Vet First Inc., a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified 501(c)(3) non-profit and affiliate with the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Virginia, is offering a wonderful opportunity for transitioning active duty and reserve U.S. service members interested in a future career in agriculture sponsored by the DoD SkillBridge Program! Through this program, we are seeking 2 – 5 participants at both our Fairfield, VA and Williamsburg, VA model farms who will learn an end-to-end lifecycle from farm to table with a focus on farm, land, and livestock management, agribusiness, and crop production from growth, harvest, to distribution to support our local communities and people in need.
The successful intern will obtain an invaluable skill set with targeted Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) in concert with daily farm tasks, having an opportunity to work alongside our Veteran workforce. Interns will be asked to perform specific tasks based on a provided, self-paced curriculum with relevant training videos to reinforce task demonstrations. Assessments will be given for level of performance and to also ensure intentional, open door communications between the intern and farm supervisor. Both Vet First model farm locations offer a safe workplace and learning experience to assist participants in their preparation for employment and industry certifications by observing and performing within the employer’s operating environment.
Paired with our Vet First workforce and volunteer crew, interns will learn how to cultivate crops, fruit orchards, and beehives, while having opportunities to immerse with and manage our sheep herd. Interns will be able to collaborate and work directly with the resident Agriculture Manager with mentorship opportunities alongside our entire staff, learning to facilitate daily on-farm duties. Travel to and from the farm and lodging is the responsibility of the intern.
To learn more, please contact:
Mike Weatherly, Ph.D., Owner, Founder: mweatherly@vetfirstinc.com, or
James Mershon, Program Manager/Director: jmershon@vetfirstinc.com
