Open Range Sheep Herding

Job description

By May 1st each year, Fall lambs have been weaned, the Ewes combined back into larger herds and Feeder herds from the weaned lambs have now been created for herd management and also to provide for the nutritional needs of the growing offspring. Sheep pairs have been combined into larger herds and moved onto Spring and Summer range. This time of year is a crucial feeding & herd management time and is key to the success of our breeding program. The sheep's main needs are: good nutritional feed, water, and protection from parasites, predators and stress. During these warmer months, stewarding a balance between the health of our herds and the health of our land require us to give diligent attention to our Herding/Grazing practices. We have various range sites, including public and private properties and leases. Proper Herding and Grazing of these locations not only allows us to grow our offspring and maintain the health of our herds, but also helps us to manage our feed source and ensure that these range locations will be available to us in the future. Animals are moved frequently to different areas on the range. Range feeding extends from May to September. The worker must be able to demonstrate work experience and a knowledge of sheep. The Open Range Sheep Herder will be required to be On-Call 24/7 and live and work on the range more than 50% of the time. Range Duties include: Attends sheep grazing on range or pasture. Herds sheep and rounds up strays. Takes down and set up of portable electric fencing and also working corrals. Beds down sheep near evening campsite and within night pen. Guards sheep from poisonous plants as well as from predatory animals with the help of guardian dogs. Drench, trim hooves, assist in shearing of sheep May examine sheep for signs of illness and administer vaccines, medications and insecticides according to instruction. May perform other farm or ranch chores related to the production and husbandry of sheep on an incidental basis. May sort and cut culls. May feed sheep supplementary rations. Must care for and control 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 may entail operating a 4-wheeler and use herding dogs for movement of sheep. Worker must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. Most duties are performed out-of-doors and entail exposure to extreme heat and cold; dust, rain, snow, wind; and herding hazards; poisonous snakes and predators common in range lands. General supervision will be provided by the ranch owner.

Special Requirements