Apprentice Husbander-Interpreter

About the role

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 18th Century Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Care for the livestock to ensure their health and safety, including working with the veterinary surgeon when necessary.
• Assist with the breeding and birthing aspects of livestock management.
• Give interpretations on livestock husbandry in the 18th century and the role of livestock in society.
• Demonstrate 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 supervision.
• Assist other programs and shops with oxen when required.
• Give talks and tours concerning the Rare Breeds program.
• Assist with special programs; adapt interpretations to meet the needs of special programs.
• Care for and maintain equipment used with the livestock, including trucks and trailers.
• Coordinate with other departments and outside agencies as necessary for public programming or care of the livestock.
• Care for and maintain buildings and pastures used in conjunction with livestock.
• Provide basic skills in care of horses, grooming, care of tack, carriages and stables, and driving horses.
• Participate in internal and external training experiences.
• Participate as an active member of a team and model the organization’s personal/professional expectations.
• Engage in interactive animal experiences and animal movement.
• Work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Be available to work on an emergency basis seven days a week, 24 hours per day.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Direct: Supervisory Journeyman, Animal Husbandry and Oxen
• Indirectly: Director, Coach and Livestock

Requirements

• Virginia driver’s license and acceptable driving record based on Colonial Williamsburg’s criteria.
• 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 Commercial Driver’s License.
• 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/GED.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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).

Pay

Range: $19.00 to $23.00 per hour