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Summer Internship Program: Franklin County

Franklin County

Primary Program Area Focus: ANR

1. Describe your plans for this internship.  (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing?)

The Franklin County intern will maintain a 40-hour workweek working primarily with Agricultural and Natural Resource agents. The applicant must be proficient in working independently and as a team member. During the 10 weeks internship the applicant will work closely with Extension agents and office staff to coordinate and implement program events and activities. Participate in meetings where local issues are identified and program results and plans are discussed. Work closely with ANR agents to develop and deliver a minimum of four educational programs for livestock and crops science. Assist in preparations for planned events and activities by gathering information, assembling materials, contacting participants, and
soliciting support from external sources. Participating in on-farm visits and consultation with ANR agents as well as sitting in during farm advisory meetings. The applicant will also assist during the 2019 Youth Open Livestock Show, jobs will include helping with registration, animal check-in, and all show pre and post preparation. The opportunity to work with the judges at the livestock show to learn about livestock judging. The intern will work with the Franklin County 4H Livestock Club planning youth and agriculture related educational programs. Helping with the RCPP funding that VCE is administrating with NRCS. Participate in Mental Health first aid programming offered to agriculture community.  Programming areas may have needs that require flexible hours in order to perform necessary duties.  Some livestock programming is conducted during evening hours to work with producer schedules.

2. Describe the knowledge / skills you expect the intern to gain from this experience.

During the internship, we expect the intern to become proficient in leading, teaching, motivating, and communicating with others. The intern will increase professionalism working with community partners and stakeholders. Extensive knowledge through hands-on programming for livestock farming operations and crops production will be gained. Written and oral communication skills will be increased. The intern will learn techniques and strategies for meeting educational needs of both youth and adult
special interest groups.  The applicant will learn how to take on-farm milk, feed, soil, and manure samples for analysis. Work with agents to interpret results and deliver results to producers.

3. How will the intern learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas?

The applicant will have exposure to all Unit program areas during the 10-week internship. The applicant will work on a limited basis in Family Consumer Science and 4H Youth Development.  The intern will assist the Family Consumer Science agent with food safety and nutrition classes.  Work with the FCS agent to plan and implement a canning and food safety class to the public.  In 4H Youth Development, the intern will provide assistance to educational workshops and/or assist at 4H camp for a period of no more than 3 days (during regular business hours).  Providing office support and contribute to office staff meetings when necessary on a limited basis will be required. Attend County and Stakeholder meetings with Agents. The intern will also work closely with other Agricultural agency agents work closely with. The Franklin County office has a good working relationship with the local Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resource Conservation Agency (NRCS) and Blue Ridge Soil and Water Conservation District (BRSWCD), thus we would like to see the intern spend one day with each of the agencies learning what assistance they offer to producers.