Winter Sheep Worker

Work description

The primary duties of this position are breeding-season sheep care and intensive winter forage management for large flocks of dry ewes in groups of more than 1,000 head. Workers will manage sheep through strip grazing of dormant pasture and annual forage grown on cropland. Workers will use temporary or portable fencing to allocate and ration available pasture resources daily and will move fencing and livestock based on forage availability and field conditions. Workers will monitor grazing activity for signs of bloat and manage grazing density and duration to reduce damage to underlying cropland and soil compaction. Workers will provide hay or other supplemental feed when necessary. Early in the season, workers will increase the nutritional intake of ewes through supplemental feeding, commonly referred to as “flushing,” as directed, to promote higher ovulation rates and improve the likelihood of twin lambs. Workers will prepare ewes and rams for breeding by administering medications, vaccines, or supplements as directed; checking ewes’ udders; trimming and evaluating feet for breeding soundness; and assisting with inspections of rams for breeding soundness. Workers will restrain and handle animals while assisting a veterinarian with semen and abortive-disease checks. Workers will monitor breeding activity in the field and identify, separate, and remove rams from breeding groups when they are not performing, as directed. Later in the season, workers will budget dormant forage, hay, and supplemental feed to carry the flock through the winter. Workers will maintain livestock water access by breaking ice, draining water lines, and hauling water when necessary. Workers will monitor weather conditions and prepare adequate shelter and protection for livestock during winter storms or severe weather. Workers will repair netting and other portable fencing equipment, make minor repairs to water trailers, and perform routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs on tractors and ATVs in preparation for the next lambing season. Throughout the employment period, workers will perform routine flock-health activities, including monitoring sheep for illness or injury and administering medications, vaccines, or supplements as directed. Workers will sort, move, load, and unload sheep as needed; maintain fencing, gates, water systems, and livestock facilities; operate tractors, ATVs, and other standard farm equipment safely; perform routine equipment checks and minor maintenance; care for and feed livestock guardian dogs; maintain routine records; and perform other general farm labor duties related to sheep care and winter pasture management. Workers will perform duties in enclosed and managed pasture and agricultural areas and return to employer-provided housing or a fixed worksite daily. This position does not involve open-range herding or continuous remote monitoring of sheep.