Ranch Hand

Job description

GENERAL FUNCTION: The Ranch Hand, performs general farm work as directed, such as operating and maintaining the operational condition of farm equipment, caring for livestock, mowing and baling hay, etc.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Performs tasks general farm duties as assigned by fixing fence, moving and baling hay, cutting trees, planting forage crops as directed, irrigating and applying fertilizer or chemicals as directed, and plowing, cultivating, and harvesting plantings.
2. Provides general care to livestock by feeding, providing directed health care, and assisting with breeding, calving, and selling animals.
3. Safely operates light vehicles and farm machinery such as pick-up trucks, tractors, riding mowers, plows, mowers, and disc harrows by obeying applicable traffic laws, following operator instructions, and wearing appropriate safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, or other protective clothing.
4. Safely operates various types of farm equipment such as post augers, post drivers, portable power tools such as gasoline-operated power tools, sprayers, trimmers, and chain saws, electrically-operated drills and saws, and gas or electrically operated welders by following operator instructions and wearing appropriate safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, or other protective clothing.
5. Applies chemicals used in farming and ranching properly and safely by following either written or verbal directions for mixing chemical compounds according to specifications, wearing prescribed protective clothing, masks, and rubber boots and gloves, applying the chemicals properly as directed on items designated for their use, disposing of residual chemical products as directed or storing them for future use, and recording the application of such chemical compounds.
6. Performs regular and directed field maintenance by mowing using riding mowers or tractors and gasoline-powered trimmers or chain saws, clearing brush, and setting up, adjusting, repairing, and cleaning irrigation systems.
7. Ensures that farm machinery, equipment, and tools are operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning farm machinery, equipment, and tools and making minor repairs within demonstrated capability.
8. Contributes to the overall success of the Employer by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Workers will be instructed in the safety and operation of the equipment before using it. Workers will be expected to operate equipment, with or without direction, in a manner that protects themselves, visitors, other employees, crops, trees, facilities, and equipment. Failure to comply with operating and safety standards may result in termination. This is a highly demanding and competitive business, where quality specifications must be rigorously adhered to. The equipment that workers will operate and maintain is expensive and hazardous. Workers are expected to follow the employer's requests to not only prevent damage to the equipment and property but also prevent injuries to themselves and others. Any equipment, property, or persons damaged or hurt by a worker's failure to follow instructions or damaged/hurt due to negligence will be charged to the worker. **The employee will undergo safety training for field and operations**

Cattle Herding/Grazing (non-range)
The cattle duties will be performed within driving distance, no overnight stays on the range.
Daily feeding, making sure all animals eat and drink every day.
Provide water for animals, including minor maintenance of water troughs and water lines.
Ability to identify herd health issues and nutrition.
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.

Special Requirements

Education: A high school education or the equivalent is preferred
Experience: At least one year of experience working on a farm or ranch and performing work such as caring for livestock, fixing fences, cutting trees, mowing, and baling hay, etc. Experience in operating and maintaining farm equipment, such as tractors, mowers, chainsaws, etc., is required.

Skills: Must be able to read English language sufficiently to understand written directions for the proper mixture, use, and disposal/storage of chemicals, fertilizers, and similar products used in agricultural work. Skill in the proper operation and maintenance of farm machinery, tractors, tools, and agricultural equipment is required. Must know how to drive farm tractors. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
License: Will be required to obtain US driver's license w/in 90 days of arrival.