Practical Primitive Internship Program
We are currently seeking an Intern to assist with the day-to-day aspects of running Practical Primitive.
Designed in the style of a work-exchange program, our Internship is meant to allow successful applicants the time to participate in workshops and to practice and perfect their skills, while also learning what it takes to run a successful primitive skills-style business. Based on a "one-for-one" model, Interns will earn one workshop day for each 8 hours of work they put in here at the school.
This will include lending a hand in all areas, including (but not limited to):
- Workshop preparation, assistance and clean-up
- Indoor & Outdoor facility maintenance
- Running errands
- Yard work
- Shetler building/maintenance
- On-line and off-line research
- Phone calls
- E-mailing
- Filing
- General administrative and office assistance
- Representing Practical Primitive at Special Events
- Anything else that needs doing
And believe me, we've got lots that needs doing!
If you are interested in becoming a Practical Primitive Intern, the application is at the bottom of the page, but please read through the following information first:
Q. Is there a minimum or maximum age restriction?
A. You must be at least 18 years of age in order to
apply, however this is not strictly a "student" position.
We are an equal opportunity company and are willing to work with anyone
who is eager to learn, trustworthy and motivated. We have no upper
age limit and encourage anyone who may be interested to apply, so long
as you feel physically capable of helping out in lots of different
ways.
Q. Is lodging provided?
A. No, this is not an "on-site" position at this time and you will be responsible
for making your own living arrangements.
Q. How will I be compensated?
A. This is a work-exchange style of Internship.
Based on a one-for-one model, Interns will earn one workshop day
for each eight hours of work they put in at Practical Primitive.
Hours will be kept track of on a log sheet that will be filled in
daily and must by signed by both you and Julie before you leave each
day.
Q. How long does the Internship last?
A. We are somewhat flexible on this point. We would prefer 6 month Internships,
however will permit shorter terms for those on summer break from school
or those who can not commit to a full 6 month program for other reasons.
All short-term Internship requests will be considered on a case-by-case
basis. 3 months is the minimum length that we will
consider.
Q. Do I have to use all of my workshop credit hours during my
Internship?
A. No, your workshop credit hours will extend beyond
your Internship for the same length of time as you were in the program.
Therefore, if you completed a six month Internship your credit hours
will be valid for an additional six months after your term ends;
for a three month Internship, your credits will be valid for the three
months immediately following your term.
Q. When does the Internship begin?
A. We are currently seeking an Intern to begin in March,
but if you are not available until a later date,
please still submit your application! As we've mentioned, we are somewhat
flexible on this point and will be looking for candidates regularly throughout
the year. There is space on the application for you to tell us when, and
for how long, you will be available.
Q. How many hours a week?
A. We are looking for a part-time Intern to
work between 16 and 20 hours per week, on a pre-determined schedule
agreed upon in advance. But remember, most of the time
we can be pretty flexible, so if you have less availability, just let
us know on your application.
Q. Do I need to have taken workshops with you to apply?
A. While it is not mandatory to have attended a specific
number of workshops, preference will be given to applicants we have
had the opportunity to meet and get to know, whether through workshops,
attendance at Open Skills Nights, or through other means. If we have
never met, but you submit an excellent and compelling application
that piques our interest, you will be required to come for both an
in-person interview and a "group" event (such as an Open Skills Night)
before we will consider your for acceptance into the Internship program.
Q. What level of Primitive Skills experience do I need to have to apply?
A. As with all of our programs, there are no minimum
or maximum skill-level requirements needed to apply. Whether
you are a skilled outdoorsperson, someone who has taken classes here
and there over the years, or an armchair enthusiast will make no
difference when we are reviewing applications.
