Apprentice Animal Husbandry

Open To External And Internal Candidates•Williamsburg, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide for the care of cattle, sheep and poultry. Demonstrates and interprets all aspects of livestock husbandry with an emphasis on animal movement practices in the 18 th Century Virginia. Founded in 1986, CW’s Rare Breeds program helps promote genetic diversity in livestock that research shows thrived in 18th-century colonial British America. Horses, oxen, sheep, and fowl contribute to the living history museum in many of the same ways they would have contributed to the colonial capital: as workhorses and oxen pulling carts, wagons, and carriages; and providing wool, eggs, milk, and manure for trades throughout the city.

Requirements

General Knowledge and practical skills in Livestock Husbandry, gained through at least 4 years working with cattle, sheep or poultry.
Experience gained in any combination of experience that fulfills the responsibilities of the job.
Ability to drive trucks and trailers.
Apprentice Level 3 and higher must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and have an acceptable driving record based on Colonial Williamsburg's criteria.
Proven ability to work alone with livestock both safely and having initiative to handle unforeseen circumstances in dealing with livestock.
Must possess good communication skills, and ability to work in a team.
Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions, generally gained through high school education
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Must display a willingness and ability to lift 50 lbs., to bend, stoop and kneel to perform work, to work in costume, and work in all weather conditions.
Ability and willingness to work flexible schedule and on call response to emergencies when needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; also to participate in special events as needed including nights, weekends and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Ability to drive horses; ability to drive oxen, knowledge of cattle care; ability to herd sheep; knowledge of sheep care; knowledge of poultry care; knowledge of dairy operations; ability to operate heavy equipment (loader, tractor, forklift).

Responsibilities

Cares for the Livestock to insure their health and safety, including working with the Veterinary surgeon when necessary.
Help with the breeding and birthing aspects of the livestock
Gives interpretations on livestock husbandry in the 18 th Century and the role of livestock in society.
Demonstrates different skills involved such as milking cows, shearing sheep, sheep herding and ox driving throughout the Historic Area.
Use oxen to move freight throughout the Historic Area, using both carts and wagons when needed.
Use oxen for ticketed ox-cart rides, under Also assist other programs and shops with oxen, when required.
Gives talks and tours concerning the Rare Breeds
Assist with special programs; adapt interpretations to meet the needs of special
Cares for and maintains equipment used with the livestock to include trucks and
Helps co-ordinate with other departments and outside agencies as necessary for public programming or care of the livestock.
Cares for and maintains buildings and pastures used in conjunction with
Basic skills in care of horses, grooming, care of tack, carriages and stables, and driving
Participate in internal and external training
Participate as an active member of a team and model the organizations personal/professional
Participate as an active member of the team engaging in interactive animal experiences, and animal movement.
Work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and
Be available to work on an emergency basis seven days a week, 24hrs per
Perform other related duties as necessary.