Open Range Production/parturition Lambing
Employer
BLM Leases
Ely, NV 89301
United States
Job description
On March 1 the Production/Parturition of Livestock Season begins. During the last weeks of pregnancy there is a need for increased feed, primarily to a more nutrient rich diet. Extra nutrition is needed to support fetal growth while maintaining the condition of the ewe. Lambing takes place on the range or in a shed. Owner and worker will move animals to permits closest to headquarters and monitor animals closely during the last weeks of pregnancy to be sure they maintain good body scores. Worker will ensure adequate feed supply, help to prepare necessary equipment, help to repair as necessary. Lambing begins April 1. During that time the worker will assist with the birthing of approximately 1600 animals. The worker must be able to demonstrate knowledge of sheep or goats and experience with animal nutrition and parturition along with the ability to monitor livestock to determine readiness to give birth, assisting livestock with delivery, maintaining a clean environment, feeding and watering, with night shift rotations. Livestock will be checked and tended regularly during the 24-hour day. Knowledge of and ability to determine normal and abnormal parturition situations. Monitor livestock closely to help prevent problems. Ability to determine when assistance is required and ability to give assistance. Understanding the requirement of keeping all pens cleaned and dry, sanitizing all veterinary tools and personal cleanliness to maintain a healthy situation. Monitor health/growth and nutrition of newborn livestock.
Additionally, it is important that the pairs do not break the bond. New pairs are quickly moved into individual pens in close proximity to the main herd in order to provide for bonding and mothering to occur without distraction. Extra care must be given to health and welfare including doctoring any ill animals and maintaining vigilance when night penning. Orphan lambs must be cared for immediately until a mother becomes available, at which time, the worker must be able to graft a lamb or lambs onto the recipient ewe. Patience and kindness are of the utmost importance. Predation must be monitored and mitigated with human presence, night penning and guardian dogs.
Hay or supplements may also be given in some instances. Regular checks are also done on the babies and mothers to be sure of adequate milk supply & nurturing. These are repeated throughout the day as the main herd continues to lamb or kid more and more intensely and the nursery pens continue to multiply. These are then combined in small groups for 48 additional hours then combined in larger groups of 20-30 until groups of 175 ewes with twins or 300 ewes with singles are then shipped to the northern permits. Must care for and control livestock guardian dogs as well as herding dogs. Employee must be willing to perform tasks capably and efficiently without close supervision, and live and work singly or in small groups of workers in isolated areas for extended periods of time. The job entails use of horseback riding and herding dogs for movement of livestock. 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. 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. Workers must live and work on the range more than 50% of the time.
Special Requirements
None