Range Sheepherder

Job description

Must have 3 months experience with 800 – 1000 head flocks. One reference required.
Attends sheep and/or goats flock grazing on range or pasture: Herds flock and rounds up strays using trained dogs. Attends to sheep grazing on the range or pasture to include riding horseback, riding ATV’s, or walking on foot. Beds sheep down near evening campsite. Guards flock from predatory animals with the aid of livestock protection dogs. Prevents sheep from eating poisonous plants. Drenches and or applies topically medications for parasites. May examine animals for signs of illness and administer medications or vaccines as indicated. May assist with lambing and docking. May check pasture (perimeter) fences for needed repairs and perform minor repairs. May perform other farm and ranch chores related to the production and husbandry of sheep on an incidental basis. May drive truck, as necessary. Must be able to attend to the needs and care of the horses and dogs entrusted to the herder. Lives in isolated mobile camps while attending the sheep flock.
Range herding is completed when vegetation is not in a dormant state. A range herder requires knowledge and proper maintenance of rangeland in order to avoid overgrazing of the range and prevention of ingesting noxious weeds. The proper grazing action of the sheep helps to reduce wildland fire fuel, increase soil fertility, and improve vegetation to promote a sustainable land scape. Experienced employees hired for this type of herding need to demonstrate knowledge of maintaining a herd on range, so the animals do not disperse in large open areas, promote proper grazing of the range, and predator animal control.

Some work/tasks may occur off the range, but more than 51% of work will be performed on the range. Western Range Association and its member ranches facilitate practices of good animal husbandry. Employees that are found abusing, neglecting or abandoning livestock entrusted to their care may be terminated for cause. 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.
The worker will live in the employer provided range housing. Said housing will be clean and in good repair at the time it is provided to the employee. The employee is responsible to maintain the housing unit in a reasonable level of cleanliness in order to avoid flies, mice or other vermin. The employee is responsible to alert the employer of damage to the housing unit within a reasonable amount of time. The employee may be held accountable for damage to the housing unit that is the result of negligence on the part of the employee (normal wear and tear excepted).
***Hours worked footnote: On call for up to 24 hours 7 days a week***