Ranch Hand

Full-Time Ranch Hand – Hotchkiss Ranch (Mud Butte, South Dakota) Hotchkiss Ranch is a family-owned working ranch in Mud Butte, SD. We are seeking a reliable, hardworking full-time Ranch Hand to join our operation. This position involves hands-on livestock care, equipment operation, general ranch maintenance, and day-to-day support of ranch activities. [b]Key Responsibilities[/b] Livestock Care [ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Daily care of cattle including feeding, checking health, tagging, doctoring, and monitoring pasture conditions[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Assisting with calving, weaning, branding, sorting, and shipping operations[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Moving cattle via horseback or ATV[/li][/ul][/ml] Ranch Operations & Maintenance [ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Fencing: building, repairing, and maintaining barbed wire fences[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Water systems: checking and maintaining tanks, lines, and wells[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Operating and maintaining ranch equipment (tractors, skid loaders, haying equipment, ATVs, trailers, etc.)[/li][/ul][/ml] Facility & Equipment Work [ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Basic repairs on equipment and ranch infrastructure[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Feeding operations including tractor feeding or cake feeding during winter months[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Maintaining clean, organized house, barn, shop, and equipment areas[/li][/ul][/ml] [b]Qualifications[/b] [ml][ul][li indent=0 align=left]Ranching or livestock experience preferred[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Ability to operate machinery safely and efficiently[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Strong work ethic and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Ability to perform physical labor including lifting, carrying, and long hours during busy seasons[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Experience with stock handling, calving, and fencing is highly valued[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Horseback riding experience a plus, but not required [/li][li indent=0 align=left]Must be dependable, self-motivated, and able to work independently or as part of a team[/li][li indent=0 align=left]Willingness to learn and acquire new skills[/li][/ul][/ml]