Intern, Agrivoltaics Tech

Job Description

The Agrivoltaics Technician Intern supports regenerative land and livestock management operations within utility-scale solar energy projects at the De Soto and Perry Ranches.

As part of the Regenerative Energy Team, and at the direction of the Agrivoltaics Technician III (Ranch Manager), the Intern will work closely with the broader team of Agrivoltaic Technicians in the support and execution of grazing and vegetation management plans at Silicon Ranch's 250 MWac De Soto Ranch and their 68 MWac Perry Ranch, housed on over 2,000 acres in De Soto, GA and over 700 acres in Elko, GA. The former is home to over 2,000 resident ewes and the latter houses Silicon Ranch's seedstock development flock, the nation's largest Katahdin flock enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP).

With the goal of achieving maximum livestock performance and environmental outcomes through grazing efforts, Ranch Managers adhere to the principles of Holistic Adaptive Multi Paddock management - sheep are moved frequently and intentionally to meet animal welfare and performance needs while striving to maintain the vegetation under modules to industry standards. Day-to-day activities of integrated land and livestock management include deployment of temporary fencing and water systems, extensive animal husbandry related activities (feeding, wellness checks, vaccinating, deworming, weight monitoring & recording, administration of therapeutic drugs, pregnancy diagnosis, breeding soundness exams, etc), and occasional use of mechanical vegetation control tools (mowing & seeding equipment). Additional tasks that support seasonal goals, such as construction of and improvements to permanent ranch infrastructure may also be required. All activities are aligned with Regenerative Energy's mission of improving soil health, sequestering carbon, increasing biodiversity, and improving the overall ecosystem functionality of lands housing utility scale solar power plants.

As a commercial-scale livestock enterprise, the Ranches operate 7 days per week, year-round. While all efforts are made to minimize weekend work, the Intern may be required to work some weekends. Travel and overnight stays away from the Intern's primary ranch is occasionally required.

This is the first of its kind self-perform Agrivoltaics O&M program. We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Intern, with intuition and resilience, who possesses strong interest in pursuing a career in agrivoltaics. The Intern is given the opportunity to work closely alongside Technicians of all levels at two ranches to develop his/her skills with an emphasis on forging a clear career path.

Internship Objectives

• Interns support the execution of the Ranch Manager's grazing, vegetation management, and livestock production plans. This will provide exposure to rotational grazing systems, temporary fencing & water solutions, livestock handling and stockmanship basics, general animal husbandry, and operation of mowing equipment. Specific objectives will be tailored to the individual but may include some of the following:
  • Understanding of grazing plans and their relationship to livestock performance
  • Understanding of forage establishment and management plans
  • Understanding of livestock production schedules and of breeding and genetic selection tools
  • Understanding of equipment operation and basic maintenance tasks
  • Collection and interpretation of livestock performance data and resulting application to long term flock goals

Additional Information and Requirements

• Internships are 10 weeks, 40 hours/wk, May 18th - July 24th
• Applicants must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Interns are paid competitive workforce wages (details available to applicants)
• Housing may be offered at the De Soto Ranch

Education

• High School Diploma
• BA/BS or currently enrolled in a program related to Ranch Management, Agriculture, Animal Science, or similar fields

Background and Experience

• Experience in livestock agriculture and knowledgeable about regenerative agriculture/Holistic Management is preferred
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, both independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral
• Solar Industry experience a plus

Our interview process:

A typical interview process at Silicon Ranch might include the below stages. Please note that we may make changes to these steps as needed, and details will be provided to you early on in the process.

1. Introductory Interview with our recruiter
2. Hiring Manager Interview to dive into technical skills and behavioral questions
3. Panel Interview to assess cross-functional skills and dive deeper into technical skills
4. Executive Interview to answer high-level questions about SRC and the team