Ranch Hand/Equip. Operator

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Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch

Lake Placid, Florida

Job Type Full Time
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Benefits:
  • Basic Life, LTD & AD&D paid by employer
  • AFLAC Supplemental Ins. Options
  • Retirement Plan (403b) with match after 1 year
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 8 Paid Holidays + 3 Personal Holidays per year
 
Summary/Objective
The Ranch Hand/Equipment Operator is a full-time, Agricultural Exempt role which requires ability to operate and maintain tractors, machinery, and equipment. This position will report to the Ranch Manager and oversee all activities related to pasture maintenance, and the feeding and watering of cattle at Buck Island Ranch, a working cattle ranch. Prior work experience and ability to work cattle via horseback are a plus. 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage pastures, including chopping, disking, fertilizing, liming, reseeding, and establishing new crops/grass.
  • Ensure cattle have access to adequate water.
  • Determine the timing and level of supplemental feedings; coordinate with feed and other cattle supply vendors, veterinarians, etc.
  • Treat weeds and invasive plant species with appropriate herbicides and other approved techniques.
  • Oversee on-site contractors, including sod and tree harvesters.
  • Assist in day-to-day operational activities involving the care, feeding, and breeding of cattle (cows, bulls, calves) using sound animal husbandry practices to positively impact cattle well-being.
  • Meet deadlines for annual cattle operations.
  • Ensure all tasks are performed in a timely and safe manner.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Ranch Manager.
Additional Duties
  • Operate and maintain tractors, machinery, and equipment.
  • Undertake tasks to keep the grounds and buildings presentable.
  • Responsible for weekend activities as assigned.
  • Assist with unanticipated Ranch issues, such as adverse weather occurrences, power outages, fires, and providing guidance to visitors.
  • Participate in recycling and Ranch environmental service programs.
  • Become familiar with emergency responses.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor/Ranch Manager.
Supervisory Responsibility
  • May supervise day workers on occasion.
Work Environment
  • Work in conditions that include inclement weather, heat, and humidity.
  • Work in close proximity to horses and cattle.
  • Possible exposure to potentially hazardous materials; required to wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment when handling these materials.
  • The work environment for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers can be hazardous. Tractors, tools, other farm machinery, and livestock can cause serious injury, so workers must be alert on the job. They must operate equipment and handle chemicals properly to avoid accidents and safeguard the surrounding environment.
Physical Demands
  • Frequently required to stand or walk for long periods.
  • Occasionally required to lift, push, and pull items up to 50 pounds.
  • Required to reach, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
  • Typically works 90 hours per week, not eligible for overtime. 
  • Must be available to work various shifts, including early morning, evening, and weekend hours with little or no notice.
Travel
  • May occasionally travel to pick up supplies.
Required Education and Experience
  • High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Two or more years of ranch experience, preferably in beef cattle.
Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Understanding of and commitment to the Archbold mission.
  • Ability to work extended periods independently and with initiative under minimal supervision.
  • Ability to perform assigned tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
Archbold is an equal opportunity employer. We take action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. Archbold will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and stands proud of its collaborative culture. 



Archbold's mission is to build and share the scientific knowledge needed to protect the life, lands, and waters of Florida, and beyond.  Archbold’s footprint encompasses the ancient scrub habitats of the Lake Wales Ridge; the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape; the vast, open ranchlands of Central Florida; and the many waterways that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and then drain to the coasts, touching the lives of millions of Floridians.  Archbold studies and protects these natural wonders as ecosystems: as complex networks shaped by measurable natural processes.  Our dozens of research sites encompass the pristine sand dunes of the Lake Wales Ridge; the ranchlands and wetlands that make up much of Central Florida; and the rivers that flow south into Lake Okeechobee and beyond. 


Today Archbold stewards a rich mosaic of natural habitats, native ecosystems, working lands, and historic buildings at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch. The Station and the Ranch serve as the place-based crucible for our innovative science, conservation, and education programs. These draw from a long, deep history, dating back from our beginnings, founded by Richard Archbold in 1941.

Achbold is an E-Verify Employer 
 
 
HOW TO APPLY

https://archbold-station.careerplug.com/jobs/2857997

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Farm and Ranch Jobs.

Category Operator / Mechanic
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