Ranch Hand

Dawson Landholdings LLC; Nocona (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Dawson Landholdings LLC in Texas is seeking a motivated ranch hand to assist with daily livestock care, land and facility maintenance, guest services, and general ranch operations. You will work independently and as part of a team, following the daily task list and the ranch action plan.

The role requires physical stamina, the ability to lift heavy items, work in extreme weather, and a willingness to pass a background check and drug screening.

Qualifications

• Must be available to work 1–2 weekends per month.
• Ability to lift heavy items (feed bags, hay, equipment).
• Capable of working in extreme weather conditions.
• Must pass a background check and drug test.
• Experience operating farm equipment.
• Basic mechanical and handyman skills are a strong plus.
• Positive helpful attitude.

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned daily tasks and follow the Daily Task List.
• Carry out responsibilities in the TCR Action Plan/Ranch List.
• Ensure timely feeding, watering, and health checks for all animals.
• Monitor and maintain clean water sources for all livestock.
• Feed, water, and monitor health of domestic livestock and exotic animals.
• Maintain clean feeders, troughs and water tanks.
• Assist with breeding, treatment, and care of whitetail deer and exotic species.
• Provide daily care for domestic animals, wildlife and pets.
• Assist in rounding up, relocating animals, and transporting to veterinary appointments.
• Maintain interaction and handling routines to keep animals tame and approachable.
• Monitor overall wellness and safety of herds.
• Work with ranch manager during weaning, breeding, testing days.

Skills

Motivated

Honest

Punctual

Team player

Independent worker

Physical stamina

Tools

Tractor operation

Ranch machinery

Job description

This position requires a motivated, honest, and punctual individual who works well independently and as part of a team. The role includes daily care of livestock and wildlife, land, equipment and property maintenance, guest services, and general ranch operations.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Operations

• Complete assigned daily tasks (refer to Daily Task List).
• Carry out responsibilities outlined in the TCR Action Plan/Ranch List.
• Ensure timely feeding, watering, and health checks for all animals.
• Monitor and maintain clean water sources for all livestock.

Animal Care

• Feed, water, and monitor the health of domestic livestock and exotic animals.
• Maintain clean feeders, troughs and water tanks
• Handle square and round hay bales; distribute feed and supplements as needed.
• Assist with breeding, treatment, and care of whitetail deer and exotic species.
• Provide daily care for domestic animals, wildlife and pets (cats and dogs).
• Assist in rounding up, relocating animals, and transporting to veterinary appointments.
• Maintain interaction and handling routines to ensure animals remain tame and approachable.
• Monitor overall wellness and safety of herds.
• Be kind and gentle to the domestics and deer, stay calm while working with
• avoid being in deer pens unnecessarily and during heat of the day, move slowly and quietly
• work deer as assigned by ranch manager during weaning, breeding, testing days.

Facility and Equipment Management

• Maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked tack rooms, feed rooms, deer barn, equipment shed, coops, barns and shop.
• Clean and care for all animal equipment and horse tack, including saddles, bridles, halters, buckets and blankets.
• Ensure each horse has properly fitted, labeled equipment.
• Restock and fill feed containers
• Notify management of any structure or waterline leaks, missing inventory, low stock of supplies/feed
• Porches on structures clean and free of nests, cobwebs and debris
• Main house landscape maintenance and upkeep
• Clean and maintain stalls and enclosures daily.
• Side by sides, tractors, mowers, ranch trucks and 4 wheelers – kept clean, gased up, maintained, report any service needs, drive safely, appropriately and lawfully

Land Maintenance

• Perform routine fence checks and repairs as assigned.
• General labor: mowing, trimming, spraying, planting, and property beautification.
• Trash collection and disposal. Including picking up any debris or litter.
• Keep fence lines mowed and clear of vegetation.
• Operate ranch equipment such as tractors, mowers, skid steers, and implements.
• Assist with equipment and vehicle maintenance (ATVs, tractors, trucks).
• Notify management of broken or missing equipment, leaks or areas in need of improvement and repair
• Manage Burn piles, tree clean up, under brushing land improvements
• Secure all gates
• Insure trail cameras are operational
• Conduct basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and welding tasks as needed.
• Assist with structural repairs and ranch infrastructure upkeep.

Guest & Event Support

• Assist with hosting guests: guiding, cooking, and hospitality.
• Help with trail rides, including tacking up horses and guest instruction.
• Support ranch events and special activities as required.

Environmental & Facility Cleanliness

• Ensure a clean, safe environment for animals and staff.
• Maintain fly control and odor management systems.
• Keep stalls, paddocks clean.
• Keep shop, feed room, equipment sheds clean organized and free of trash/debris

Requirements

• Must be available to work 1–2 weekends per month for feeding and care.
• Ability to lift heavy items (feed bags, hay, equipment).
• Capable of working in extreme weather conditions.
• Must pass a background check and drug test.
• Experience operating farm equipment
• Basic mechanical and handyman skills are a strong plus.
• Positive helpful attitude

Salary: $18-$20 per hour

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.