Ranch Production Assistant

University Of Idaho; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 22,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Idaho seeks a skilled ranch/farm worker to support livestock care, forage production, irrigation, fencing, and pest control. You will operate equipment, maintain records, and assist with research plots and field activities.

Requires three years of agricultural experience, a high school diploma, and a valid driver's license. Visa sponsorship is available for this vacancy. Physical effort and outdoor work are required.

Qualifications

• Three years’ experience working in agriculture.
• Ability to operate basic farm equipment and assist with maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Monitor livestock, assist with feeding and health checks.
• Build and maintain fencing and ranch infrastructure.
• Perform forage production activities and irrigate fields.
• Operate tractors, loaders, and irrigation systems; perform routine maintenance.

Skills

Agricultural experience

Equipment operation

Record keeping

Driving vehicles

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Tractors

Irrigation systems

Livestock handling gear

Job description

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
• 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 & 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)

Degree Requirement

Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

Posting Information

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Non-Exempt

Employee Category

Employee Category Classified

Pay Range

Pay Range $16.52 an hour or higher depending on experience

Type of Appointment

Type of Appointment Fiscal Year

FTE

1

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Funding

Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. No

Posting Date

Posting Date 09/10/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Academic Careers
  • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Chronicle
  • Facebook
  • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
  • Indeed.com
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • LinkedIn
  • Newspaper
  • Other Venue
  • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
  • University of Idaho Website
  • University of Idaho Daily Register
  • University of Idaho Employee
  • Word of Mouth
  • Militaryjob.com
  • DSPSjobs.com
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
• * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you now, or in the future require sponsorship through the University of Idaho to continue working in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you currently authorized to work in the United States of America?
  • Yes
  • No