Open Range Winter Herder

Job description

We begin the season by gathering the cattle and sheep and preparing to move to winter range. Sheep and Cattle are all on winter range site by October 1st. and remain on the winter range site until around June 1, when cattle are moved to summer range. By June 15th, the season draws to an end when all livestock are moved to summer range.

Open Range Winter Herder: The livestock’s main needs are good feed, adequate water, and protection from predators and stress. The range’s main needs are recognition of forage quality and quantity, recognition of other species utilizing the range, recognition of the possibility of problems before the problem occurs.

Worker must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds. Most duties are performed out-of-doors and entail exposure to extreme heat and cold; dust, rain, snow, and wind; and herding hazards; poisonous snakes and predators common in range lands. General supervision will be provided by the ranch owner. A minimum of 6 months’ experience is required. Driving is required on ranch only. No Driver's License Required. Worker will be required to be On-Call 24/7 and live on the range more than 50% of the time. Range Duties include: Herd livestock to pasture for grazing; sort livestock; round up strays; protect and defend livestock from predators and from eating poisonous or noxious plants; drive trucks and other equipment to distribute feed to animals on the range; ride horse and/or 4-wheeler to move cows; must be able to handle a horse to ensure the safety of the worker, co-workers and livestock; feed and care for horses and other domestic animals used on the range to help with herding; setup and take down electric fence; manually restrains animals when required; applies medication to cuts and bruises; sprays livestock with insecticide; feeds livestock supplementary rations and mineral blocks; and inspects and repairs fences used to contain herds. Must be able to find and maintain bearings to grazing areas. Must be willing and able to live and work independently in isolated areas for extended periods of time. Workers must be willing and able to perform tasks capably and efficiently without close supervision. Worker must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds. Most duties are performed out-of-doors and entail exposure to extreme heat and cold; dust, rain, snow, wind, walking on uneven terrain and frozen, slippery ground; herding hazards; poisonous snakes and predators common in rangelands. Understand that the owner is available for clarification and guidance of job needs &/or requirements on a daily basis. Disregard for accepted maintenance practices of equipment including, but not limited to not draining water truck valves causing freezing and damage, not checking fluid levels in pickups, not unhooking water truck fill hose from water source, may be subject to immediate termination. Abuse &/or misuse of any animal may result in immediate termination. Unauthorized use of any ranch equipment including, but not limited to light vehicles, farm machinery or off-road vehicles may result in immediate termination. Drug use will not be allowed, random drug testing may occur. General supervision will be provided by the ranch owner.

Special Requirements

None