Farmworker (sheep)
Employer
5929 Gilmer - Wilburn Road
Columbus, MS 39701
United States
Job description
The primary duty of this position is the care and handling of sheep to ensure the highest possible standards of animal welfare. Workers perform routine sheep care activities associated with the normal production cycle of sheep operations, including feeding, watering, monitoring animal health, and assisting with lambing operations. Duties include supporting pre-lambing care such as administering vaccinations and preparing animals for birthing; assisting with lambing, including identifying animals in distress, supporting births as needed, and ensuring proper bonding and nutrition of newborn animals; and performing post-lambing activities such as tagging and general animal health monitoring. Workers will assist with the sorting, grouping, and movement of animals within enclosed and managed pasture areas based on production stage, including separation of animals and preparation for market. Additional responsibilities include performing standard sheep procedures such as docking, castrating, shearing, and general flock health maintenance. Workers will maintain lambing areas, observe animals for signs of illness or complications, and administer medications, vaccines, and nutritional supplements as directed. Workers will perform duties incidental to sheep care, including maintaining fencing within controlled pasture systems and utilizing temporary or portable fencing to manage sheep within designated agricultural areas, including maintained pastureland associated with the employer’s operation and vegetation-managed areas connected to solar energy sites. Duties also include maintaining water sources and performing routine farm labor tasks such as operating standard farm equipment, planting forage used for sheep feed, and managing vegetation within designated agricultural areas. Workers may assist with identifying and reporting potential issues affecting sheep or equipment, as well as assisting with the care and feeding of sheep guardian animals used within enclosed operations. Workers will use basic tools or devices to record routine sheep data as instructed. Additional duties include assisting with loading and unloading sheep, transporting animals within the operation, distributing feed or water as needed, and operating standard farm vehicles such as tractors or utility vehicles in support of sheep care. Workers may perform basic equipment upkeep incidental to daily agricultural operations, including routine checks and minor maintenance. Workers return to employer-provided housing or a fixed worksite daily and are not engaged in open-range herding or continuous, remote monitoring of sheep.
Special Requirements
Two (2) months of experience with 200-plus head of sheep. Experience with 800-1000 head flocks of sheep preferred. One reference required. A US equivalent drivers license is required. The worker must be able to lift and carry 100 pounds.