risk management practices;
complete a volunteer service agreement with the City of Missoula;
track their own hours and work with the caretaker to establish a regular schedule;
familiarize yourself with the history of the site by reading a small chapbook called Butterflies & Railroad Ties.
Season dates and time-requirements
Interns are expected to serve a minimum of 45 hours and up to 135 hours. There may also be potential to extend beyond seasons outlined below.
Spring Season: March to May
Summer Season: June to August
Fall Season: August to October
Open Season: May to October
Benefits
Training with the Homestead Caretaker will provide you with professional experience in historic preservation.
You’ll get to savor your time on site—noticing new things each visit and getting to know the homestead’s rhythms.
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.
You’ll also get a Moon-Randolph Homestead t-shirt and ball cap.
And an invitation to our Volunteer Appreciation Bonfire at the end of October.
NOTE: This is an unpaid internship.
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 your:
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