Range Sheepherder

Job description

Must have 3 months experience with 800 - 1000 head flocks. One reference required.
Range herders will primarily be on the range residing in mobile housing units or where there are no roads or in wilderness areas will reside in tents. Herders keep their camps clean and sanitary. Range herders will care for their livestock in all aspects including keeping the herd together so there are not strays or lost animals. Maintain unity of mother ewes and their lambs. Move livestock in fresh forage pasture daily. Identify and keep livestock away from poisonous plants. Provide salt or minerals when required. Protect livestock from dangerous animals both wild and domestic. Assist in transportation, loading and unloading trailers. Administer medicines or doctor individual animals or entire groups of animals in corrals either portable or fixed. Be able to identify and analyze udders, teeth and general overall animal health and categorize ewes accordingly. Assist in corral and fence repair as to facilitate and ensure safety for workers and livestock while working livestock in corrals. Assist in setup and take down of portable corrals or pens when needed. Handle livestock feeds when required such as bags of grain or hay bales and assist in the transportation and administration of such feeds. Assist in trimming feet or any other livestock care need. Repair or maintain pasture fences. Assist in breeding season and care for breeding stock. Keep accurate records of deceased livestock and the cause of death along with photographic evidence.

Some work/tasks may occur off the range, but more than 51% of work will be performed on the range. Western Range Association and its member ranches facilitate practices of good animal husbandry. Employees that are found abusing, neglecting or abandoning livestock entrusted to their care may be terminated for cause. If the negligent/abusive actions of an employee result in the loss/death of livestock/animals or cause harm to another person, the employee may be held accountable for these actions.
***Hours worked footnote: On call for up to 24 hours 7 days a week***