Cattle Herder

Job description

Worker must have at least 3 months of experience with herds of 200 head of livestock or larger on the open range or pasture. One reference required. Attends cattle herd grazing on range or pasture. Will perform tasks at the direction of the employer. Attend to cattle grazing on the range to include: Herding cattle on the range or in pastures while riding on horseback, riding ATVs, or walking on foot. Protect cattle from attack of predatory animals, i.e. coyotes, mountain lions, bears, wolves, etc. Observe and/or examine animals to detect illness or injury; treat ill or injured cattle as directed by employer; Assist with weaning, trailing, sorting and loading cattle onto trucks for transfer to new range or transport to market. Maintain meadows and repair/maintain fences to keep animals in the assigned range/pasture and to protect them from dangers such as roads, noxious weeds and poisonous plants. Must be able to saddle and ride a horse in a safe and effective manner such as to avoid injury to self, coworkers, bystanders, and the horse itself. As needed, worker will be required to shoe horses.
Must be able to care for the needs of horses and dogs entrusted to the worker by the employer. May assist in the range production of sheep and/or goats. This may include but not limited to docking, shearing, herding, trailing, vaccinating, sorting and loading onto trucks for transporting to a new range or transport to market. Worker must be able to work alone for extended periods of time and complete tasks as instructed by the employer in a safe and timely manner without direct supervision. 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. ***Hours worked footnote: On call for up to 24 hours 7 days a week***