Farmworker

Job duties

Original text, as filed with the Department of Labor.

We need seasonal employees to assist with our calving season from December until March. Our operation is seasonal because our heavy-bred heifers calve during December and January. The winter months require extra labor in our cow/calf operation due to the need to occasionally pull calves during labor, supplement the herd with cake feed and mineral tubs, and break ice in water troughs during freezing temperatures. Additional winter tasks include checking hot wire fences around wheat fields and hauling water to cows in areas without access to well water. After calving is complete in December and January, branding begins in late February through early March. Branding requires several workers to help flank, cut, ear notch, and doctor the herd. Once calving, feeding, ice breaking, and branding are completed, extra help is no longer needed beyond the winter months. During summer, the herd enters its growing season. Cows and calves are moved off wheat fields and turned out to pasture behind fixed fences, where tank water is readily available and no water hauling or hot wire fence checks are necessary. Job duties will include driving trucks, tractors, and other equipment to distribute feed to animals; examining livestock to detect illness, injury, disease, or to monitor physical characteristics such as weight gain; and feeding, watering, and monitoring food and water supplies. Additional duties include grooming, clipping, trimming, castrating, docking ears and tails, or shearing coats to collect hair. Employees will herd livestock to pastures, scales, trucks, or other enclosures; inspect, maintain, and repair equipment, machinery, buildings, pens, yards, and fences; and maintain growth, feeding, production, and cost records. Workers will also mark livestock for ownership and grading using brands, tags, paint, or tattoos, and move equipment, poultry, or livestock from one location to another manually or using trucks or carts. Responsibilities further include patrolling grazing lands on horseback or all-terrain vehicles, performing livestock reproduction duties such as breeding, artificial insemination, and assisting with animal births, and providing medical treatment through administering medications and vaccinations or arranging veterinary care as needed. Employees will segregate animals by weight, age, color, or condition, rotate them between grazing areas, spray or bathe livestock with disinfectants and insecticides, and care for animals by cleaning equipment and facilities. Additional tasks include transporting animals, crops, or equipment, and treating livestock injuries or illnesses as required. Employer may provide performance bonuses at the end of the contract at the employer’s discretion.

Requirements

Employer will conduct post-hire drug tests at no cost to the employee to enforce a drug free workplace policy. Failing a drug test will result in termination. Job requires exposure to extreme outdoor temperatures, extensive pushing or pulling, frequent stooping or bending over, repetitive movements. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must have a regular driver's license.

Benefits and conditions