Ranch Hand
MEA is a midlife wisdom school dedicated to transforming aging. We are growing the first MEA Regenerative Community on Rising Circle Ranch (formerly Saddleback Ranch), grounded in our 4 Pillars of Regeneration: Soil, Soul, Community, Locale. Saddleback Ranch consists of 2,566 acres of Pinyon Pine and Juniper Savannah located 30 minutes south of Santa Fe, NM.
We are seeking a full-time Ranch Hand, who will assist the Ranch Manager in coordinating and executing all aspects of horse care and grazing operations with the intent to regenerate the land, soil, water cycle, and biodiversity of the ranch.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES::
Checking on, feeding and watering horses, donkeys and barn cats
Cleaning corrals and distributing manure on back pasture.
Assisting with preparation for and/or guiding of daily horseback rides for guests.
Moving horses to new pastures, including building polywire fences
Tracking new pastures with GPS
Irrigation
Light vehicle and building maintenance.
Work hours may vary with the possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season and associated work duties.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Maintaining the grooming tools, tack, equipment and spaces
Working with horses (handling, grooming, groundwork, riding)
Cleaning stock tanks and drinkers
Cleaning the ranch truck
Cholla removal with tractor
Irrigation projects
Gate fixing
Fence building and repair
Oil changes on trucks and tractors
Building roof checks and maintenance
Road maintenance with tractor/brush hog, blade and box blade.
Wildlife stock tank maintenance
IDEAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Previous experience in livestock operations.
Extensive experience riding and caring for horses.
Knowledge of practices in Holistic Management including planned grazing, soil health, drought mitigation, noxious weed management.
Practical experience in low-stress livestock practices.
Experience with electric fencing/ intensive grazing.
Ability to manage and complete diverse tasks independently with respect to timelines and quality.
Experience with overseeing the health of livestock including all aspects of animal husbandry.
Strong desire to be part of a dynamic team and entrepreneurial work environment.
Strong organizational abilities, time management skills, people skills, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
Ability to work well independently and under pressure, as well as to work with others of differing backgrounds and opinions.
Able to work a variable work schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed.
Must have a valid driver’s license and experience operating various types of farm equipment and machinery including tractors, ATVs, etc.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The ability to lift and move a hundred pounds safely is a requirement of this position. Working with hay and livestock is an essential part of this job - so allergies or health concerns related to any allergens that might be problematic on the ranch could be a disqualifying factor for this position. The position is onsite.
The team member is expected to work 20-40 hours per week, primarily Wednesday through Sunday but may include other days as needed. Work shift may begin as early as 7:30am or run as late as 7pm, depending on weather, programming, or other factors. Occasional travel may be required for learning opportunities, team meetings, or other events.
Job Type: Full Time
Pay: From $20.00 per hour