Must have 3 months experience with 800 to 1000 head flocks. One verifiable reference required.
The Winter Range Sheepherder will attend and care for sheep and/or goat flocks grazing on winter rangeland throughout the state of Texas.
Work is performed primarily on the range, with over 51% of duties conducted in open winter grazing areas. The employee must be capable of managing livestock under winter conditions, maintaining animal health during cold-weather stress, and protecting the flock from predators and extreme weather threats. Manage sheep and/or goat grazing on winter range, including dormant grasses and winter annuals. Monitor flock dispersion and prevent overgrazing or damage to sensitive winter rangeland areas. Identify and protect the flock from predators; properly manage livestock guardian dogs. Anticipate winter storm periods and take precautionary actions to protect livestock. Monitor livestock nutritional needs during winter months and administer supplemental feed as needed. Ensure animals have access to unfrozen water and distribute emergency feed during extreme weather. Identify livestock showing signs of malnutrition, dehydration, illness, or weather-related stress. Maintain health and safety of sheep, goats, and guardian dogs in extreme winter conditions. Maintain temporary fencing, range structures, and equipment used during winter operations. Apply proper winter grazing strategies to prevent overutilization of dormant forage. Monitor rangeland conditions to ensure sustainability of winter forage resources. Prevent flock dispersal across large winter grazing areas. Respond to and mitigate extreme winter weather risks, including freezing temperatures, wind chill, and snow/ice events. Implement predator-control responsibilities appropriate for winter conditions. Ensure animals maintain adequate nutrition as energy demands increase in colder months. Ensure continuous access to water by preventing or breaking ice at water sources. Provide supplemental mineral, feed, and emergency rations when natural forage is insufficient. Identify and care for animals in distress due to weather, malnutrition, or injury. Provide necessary treatments under instruction of animal health professionals. Assist with any required winter animal management tasks such as sorting or moving animals to protected areas.
Some work/tasks may occur off the range, but more than 51% of work will be performed on the range. Western Range Association and its member ranches facilitate practices of good animal husbandry. Employees that are found abusing neglecting or abandoning animals entrusted to their care may be terminated for cause. If the negligent/abusive actions of an employee result in the loss/death of animals or cause harm to another person, the employee may be held accountable for these actions. The worker will live in the employer provided housing. Said housing will be clean and in good repair at the time it is provided to the employee. The employee is responsible to maintain the housing unit in a reasonable level of cleanliness in order to avoid flies, mice or other vermin. The employee is responsible to alert the employer of damage to the housing unit within a reasonable amount of time. The employee may be held accountable for damage to the housing unit that is the result of a dishonest or willful act or by the gross negligence on the part of the employee (normal wear and tear excepted).
***Hours worked footnote: On call for up to 24 hours 7 days a week***
Employment period: Dec 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
