About this role
General Description
The Cow-Calf Herdsman supports the daily care, health and management of our purebred cow-calf herd of Black Angus, Simmental and Charolais cattle built on top-flight genetics, from breeding and calving to weaning. The role is hands-on and helps keep animals healthy, facilities in good condition, and operations running smoothly.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities
- Feed and care for the herd every day, and check animals for health, body condition and behavior
- Assist with calving season, including but not limited to difficult births and caring for newborn calves
- Give vaccinations, treatments and medications under herd health protocols
- Maintain accurate herd records, including births, weights, treatments, AI and natural breeding dates, registrations and inventory
- Gain exposure to the accounting and marketing functions of the cow-calf operation
- Process calves: tagging, castration, dehorning, vaccinating and weaning
- Sort, move and load cattle using low-stress handling methods
- Manage pastures and rotational grazing, and maintain fences and water sources
- Operate and maintain equipment such as tractors, skid steers, feed wagons, UTVs and trailers
- Repair and maintain barns, pens and other facilities
- Communicate herd concerns quickly to management
- Perform other duties as assigned
Work Environment
- Work is performed indoors and outdoors depending on cattle location, with exposure to all weather conditions.
- Noise levels can be loud, and fumes and dust may be more noticeable during certain seasons.
Education/Experience
- Prior experience working with livestock preferred
- Able to operate and perform basic maintenance on farm equipment
- Class A CDL preferred but not required
Physicality Requirements
- Must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, use hands to handle objects, tools and controls, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear.
- Must be able to continuously repeat movements such as bending, lifting and hand motions to complete tasks.
- Frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds, and up to 75 pounds as needed.
- Vision requirements include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
- Climb ladders and over gates, and climb in and out of livestock trailers as low as 48 inches in height.
Position Type
- This is a full-time position, additional hours may be required during calving season, other seasonal needs, or staffing shortages.