Seasonal Livestock Farmworker

Seasonal Livestock Farmworker at Ekstrum Farms Partnership in Kimball, SD.

Job duties include operating and maintaining a variety of farm equipment such as tractors, skid steers, loaders, balers, rakes, and feeding machinery to support daily livestock and facility operations. Job duties include moving, sorting, and handling cattle on foot using established low-stress livestock handling practices; assisting with branding activities, including safely restraining cattle, applying identification marks, and maintaining a clean and organized work area; and doctoring cattle by observing herd health, administering basic treatments as directed, and reporting signs of illness or injury. The worker will haul water using ranch vehicles and equipment to supply livestock in remote pastures, routinely check and monitor livestock water sources to ensure adequate availability and proper function, and perform general fence-line maintenance by removing thistles and other noxious weeds from fences and surrounding areas to maintain safe enclosures and promote pasture health.

Feeding tasks involve mixing and distributing rations based on livestock nutritional requirements, lifting and handling heavy bags of minerals and supplements, and moving hay bales manually or with equipment. Animals must have clean, consistent access to feed and water, and rations should be adjusted as needed based on health or seasonal conditions. Livestock health must be monitored daily, with signs of illness or injury identified and addressed promptly. Medications and supplements are administered as needed, and support is provided during veterinary visits by gathering and restraining animals, preparing treatment areas, and recording health information.

Fly and pest control measures include regularly spraying cattle with appropriate treatments to reduce the impact of flies and other external parasites, especially during warm months. Additional duties include cleaning and maintaining barns, pens, and handling areas; managing bedding and manure; and power washing livestock holding areas, barns, and associated facilities as needed to maintain sanitary conditions and support animal health; and ensuring a clean, safe environment for animals.

Routine inspections and preventative maintenance of farm equipment, buildings, and infrastructure are required, along with basic mechanical repairs. Tasks are physically demanding and require regularly lifting and carrying heavy items such as hay bales, mineral bags, and newborn calves.

There are few typical days and workers may be required to change duties and/or locations often and engage in various general functions. Daily duties may vary depending on crop, weather, and field conditions. The employer reserves the right to increase workers' pay or provide bonuses based on tenure, performance, or other factors that are solely based on the discretion of the employer.

Work begins January 20, 2027 and ends November 20, 2027.

Pay is $13.19 per hour.

Housing is provided.

Typical schedule: about 40 hours per week.