Q. Then what ARE the qualities you are looking for in an Intern?
A. We are seeking an Intern who is reliable, trustworthy,
honest, friendly, helpful, curious, eager to learn, self-motivated,
can see what needs doing and does it, does not require someone constantly
looking over their shoulder, finishes what they start, cleans up
after themselves, enjoys being around people, likes to try new things,
is not afraid to fail, and most of all, has an honest desire to learn
and practice these skills because they are fun and fascinating part
of our history and heritage that enriches us all and can help connect
us to the Earth make the world a better place.
Remember, Eddie and Julie do these things
because they are fun!
CODE OF CONDUCT
All Interns will be required to conduct themselves according to the following
Code of Conduct. Successful applicants will be required to sign a copy
of the Code prior to beginning their Internship, and will be held to
account throughout the full course of their term.
- Practical Primitive is an all-inclusive school and we work hard to make sure that each and every person who attends our workshops, Open Skills Nights and other events feels welcome, at home and among friends regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any visible or non-visible difference. Interns will be expected to maintain a friendly demenor at all times during workshops and events, and be social with all students, ensuring that no one feels unwelcome or ill-at-ease.
- When assisting with workshops or representing Practical Primitive during Open Skills Nights or other Events, you will be expected to comport yourself more as a fellow student, not as an Instructor. You will NOT be expected to "know everything" or to assist beyond your own level of skills experience. You WILL be expected to say "I don't know" when you don't know — after all, you are in this program so that you can learn!
- All Interns will be expected to maintain a well-groomed and appropriately professional appearance. Clean clothes and proper hygiene will be required during workshops, Opens Skills Nights and any other events at which you are representing Practical Primitive.
- Romantic relationships with students are not a part of this Internship. If you meet someone with whom you feel a "special connection" you will be expected to behave in a strictly professional manner until the end of your term.
- Drug use will not be tolerated. Any Intern found to be engaging in the use of illegal or recreational drugs on any level will be immediately expelled from the program and any credit hours will become void.
- Sexual harassment, degrading or demeaning speech or inappropriate behavior of any sort toward students, guests, friends or staff will not be tolerated on any level and will result in immediate expulsion from the program and any credit hours will become void.
- Theft, or any other illegal activity, will not be tolerated on any level and will result in immediate dismissal from the program and any credit hours will become void.
- Equality is one of the hallmarks of our Mission at Practical Primitive, and all Interns will be expected to uphold that ideal on every level.
- We do these things because they are fun!
Internship Program Application
If you've read through all of the above information and decided that
"I Want To Be An Intern for Practical Primitive!" then we want to hear
from you! Please fill out the form below thoughtfully and in it's entirety.
No matter how well we may or may not know you already, we will be using
the answers you provide to the questions below to make our decisions.
If you prefer to write by hand instead of on a keyboard, please print
this PDF version of the application to mail in.
| Name: | |
|---|---|
| Address: | |
| City: | |
| State/Province: | |
| Zip/Postal Code: | |
| Phone: | |
| Alt. Phone: | |
| E-mail: | |
| Date of Birth: |
| How long would your ideal Internship last? | |
|---|---|
| When would you be available to begin? | |
| What is the highest level of education you have completed? | |
| Are you currently attending school? | Yes No |
| If YES, do you attend full- or part-time? | Full-time Part-time |
| Do you currently carry personal health insurance? | Yes No |
| What, if any, previous training or classes have you had in Primitive Skills, Wilderness Awareness, Traditional Living or Self-reliance? | |
| What aspects of Primitive skills, Traditional Living, Wilderness Awareness and Self-reliance most interest you? | |
| Have you participated in any other Internship programs, or other programs similar to this one? If yes, describe. | |
| Why do you want to be an Intern for Practical Primitive? What makes you a good candidate for us, and what makes this the right place for you? | |
| What do you want to be able to do at the end of your Internship term that you can not do now? What do you want to get out of this? | |
| Give us a short history of your work experience and post-high school education. | |
| Is there anything else we should know? |
Once you are satisfied with your responses please hit the "Submit" button below.
Please hit this button only once!