Cow-Calf Herdsman

General Description:

The Cow-Calf Herdsman supports the daily care, health and management of our purebred cow-calf herd of Black Angus, Simmental and Charolais cattle built on top-flight genetics, from breeding and calving to weaning. The role is hands-on and helps keep animals healthy, facilities in good condition, and operations running smoothly.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Feed and care for the herd every day, and check animals for health, body condition and behavior


• Assist with calving season, including but not limited to difficult births and caring for newborn calves


• Give vaccinations, treatments and medications under herd health protocols


• Maintain accurate herd records, including births, weights, treatments, AI and natural breeding dates, registrations and inventory


• Gain exposure to the accounting and marketing functions of the cow-calf operation


• Process calves: tagging, castration, dehorning, vaccinating and weaning


• Sort, move and load cattle using low-stress handling methods


• Manage pastures and rotational grazing, and maintain fences and water sources


• Operate and maintain equipment such as tractors, skid steers, feed wagons, UTVs and trailers


• Repair and maintain barns, pens and other facilities


• Communicate herd concerns quickly to management


• Perform other duties as assigned

Work Environment:

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors depending on cattle location, with exposure to all weather conditions.


• Noise levels can be loud, and fumes and dust may be more noticeable during certain seasons.

Education/Experience:

• Prior experience working with livestock preferred


• Able to operate and perform basic maintenance on farm equipment


• Class A CDL preferred but not required

Physicality Requirements:

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, use hands to handle objects, tools and controls, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear.


• Must be able to continuously repeat movements such as bending, lifting and hand motions to complete tasks.


• Frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds, and up to 75 pounds as needed.


• Vision requirements include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.


• Climb ladders and over gates, and climb in and out of livestock trailers as low as 48 inches in height.

Position Type:

• This is a full-time position, additional hours may be required during calving season, other seasonal needs, or staffing shortages.