Ranch Hand

Job Summary

Assist in the daily operations of the Mission Fields ranching operations.

Mission Fields is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population.  Every employee has an “at-will” relationship with Mission Fields.  This means that employment with Mission Fields is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

• Landscaping:
  • Weed whacking, mowing, using a tractor and lawn mower, disking, scraping roads, weed spraying
  • Squirrel control (trapping and poisoning)
• Assisting with the building of construction projects:
  • Projects may include: water and power infrastructure, barn, horse stalls, round pen, riding arena, remodeling of main house, future guest house, train barn, shop, irrigation of farm fields, and other duties as assigned.
• Periodic checks and maintenance on infrastructure and utilities:
  • Valve operation, flushing water lines, checking for leaks in valve boxes and visible water lines, pump house and water tank operation, monitoring water usage, checking and fixing fences, observing, communicating about and repairing potential problems or hazards; digging trenches
• Feeding and caring for horses, dogs, chickens, etc. and ensure stalls and animal areas are clean.
• Maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of ranch facilities, including barns, stables, animal housing areas, common areas, and outdoor spaces.
• Participate in ranch specific cleaning tasks related to guest accommodation or special events.
• Assist with assembling and installing exterior seasonal decorations; attach lights, garland, wreaths, and other decorations. Remove decorations at the end of the season. Clean and place into storage containers.
• Wash and maintain ranch vehicles and equipment as needed
• Assisting with any emergency or last-minute situations that may occur in the areas above.
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

• Valid California Driver’s License
• Ability to operate ranch vehicles and trailers (horse cargo, utility)
• Ability to operate a forklift to move, load, unload, and stack heavy materials
• Ability to safely work alone.
• Previous experience caring for animals, including horses.
• Intermediate hand and power tool experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• The ability to prioritize and quickly adapt to situations.
• Individuals must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials.
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.
• Ability to lift 80 to 100 pounds with assistance if needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in normal ranch and barn conditions.
• Exerting 50-100 pounds of force occasionally; 10-20 pounds of force constantly. Sitting, twisting, standing, walking, carrying, lifting/lowering, pushing/pulling, bending, climbing, stairs, and kneeling/crouching occasionally.

Pay Scale

$20 to 25 hourly