Regenerative Ranching Apprentice with Horses

POSITION PURPOSE

Work with the TomKat Ranch Land & Livestock Team in all aspects of managing TomKat Ranch. Participate in on-the-job training and instruction in regenerative agriculture; learn the practical and theoretical aspects, mission, and goals of TomKat Ranch (TKR) and LeftCoast GrassFed (LCGF).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position is for people who wish to expand their knowledge and are interested in gaining experience in regenerative agriculture and working with horses, cattle or other livestock to improve the productivity and resilience of the land. The Apprentice I will be expected to develop his/her knowledge and skills to progress his/her career in horsemanship and regenerative agriculture and take part in activities, meetings, and events at the ranch to further that pursuit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision from the Ranch Manager or his/her delegate as appropriate. Position exercises no supervision. S/he must maintain high standards of efficient, ethical, and professional operation for the well being of the Ranch’s staff, facilities, land, animals, and resources.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The duties described below are provided as examples and are not meant to be an exhaustive or all-inclusive list:

  • Care for ranch horses including feeding, doctoring, and riding young working cattle horses as well as retired horses.
  • Assist in managing cattle and other livestock including herding in pastures and corrals; vaccinations and treatments; loading and hauling; feeding; building fences for cattle and grassland management.
  • Assist with planned grazing program including developing skills to create and adjust grazing plans, collecting and analyzing monitoring data, and managing the health of pastures, soils, and animals.
  • Assist with general ranch management: building and maintaining water systems, fencing, infrastructure; operating and maintaining ATVs, tractors, equipment, and facilities, landscape, and road maintenance.
  • Participate in education and outreach programs to introduce visitors to concepts, operations, and activities at the Ranch and assist with on-site gatherings.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge: Equine care and horsemanship, basics of holistic management and regenerative agriculture, caring for livestock.
Skill: Experience and skill with Natural Horsemanship and/or Lowstress Livestock Handling. Ability to load and haul horses and cattle with gooseneck trailers. Minimum intermediate ATV rider in steep terrain. Understand a grazing management plan and chart, planning, research, ecology; operate farm tools, equipment, vehicles, computers.
Ability: Apply knowledge and experience to Ranch activities; work with horses and cattle including pasture and grazing methods; learn concepts, operations, activities and goals of Ranch, establish and maintain positive, cooperative and effective relationships, communicate effectively both orally and in writing to colleagues and visitors.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

A combination of experience, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree with coursework in natural resource management, environmental science or policy, earth sciences, agriculture, animal science or equivalent.
Experience: Experience in ranch or farm work, horsemanship, veterinary care, outdoor education, ecology, land planning, food systems, or business management.
License or Certificate: Must possess a Class C Driver’s License in good standing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to perform ranch-related duties including: 10+hour days (as needed) in winter and summer outdoor conditions; considerable amount of physical effort to hike on steep terrain, stoop, crouch, climb, and lift in performance of assigned duties; ability to work around animals, farm tools, electric and barb wire fences and equipment in a safe manner; subject to outdoor working conditions including exposure to dust, noise, heat, cold, poison oak, brush, ticks; ability to recognize and work safely around hazards associated with ranching, ability to travel to different sites and locations.

DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT

Apprentice will be expected to work 6 days, 50-60 hours/week, and may be asked to work some evenings. Apprentice will have one full day off per week and can expect one full weekend off per month.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Hourly wage commensurate with experience and education
  • Education, classes, and training
  • On-site housing provided
  • Insurance – health, dental, vision, life
  • 9 Paid holidays
  • Up to 4 weeks vacation depending on hours worked
  • Paid sick days – 1 hour/30 hrs worked
  • Simple IRA with 3% match from employer

 

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to apprenticeship@tomkatranch.org