Grazing Stockman - Near Hardin, MT

Title: Grazing Stockman

FLSA Category: Salary

Reports to: Unit Manager 

Job Purpose:

Grazing Stockman plays a pivotal role in achieving the production and stewardship goals at Sunlight Ranch. This position is responsible for overseeing livestock, pastureland, infrastructure, equipment, and housing. The Grazing Stockman ensures the smooth operation of the ranch through diligent care and management.

Job Overview:

Sunlight Ranch is a multi-unit commercial cow/calf operation situated in Northern Wyoming and Southcentral Montana. We preserve the history and legacy of the land, while also operating on the frontier of progressive and regenerative agricultural practices. Sunlight cattle graze on a mix of native range pastures, high elevation forest permits, and irrigated farm ground. The Ranch is keenly focused on improving grazing efficiency by reducing overall dependance on mechanically harvested forages. We are striving for year-round adaptive grazing of range and farm ground.

Ideal candidates have a core passion to care for livestock, a commitment to practice excellent stockmanship and horsemanship skills, demonstrate a keen interest in progressive/regenerative agriculture practices, possess effective communication and teamwork skills, and display a positive attitude in the workplace environment.

Responsibilities:

• Livestock management:
  • Designated herd assignment
  • Tending to all day-to-day aspects of livestock needs
  • Feed, supplement and doctor cattle to ensure livestock well-being
  • Includes fencing, water monitoring, fecal scoring and body condition assessments
  • Participate in livestock crew Spring/Fall works, such as pre-conditioning, weaning and shipping across the Ranch to accomplish tasks efficiently, effectively and safely
  • In coordination with Livestock Manager, implement health protocols, monitor herd health, execute grazing and feeding plans
• Infrastructure and Equipment:
  • Maintain and repair fencing for secure and safe enclosures, both permanent and temporary hotwire fence, where applicable
  • Maintain and repair water troughs to ensure adequate, clean and proper water supply
  • Conduct routine checks on ranch facilities, tools and equipment
• Pastureland Stewardship:
  • Oversee grazing patterns to optimize pasture health
  • Implement sustainable land management practices
  • Assist in monitoring and measuring available forage
• Team Collaboration:
  • Work collaboratively with others to achieve excellent overall performance and a safe environment for all
  • Assist in organizing and executing Ranch activities and events
• Housing, Vehicle and Overall Asset Maintenance:
  • Ensure proper upkeep of housing facilities and address any potential issues of concern
  • Proactively maintain vehicles and equipment to be utilized safely and efficiently
  • Timely address any issues related to Ranch housing or assets
• Emergency Response:
  • Respond promptly to emergencies related to people, livestock or infrastructure

Qualifications:

• Strong work ethic and a drive to succeed as key member of a high performing unit
• Displays and maintains a positive attitude in the workplace
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Experience and knowledge of cattle feeding, herd health care, and general ranch maintenance
• Commitment to practice safe and low stress stockmanship
• Proficient and safe horsemanship skills
• Familiarity with maintaining fences, water troughs, and equipment

Provided:

• Housing
• Pickup and horse trailer for company use
• Ranch horses available. Personal horses allowed, up to a limit.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds frequently; occasionally heavier loads (e.g., feed bags, fencing materials, tools, or equipment parts).
• Walk long distances over uneven, muddy, or sloped terrain across fields, pastures, or ranch grounds.
• Stand, crouch, or kneel for extended periods during inspections, repairs, or manual labor tasks.
• Climb onto and off of machinery, platforms, ladders, or fencing.
• Maintain balance and flexibility on uneven surfaces or while working at height.
• Reach, handle, and manipulate tools, animals, or mechanical controls with arms and hands.
• Use fine and gross motor skills for tasks requiring coordination, precision, or strength.
• See clearly at close range and at a distance to observe livestock, machinery, or hazards.
• Hear and respond to warning signals, equipment sounds, or verbal instructions in noisy outdoor environments.
• Operate foot and hand controls simultaneously with strong hand-eye-foot coordination.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, or snow.
• Tolerate prolonged exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, manure, hay, and agricultural by-products.
• Endure vibration and noise from machinery or tools for extended periods.
• Work long or irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays during peak seasons or emergencies.
• Sit for prolonged periods while horseback riding, driving ranch vehicles, or completing paperwork.
• Climb onto and off horses, trailers, fencing, or ranch vehicles.
• Maintain balance and control while riding or working around unpredictable livestock.
• Use fine and gross motor skills for tasks requiring coordination, roping, or precision handling.
• See clearly at close range and at a distance to observe herd health, animal behavior, or range hazards.
• Work long or irregular hours, particularly during branding, calving, or cattle drives.