Livestock Worker

Job description

Job entails the comprehensive care and daily management of a sheep flock throughout the winter months on a Mississippi-based farm. The role requires consistent monitoring of animal health and behavior, including early detection of symptoms related to cold stress, illness, or injury. Duties include preparing and delivering appropriate winter feed rations—such as hay, grain, and mineral supplements—based on the flock’s age, condition, and reproductive status. The worker must ensure that all sheep have continuous access to clean, unfrozen drinking water, which may require breaking ice, using heated waterers, or manually transporting water to remote pastures or pens.

Daily tasks also include inspecting and maintaining shelters, barns, and windbreaks to ensure that all structures remain secure and adequately protect the animals from wind, rain, and freezing temperatures. The worker is expected to apply fresh bedding (such as straw or wood shavings) regularly to insulate the animals from cold ground surfaces and prevent respiratory and hoof-related health issues. Responsibilities extend to the upkeep of fencing and gating systems to contain the flock and protect against predators, particularly during periods of low visibility or snowfall.

Throughout the season, the worker will assist in administering parasite control protocols, vaccinations, and any other veterinary treatments prescribed by farm management or a licensed veterinarian. Detailed observation of individual sheep is required to detect signs of lameness, weight loss, respiratory distress, or signs of lambing. The worker will also maintain accurate logs of feed intake, treatments, medical issues, and flock movements for farm records and regulatory compliance.

General winter farm maintenance is also part of the role, including clearing pathways of mud or ice, operating tractors or ATVs for hauling feed or materials, and assisting with snow or debris removal around livestock areas.

Daily duties may vary. The employer reserves the right to increase workers' pay or provide bonuses based on tenure, performance, or other factors that are solely based on the discretion of the employer.

Special Requirements

Job requires having or being able to obtain a driver's license within 30 days of hire. Job duties will require working outdoors during the winter during which temperatures could fall below freezing. Job duties will also require the workers to push, pull, sit, walk, stoop, bend over, or perform repetitive movements. Basic English literacy skills are required. Criminal background checks may occur post-hire at the employers expense. These checks may be performed to ensure safe housing and work environments for all workers. If the employer discovers a criminal conviction record or status as a registered sex offender that the employer reasonably believes, consistent with current law, will impair the safety and living conditions of other workers, the employer may terminate the worker (foreign and/or domestic) with notification to OFLC and DHS in accordance with 20 CFR 655.122(n).