winter ranchhand

Perform any combination of the following tasks required in general ranch work and the production of livestock through winter months: apply medications to cuts and bruises; assist in the maintenance of tools, equipment and handling facilities necessary to production; break ice over frozen water sources; clean and disinfect livestock corrals, pens and handling facilities; clear seasonal drainage ditches, culverts, and erosion-prone access routes to prevent water accumulation in livestock areas; install temporary erosion control barriers using straw wattles, sandbags, or sediment fencing as needed; examine animals to detect diseases and injuries; feed and water and ensure adequate provision of both; feed cake and mineral to cattle in pastures; lift and stack bales of hay and sacks of grain and mineral onto a feed truck or wagon; load bales of hay and/or sacks of grain onto truck or trailer used for feeding; maintain/clean and fill water troughs and buckets; make certain animals have access to fresh water; mix and feed specific feed rations to cattle; prepare winter pastures and feed pad sites by removing debris, fallen branches, and old fencing; distribute gravel or hay mulch to stabilize muddy or degraded surfaces where livestock are concentrated; remove snow from sheds and corrals; repair and/or maintain fence and facilities to e nsure the safety and health of animals and forage; use proper animal husbandry skill to prevent hypothermia/abortion/death; loading/unloading trucks; maintenance of farm structures and farm grounds; removal of excess plant growth from farm grounds.