High Praise Ranch
We are seeking a hard-working, detail-oriented, experienced ranch hand or farmhand that is a fast-learner and would be comfortable working outside, on a variety of ongoing projects we have. Limited experience may be acceptable, as long as you are willing to learn, work hard every day and are comfortable working outside, in both hot and cold temperatures. We may be willing to train the right candidate in areas they lack experience or background. Extensive travel will be required, often, for multiple months at a time. When travel is at one of our properties, a free, air-conditioned room, with all bills paid, including electric/generator/propane, water, DirectTv, Satellite Internet connection and a company cell phone will be provided. Additionally, if off-site travel is required, a hotel room will be provided, at no cost, along with a daily stipend to pay for food, drinks and other incidentals.
Preference will be given to candidates that have prior experience working on a ranch or farm. Ideally, candidates will have a green-thumb and a strong background in propagating, growing and harvesting plants in a greenhouse environment along with knowledge of how to maintain and run an automated greenhouse facility, including the equipment. Proficiency in maintaining plant health in an organic environment using integrated pest management is desirable. Experience with hydroponics, especially tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries and other popular fruits and vegetables will be useful. A strong preference is given to candidates that have the knowledge to feed and maintain cows, horses, dogs and other animals on a ranch/farm, without supervision being required. The ability to butcher and cook is also desirable.
Further preference will be given to candidates that have a background and skillset working with a wide variety of tools, power tools and heavy machinery, including (but not limited to) Multi Terrain/Skid Steer Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Rough Terrain Telescopic Forklifts or Scissorlifts, Boom Lifts, Rough Terrain Cranes, Trenchers and related machinery would also be helpful, though training will be provided. Additionally, a preference will be given to candidates that have experience in repairing and maintaining diesel engines, to help fully service onsite generators. The ability to speak, read and write in Spanish is also a strong preference, along with computer skills, including use of email and basic Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel and Microsoft Project.
This is a labor-centric position and candidates should be able to consistently lift and move upwards of 75-100 pounds. Candidates must be able to perform a variety of tasks involving dexterous use of hands and tools. Handyman, carpentry, mechanical and landscaping skills are also strongly preferred. Ideal candidates should have strong interpersonal and team-oriented skills and should be able to work well with others, when applicable. We are looking for candidates who are looking for a long term career with a company. This entry-level position will allow newly-hired candidates to grow within our firm and become part of a dynamic and talented team that will offer opportunities for advancement.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Additionally, we are seeking candidates that have experience or can learn the following:
• Property, equipment and vehicle maintenance, brush clearing, including using heavy equipment (i.e., dozer, excavator, tractor, etc.), perform construction projects, manage facilities, equipment and, when requested, other ranch personnel
• General maintenance of facilities and property, as well as assisting with the day to day operations of the facility and property, including greenhouse work, construction and other general labor
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud
• Be mechanically inclined; able to perform basic maintenance on farming, greenhouse and general electrical, plumbing, HVAC equipment and generators, as needed. Additionally, be able to assist in the installation, maintenance and replacement of fencing, irrigation, greenhouses, water pumps, generators, living quarters and other facilities
• Repair farm buildings, fences, solar installations, water pumps and windmills and ensure constant maintenance measures are taken
• Adjust, repair and maintain all machinery and notify supervisor in the event of a malfunction
• Responsible for day to day growing processes including pesticide application, irrigation, lighting, temperature, growing media, fertilization, nutrition, and monitoring the overall health of plants
• Cultivating soil, sowing crops and ensuring that weeds do not take over the crop patch areas
• Managing day to day responsibilities including: correct irrigation practices, fertilization and nutrient management, pest identification, monitoring and treatment. Also, changing sticky cards to monitor insect populations in greenhouse and record insect counts on scouting card
• Inspect greenhouses and identify moisture requirements, status of the plants and possible problems/issues/diseases; communicate findings to supervisor
• Monitoring environmental controls and adjusting to meet the needs of the crop. Assist in measuring crops to determine actions necessary to hit target sale heights of crops
• Routine EC and pH measurements to help determine needs of crops
