Winter Livestock and Ranch Worker

Crops/Commodities: livestock.

Primary duties (performed the majority of workdays)

All job duties are closely and directly related to the production of livestock.

Perform any combination of the following tasks to attend to livestock on a ranch/feedlot during the winter season: ensure all livestock water sources are free of ice and line breaks due to freezing conditions. This may include breaking ice in water tanks, reservoirs, and creeks with an ax daily to ensure livestock have constant access to water. Ensure livestock have adequate forage and feed in the heavy winter months, including pitching hay or increasing rations based on snowy/frozen weather conditions. Drive trucks, pickups or tractors to deliver feed to cattle and mix/prepare feed rations suitable for cows, calves and bulls depending on the animal’s winter body condition score. Keep livestock feeding areas free of snow and ice and ensure feed preparation sites are accessible in the winter months. This includes operating tractors and other equipment to remove snow from sheds, corrals, pens, pasture and drover alleys as needed, as well as keeping those areas open and clear of snowdrifts for movement of livestock, workers and equipment.

Report to the rancher on water/forage/weather conditions. Monitor and report to the rancher any dehydration, deterioration in body condition, or behavioral changes indicating malnutrition or illness. Ensure livestock have adequate cover and access to grass in pastureland in the event of excessive snow or drifts, and plow roads or paths to clear snow so cattle can be monitored on a daily basis. If snow is excessive and cattle inaccessible via vehicle, move cattle via horseback to pasture that offers more winter cover or protection from the elements. Remove manure buildup and runoff in the event of excessive snow or thaws, handle manure by scraping, piling, and loading. Winterize, clean, and maintain livestock facilities and equipment. Work with and around farm machinery such as tractors, UTVs, and ATVs for daily feeding, opening frozen water sources, and movement of livestock. Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures such as sleet, snow and wind. In connection with the employer’s livestock operation, cut, trim, and inspect meat to prepare for packing; tend assembly lines; weigh meat and wrap/tag containers for weight; sort materials or products for processing, storage, shipping, or grading; stun and slaughter animals; process animal carcasses and skin animals. Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable footwear suitable for severe weather conditions as forecasted. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work. Allergies to livestock, grasses, wheat dust or hay may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire duration of the contract.

Job opportunity is Skill Level II. Workers must be able to perform all primary duties independently and without close supervision.

Employer may request, but not require, workers to work more than the stated daily hours and/or on a worker's Sabbath or federal holidays. Worker must report to work at designated time and place each day. Daily or weekly work schedule may vary due to weather, sunlight, temperature, crop conditions, and other factors. Employer will notify workers of any change to start time. Workers will have an unpaid lunch break.

TERMINATION. Prior to any termination for cause, employer evaluates workers' performance of required tasks and compliance with Work Rules and other employer policies.

Requirements: 6 months of experience. This job requires a minimum of 6 months of verifiable agricultural experience working on a livestock farm or ranch handling both manual and mechanized tasks. Applicants must be able to furnish verifiable job reference(s) or comparable third party documentation from recent employer(s) establishing acceptable prior experience. Work will be performed in a rural environment. Outdoor work is required when working with livestock, during light rain, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity and extreme temperatures, including snow and heat. Work will be performed in extreme weather, including moving livestock in sub-zero temperatures and chopping ice on frozen creeks. Work is done outdoors for long periods of time and requires prolonged periods of horseback riding, sitting, standing and/or walking, pushing/pulling, repetitive movements, and frequent bending and/or stooping. Workers must be able to handle, lift, and carry heavy or bulky objects up to 75 lbs.