Ranch Hand/Laborer

Position Summary:

Houston Oaks is excited to welcome a passionate individual to our team! In this role, you will play a vital part in creating memorable experiences for our Membership while nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment rooted in integrity, community, and harmony. This role requires a strong work ethic, practical skills in animal husbandry, equipment operation, and general property maintenance. A successful Ranch Hand is reliable, observant, capable of working independently or as part of a team and dedicated to the well-being of the animals and the property, all aimed at fostering connections and ensuring our team thrives together in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver service with care and attention, always prioritizing quality and the well-being of the Members.
• Feed and water livestock (e.g., cattle, horses, sheep, poultry) according to established schedules and dietary needs.
• Monitor animals daily for signs of illness, injury, or distress and reports observations to the Ranch Manager.
• Assist with animal handling, including herding, sorting, loading, and unloading.
• Participate in animal health programs, including administering medications, vaccinations, and pest control as directed.
• Assist with calving, foaling, or lambing as required.
• Clean and maintain animal pens, stalls, pastures, and shelters.
• Groom, tack, and care for horses, including exercising if required by the ranch.
• Maintain and repair fences (wire, wood, pipe), gates, and corrals.
• Perform general landscaping and grounds maintenance, including mowing, weed eating, brush clearing, and trash removal.
• Assist with construction, renovation, or repair projects on the ranch.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of barns, workshops, storage areas, and equipment sheds.
• Ensure all tools and equipment are properly cleaned, stored, and in good working order after use.
• Assist with planting, irrigating, harvesting, and bailing hay or other crops.
• Operate farm machinery for field preparation and cultivation.
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures while working with animals and operating machinery.
• Maintain accurate records of animal health, feed consumption, or property maintenance as required.
• Communicate effectively with the Ranch Manager and other team members.
• Any other duties, as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills that foster a friendly and collaborative atmosphere.
• A genuine desire to work as part of a team and contribute positively to our workplace culture.
• A commitment to providing exceptional service that makes a difference to our Membership.
• Ability to operate equipment such as tractors, mowers, weed eaters and the ability to drive a truck and trailer a plus.

Working Conditions:

• You will be working in the heat and with ranch livestock most of the day requiring flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Work involves exposure to livestock, animal waste, dust, allergens, and strong odors.
• Irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak seasons (e.g., calving, haying).
• Potential exposure to loud noises from machinery and animals.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, and crawl for extended periods over uneven terrain.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as shoveling, raking, lifting, and hammering.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, and controls, including operating machinery.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms, often overhead.
• Must have good balance and coordination for working with animals and operating machinery.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing and talking sufficient to communicate with staff and hear animal cues/machinery sounds.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects up to 50 lbs frequently, and occasionally up to 75 lbs or more with assistance.
• Ability to safely mount, dismount, and operate various farm vehicles and equipment.

Physical Functions:

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in fulfilling these responsibilities.

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person