• Working with the other section growers, but also capable of working independently to produce quality greenhouse crops on an assigned schedule
• Active communication with other growers as well as production planning and management with regards to the needs of the crops and current inventories
• Read diagrams and blueprints to lay out and locate irrigation valves, timers and wiring. When needed, install irrigation piping, valves, and timers. Maintenance of stock tanks, water pumps and irrigation lines
• Physically pick cultivated crops and load them onto shipment trucks
• Drive and control farm equipment to till soil and to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops
• Attach farm implements such as plows, discs, sprayers, or harvesters to tractors, using bolts and hand tools
• Drive trucks to haul crops, supplies, tools, or farm workers
• Operate towed machines such as seed drills or manure spreaders to plant, fertilize, dust, and spray crops
• Load hoppers, containers, or conveyors to feed machines with products using forklifts, transfer augers, suction gates, shovels, or pitchforks
• Spray fertilizer or pesticide solutions to control insects, fungus and weed growth, and diseases, using hand sprayers
• Mixing specified materials or chemicals, and dump solutions, powders, or seeds into planter or sprayer machinery
• Irrigating soil, using portable pipes or ditch systems, and maintaining ditches or pipes and pumps
• Load and unload crops or containers of materials, manually or using conveyors, handtrucks, forklifts, or transfer augers
• Weigh crop-filled containers, and record weights and other identifying information.
• Walk beside or ride on planting machines while inserting plants in planter mechanisms at specified intervals
• Guide products on conveyors to regulate flow through machines, and to discard diseased or rotten products.
• Position boxes or attach bags at discharge ends of machinery to catch products, removing and closing full containers
• Tend to the needs of cattle, pigs, chickens and other farm animals by feeding them, cleaning their pens and ensuring their overall wellbeing; keeping all animals healthy and happy. Also responsible for preparing them for sale or slaughter
• Animal husbandry: Especially in the care of livestock animals like cows, sheep, chicken, goats, pigs or horses
• Feeding: Especially during the calving season, the cows and calves must be fed and watered each day
• Medicating: Calves require certain vaccinations, and sick cattle may require medication
• Calving: Should know how to assist a cow in birthing a calf, as well as performing aftercare
• Weaning: Should know when and how to wean a calf successfully from its mother
• Herding: Herd cattle on horseback, motorbike/ATV or any number of ways
• Branding: Use ear tags or electric brands with the ranch’s insignia to mark all cattle
• Assist in farm animal breeding and raising procedures such as shearing, crutching, branding and dipping
• Operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks, such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning
• Crop baling or hay bucking
• Feed and maintain worms and related vermiculture designated areas
• Will participate in and assist with individual plant treatment chemical applications, predator control including trapping raccoons, deer scouting, including using game cameras and video cameras to locate and pattern deer
• Able to connect, and disconnect trailers of different types
• Able to load and unload equipment from trailers’
• Loading and unloading of general supplies and construction supplies
• Manages resources to achieve budgeted goals
• Ensure proper use, care, and maintenance of company vehicles, equipment and tools
• Adhere to Safety Policies and Practices; the candidate must be knowledgeable about and follow the company’s safety policies and procedures, as described in the company’s safety manual
• Must be proficient in the maintenance of the vehicle they are driving
• Ability to work under supervision and collaborate as a team; also, the ability to work independently and in isolation
• Love of the outdoors and getting dirty, along with the willingness to work in all weather conditions, including cold, heat and rain
• Further preference will be given to candidates that are outdoor enthusiasts whose experience and/or hobbies include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, ocean/rough water seamanship skills and related outdoor/back-country activities. Strong gun and knife skills are also a strong plus, which should include experience field dressing a deer (or other animals) and cleaning your own fish. Basic wilderness survival skills and first-responder experience is also viewed positively. We work hard, but also play hard, and are seeking like-minded individuals to work with us. Being related to Bear Grylls would at least guarantee you an interview!
• When not performing the above essential duties and responsibilities, candidates should be willing to assist in other operations, as designated by the supervisor
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions. We reserve the right to change, amend, add, delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position titles as we deem necessary to meet the needs of the business. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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