Ranch Production Assistant

University of Idaho Careers; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Idaho in Salmon, Idaho seeks a Ranch Production Assistant for full‑year ranch operations, livestock care, forage production, irrigation, fencing, and related tasks. The role supports research activities and requires reliable operation of agricultural equipment.

Ideal candidates have at least three years in agriculture, a valid driver’s license, and experience with tractors and field equipment. Knowledge of record keeping and communication with ranch staff is essential.

Qualifications

• Three years’ experience working in agriculture.
• Experience treating minor cattle health issues in pastures.
• Experience operating tractors and basic farm equipment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive university vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Monitor livestock and assist with feeding, health checks, treatments, calving, breeding, pasture rotation, watering, and cattle movement
• Build and maintain fencing, livestock enclosures, and other ranch infrastructure
• Perform forage production activities including field preparation, planting, fertilizing, spraying, mowing, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, storing, and delivering crops and forages
• Assist with the establishment, maintenance, and harvest of field research plots and support cattle-related research activities
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on tractors, loaders, irrigation systems, and other agricultural equipment
• Maintain accurate livestock, crop, irrigation, equipment, and operational records and complete required reports, timesheets, email, and training
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Agriculture experience

Livestock handling

Equipment operation

Record keeping

Welding

Cattle rope

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Appointment Information

Working Title:Ranch Production Assistant

Division/College:3998-CALS Col of Agri Life Sciences

Department:838-CALS Nancy M Cummings Res Center

Location: Salmon, ID

FTE:1

Advertising Pay Range:$16.52 an hour or higher depending on experience

Is this position contingent on work and/or funding:True

FLSA Status: Classified

Type of Appointment: Full Fiscal Year

Position Overview:

Perform skilled and semi-skilled ranch and farm work in support of livestock care, forage production, irrigation, fencing, weed and pest control, and general agricultural operations. Operate and maintain agricultural equipment, support research activities, maintain records, and complete maintenance tasks necessary to sustain productive ranch and farm operations.

Duties may include:

• Monitor livestock and assist with feeding, health checks, treatments, calving, breeding, pasture rotation, watering, and cattle movement
• Build and maintain fencing, livestock enclosures, and other ranch infrastructure
• Perform forage production activities including field preparation, planting, fertilizing, spraying, mowing, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, storing, and delivering crops and forages
• Assist with the establishment, maintenance, and harvest of field research plots and support cattle-related research activities
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on tractors, loaders, irrigation systems, and other agricultural equipment
• Maintain accurate livestock, crop, irrigation, equipment, and operational records and complete required reports, timesheets, email, and training
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

• Three years’ experience working in agriculture
• Experience working with and treating minor medical issues with cattle while in pastures and corrals
• Experience operating basic farm equipment and assisting with the maintenance of the tractors and trucks
• Experience working on ranch facilities, including performing duties on machines or horses

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Required Other:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to meet UI requirements for driving university vehicles

Additional Preferred:

• Ability to weld, rope cattle, use a weed sprayer, operate and drive a variety of equipment
• Ability to effectively communicate with ranch employees, faculty, and staff
• Experience with a variety of irrigation methods

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift, carry, or otherwise move items weighing up to 80 lbs
• May require working in inclement weather (cold/hot/wet/windy/dusty)