Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Ranch Hand

Location: King City, CA

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Reports to : Ranch Foreman

Pay Scale: $20.00-$24.00

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Ranch Hand to join our team, with a focus on supporting conservation initiatives alongside traditional ranching duties. This role combines hands-on livestock and land management with efforts to preserve and enhance the natural environment. The ideal candidate is passionate about sustainable agriculture, wildlife conservation, and maintaining the ecological balance of CA Op Co Ranches.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily care of livestock, including feeding, watering, and monitoring health.
• Maintain and repair fences, water systems, and other ranch infrastructure.
• Participate in rotational grazing practices to promote soil health and pasture regeneration.
• Implement conservation projects such as native range restoration, erosion control, and wetland restoration.
• Monitor and document wildlife populations and habitats to support conservation goals.
• Operate and maintain ranch equipment, including tractors and ATVs, with care.
• Collaborate with conservation specialists to develop and execute environmental management plans.
• Perform general land management tasks, including weed control and brush clearing.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in ranching or farming preferred.
• Knowledge of livestock handling and basic veterinary care.
• Understanding of conservation practices and sustainable land management.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery and perform physical labor in various weather conditions.
• Strong observational skills for monitoring land and wildlife.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be proficient in horseback riding.

Skills

• Physical stamina and endurance for outdoor work.
• Basic mechanical skills for equipment maintenance.
• Problem-solving and adaptability to changing conditions.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation principles.
• Basic welding skills
• Familiarity with plumbing and water systems

Working Conditions

• Full-time position with variable hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Work performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Physical demands include lifting, standing, and walking on uneven terrain.

Compensation & Benefits

Non-Exempt position. Hourly Pay Range $20.00-$24.00

CA Op CO offers the following generous benefits package: 

• Paid vacation and Paid Sick Leave
• Health insurance -Medical, dental, and vision
• up to 4% 401(k) match on your contribution
• Beef Allowance (1/2 beef every 6 months for married employees and ¼ for single employees)
• Each employee is allowed up to two personal horses that are used exclusively for the company’s benefit 
  • Basic veterinary expenses are covered (Coggins, vaccines, health papers, minor medical, etc.)
  • Feed is paid by the company
  • Cost of farrier services are paid by the company

Does this job require that weight be lifted or force be exerted? If so, how much and how often? Check the appropriate boxes below. 

| | Amount of Time--% of Work Week
| | None | Under 1/3 | 1/3 to 2/3 | Over 2/3
| Up to 10 pounds | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Up to 25 pounds | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Up to 50 pounds | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Up to 100 pounds | ☐ | ☐ | ☒ | ☐
| More than 100 pounds | ☐ | ☒ | ☐ | ☐

How much on-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities? Show the amount of time by checking the appropriate boxes below. 

| | Amount of Time--% of Work Week
| | None | Under 1/3 | 1/3 to 2/3 | Over 2/3
| Stand | ☐ | ☐ | ☒ | ☐
| Walk | ☐ | ☐ | ☒ | ☐
| Sit | ☐ | ☒ | ☐ | ☐
| Use hands to handle or feel | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Reach with hands and arms | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Climb or balance | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl | ☐ | ☐ | ☒ | ☐
| Talk or hear | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Taste or smell | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒

How much noise is typical for the work environment of this job? Check the appropriate level below. 

☐ Very quiet (examples: forest trail, isolation booth for hearing test) 

☐ Quiet (examples: library, private office) 

☐ Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic) 

☒ Loud (examples: metal can manufacturing department, large earth-moving equipment) 

☐ Very loud (examples: jack hammer work, front row at rock concert)

How much exposure to the following environmental conditions does this job require? Show the amount of time by checking the appropriate boxes below. 

| | Amount of Time--% of Work Week
| | None | Under 1/3 | 1/3 to 2/3 | Over 2/3
| Wet or humid conditions (non-weather) | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐
| Work near moving mechanical parts | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Work in high, precarious places | ☐ | ☒ | ☐ | ☐
| Fumes or airborne particles | ☐ | ☒ | ☒ | ☐
| Toxic or caustic chemicals | ☐ | ☒ | ☐ | ☐
| Outdoor weather conditions | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒
| Extreme cold (non-weather) | ☐ | ☒ | ☐ | ☐
| Extreme heat (non-weather) | ☐ | ☐ | ☒ | ☐
| Risk of electrical shock | ☐ | ☒ | ☐ | ☐
| Work with explosives | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐
| Risk of radiation | ☒ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐
| Vibration | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☒

Does this job have any special vision requirements? Check all that apply. 

☒ Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) 

☒ Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)

☒ Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors) 

☒ Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)

☒ Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships) 

☐ Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

☐ No special vision requirements

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and interest in conservation to jobs@riverpartners.org. Applications will be accepted until July 18, 2025.

CA Op CO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CA Op CO is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non‐job related characteristic as directed by law.

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